
Grotta delle Meraviglie
Discover a subterranean wonderland of ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, brought to life by engaging guides.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Grotta delle Meraviglie
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a subterranean wonderland of ancient stalactites, stalagmites, and columns, brought to life by engaging guides.
"Awesome little cave, although it was fairly small we were lucky enough to have a great guide which made the cave a very cool experience."

📞 Call Before You Go
Confirm opening hours and book your tