Castelcivita Caves
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Castelcivita Caves

4.6
·2k reviews·, Italy

Explore vast underground chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a natural wonder in Southern Italy.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Tour groups thin out.

CrowdMedium
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Castelcivita Caves

Castelcivita Caves

Best Time

Afternoons

Tour groups thin out.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore vast underground chambers adorned with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, a natural wonder in Southern Italy.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful cave which is nice to visit if you are traveling in the area."

Vertical photo
TIP

📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot

No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. :telephone_receiver:

👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes

Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Throughout the caves

Marvel at the diverse and intricate limestone formations sculpted over millennia.

Underground Lakes

Underground Lakes

Deeper sections of the caves

Witness the serene beauty of subterranean lakes, adding to the mystical atmosphere.

The Canyon and Old Mill

The Canyon and Old Mill

Near the cave entrance

Explore the lush natural oasis leading to the caves, featuring a historic stone mill.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

While online booking isn't available, calling ahead is recommended, especially for groups. This ensures your spot and avoids potential disappointment, as tours can fill up. Reddit

Dress for Cool, Damp Conditions

The caves maintain a constant cool temperature of around 16°C (60°F) year-round. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as paths can be damp and slippery. Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out.
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed.
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

L’Oasi WWF delle Grotte del Bussento: una gemma naturale incastonata nel cuore del Parco naturale del Cilento! Il nostro viaggio ha inizio nel centro storico di Morigerati: da qui camminiamo su un sentiero che ci porta al cospetto di un canyon ricoperto di vegetazione selvaggia, cascate scintillanti, sorgenti cristalline e un vecchio mulino in pietra, testimonianza di antiche tradizioni Questo par...
@sentieri_di_pan
5K likes • 109.7K views

📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot

No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. Reddit :telephone_receiver:

👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes

Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

A proposito di …grotte 🤍 Con i loro 4800 m di lunghezza, le Grotte di Castelcivita sono il complesso speleologico più esteso dell'Italia meridionale. Situate in provincia di Salerno tra le rive del fiume Calore ed I monti Alburni, dal 1972 hanno acquisito una notevole importanza paleontologica grazie al rinvenimento di depositi archeologici all'ingresso della cavità stessa. Immergendosi in ques...
napoletanaazonzo
0 likes • 792 views
Caves of #Castelcivita ⛰️ The @grottedicastelcivita are a complex of karst cavities on the right bank of the Calore River, about three hundred meters from the Paestum Bridge in the Campania municipality of Castelcivita in the province of Salerno. They are particularly rich in stalactites and stalagmites of the most disparate forms. They extend for several kilometers in the Alburni massif mainly i...
paestumtravelandleisure
15 likes • 792 views

🧥 Bring a Light Layer

Caves are a cool 16°C year-round. A light jacket or sweater is recommended. Reddit :coat:

🚗 Paid Parking Available

There's a 3€ parking lot. Consider it a small price for convenience. Reddit :car:

📍Grotte di Castelcivita Alle porte del Parco Nazionale del Cilento, Vallo di Diano e Alburni, in provincia di Salerno, le Grotte di Castelcivita costituiscono, con un totale di circa 4800 m di lunghezza, uno dei complessi speleologici più estesi dell’Italia meridionale. Rendendo questo gateway dal caldo e dalla città un pizzico più emozionante. #campania #speleology #speleologia #caves #explor...
espositog_
34 likes • 784 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📞 Call to Reserve Your Spot

No online booking! Call ahead to secure your tour, especially for groups. Reddit :telephone_receiver:

👟 Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes

Paths can be slippery and damp. Avoid flip-flops; sneakers are ideal. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🧥 Bring a Light Layer

Caves are a cool 16°C year-round. A light jacket or sweater is recommended. Reddit :coat:

🚗 Paid Parking Available

There's a 3€ parking lot. Consider it a small price for convenience. Reddit :car:

🗣️ English Audio Guides

While guides may have limited English, audio guides are available. Reddit :microphone:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Castelcivita Caves for their stunning natural beauty and impressive limestone formations, describing the experience as 'amazing' and 'beautiful.' The reasonable ticket prices and the cool, consistent temperature are also highlighted as positives. However, some reviewers note that the guides' English proficiency can be limited, and the inability to book online can be an inconvenience.

"Beautiful cave! None of the staff speak much English but nonetheless are very helpful. The prices are reasonable and they have English audio guides!"

William Knopp

"Amazing! There is a parking lot with paid parking for 3€. Tickets were 12€ for adults and 10€ for kids which includes the tour which lasts about an hour. Inside the cave is damp, so be sure to wear walking shoes such as sneakers. It is about 1-1.5km walk in the cave, but not a hard walk at all. It is beautiful! Definitely worth it."

Crystal Luca

"Beautiful cave which is nice to visit if you are traveling in the area, but I wouldn't come here especially from far away (30 min detour one way is fine).

We arrived for the 15.00 tour, we called before to make sure we can come (you can't book online, only call).

We parked in the official parking lot which is 3 eur extra (per car). I think it should have been included in the ticket.

You can save money by parking alongside the road or near the bar (which is near). However it's only 3 Eur so might as well.

The guide was nice and friendly but didn't speak English very well (my friend translated for the group - he should have been discounted for the service! 😁).

Inside it's nice and cool all year round (16 deg) so you might want to bring something long (I wore a tank-top and short pants and I was fine).

Bring shoes or sandals but not flip-flops as it might be slippery in some parts.

Other than that it's pretty easy walk on a paver asphalt road. A few stairs here and there so no strollers.

After 1 km you reach the part where there are no more lights (end of touristic road). If everyone in the entire group wants to, you may proceed with the guide 300 meters inside and back.

But if only 1 person is afraid - the entire group won't go. I was very disappointed as I really wanted to see that part.

To conclude:
I've seen more impressive caves but overall it was a very nice experience 🙂"

Oh My Goshen

What People Like

Stunning natural formations
Cool cave temperature
Reasonable ticket prices

What People Dislike

Limited English by guides
No online booking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Castelcivita Caves are located in the province of Salerno, Campania. They are situated near the Calore River and the Alburni Mountains. While public transport options might be limited, driving is the most convenient way to reach them. There is a paid parking lot available near the entrance for a small fee. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is an official parking lot available for visitors. It costs around 3€ per car. Some travelers suggest parking alongside the road or near a nearby bar to save a small amount, but the official lot is convenient. Reddit

Yes, the caves are accessible by car from major cities like Naples and Salerno. It's often considered a worthwhile detour if you're traveling in the Campania region. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are generally around 12€ for adults and 10€ for children. This price typically includes the guided tour which lasts about an hour. Reddit

Currently, online booking is not available for the Castelcivita Caves. It is recommended to call ahead to reserve your spot, especially if you are part of a group. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's best to call ahead to confirm. Tours are typically offered throughout the day, with the last tour often in the late afternoon. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't always advertised, children often receive a reduced ticket price. It's always a good idea to inquire about any available concessions when you call to book. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about 1 to 1.5 km of the cave system. The paths are paved and relatively easy to walk, though there are some stairs. Reddit

The tourist route covers a significant portion of the caves. Beyond the illuminated path, there's an option to explore an additional 300 meters with the guide if the entire group agrees, but this is not guaranteed. Reddit

The caves have paved paths and some stairs, making them unsuitable for strollers or individuals with significant mobility challenges. It's a walking tour, so a moderate level of physical ability is required. Reddit

The temperature inside the Castelcivita Caves remains a constant cool 16°C (60°F) throughout the year, regardless of the outside weather. Reddit

Yes, visits to the Castelcivita Caves are conducted with a guide. This is essential for safety and to understand the geological and historical significance of the formations. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the Castelcivita Caves, but it's always good to check with your guide upon arrival. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash, which can damage formations and disrupt the atmosphere. TikTok

The areas with the most impressive stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the underground lakes, offer the most dramatic photo opportunities. The natural lighting within the caves can create a unique ambiance. Instagram

While the caves are illuminated for the tour, it can still be quite dark in certain sections. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful for capturing detailed shots. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Castelcivita Caves offer an exciting adventure for families, though some planning is needed. The guided tour, lasting about an hour, keeps younger visitors engaged with the unique underground world. Reddit The cool, constant temperature is a welcome relief on hot days. However, it's important to note that the paths have stairs and can be slippery, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for children, and strollers are not recommended. Reddit Consider bringing a light jacket for kids, as the 16°C temperature might be a bit cool for them. While the guides may not speak fluent English, the visual spectacle of the caves and the availability of audio guides can still make for a memorable experience. Reddit

🚶 Adventurous Groups

For groups seeking a bit more exploration, the Castelcivita Caves offer a unique opportunity. The standard tour is impressive, but there's an option to extend the exploration by an additional 300 meters into less-developed areas with the guide, provided the entire group agrees. Reddit This can add an extra layer of adventure for those eager to see more of the cave system. The cool, damp environment and the dramatic formations make for a memorable shared experience. Reddit Calling ahead to book for your group is crucial to ensure everyone gets to experience this natural wonder together. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geological Marvel of Castelcivita Caves

The Castelcivita Caves are a vast network of karst cavities, stretching approximately 4800 meters, making them one of the most extensive speleological complexes in Southern Italy. Instagram+1 These caves are a testament to the power of water erosion over millennia, shaping stunning stalactites and stalagmites of various forms and sizes. The geological formations within the caves create a breathtaking subterranean landscape, offering a glimpse into the Earth's ancient processes. Visitors often describe the experience as stepping back in time, surrounded by natural sculptures. Reddit

Within the accessible tourist route, you'll encounter impressive chambers and passages. The constant temperature of 16°C (60°F) year-round contributes to the unique atmosphere, making it a cool escape even on the hottest summer days. Reddit The presence of underground lakes adds to the mystique, reflecting the delicate formations above. While the main tourist path is well-maintained, the caves also hold scientific importance, with archaeological findings contributing to our understanding of past human presence in the region. Instagram

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

Planning your visit to the Castelcivita Caves involves a few key considerations to ensure a smooth experience. Since online booking is not an option, calling ahead to reserve your tour is highly recommended, especially if you're traveling with a group. Reddit This proactive step can prevent disappointment and guarantee your entry. Upon arrival, you'll find a paid parking lot for a nominal fee of 3€, which is generally considered a reasonable convenience. Reddit

When it comes to attire, comfort is key. The cave environment is damp and cool, so wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes like sneakers is essential to navigate the potentially slippery paths. Reddit Bringing a light jacket or sweater is also advisable, as the consistent 16°C temperature can feel chilly. While the guides are friendly, their English proficiency may be limited, so utilizing the English audio guides is a practical solution for non-Italian speakers to fully appreciate the cave's features. Reddit The tour itself is a moderate walk, covering about 1 to 1.5 km with some stairs, making it accessible for most but not ideal for strollers. Reddit

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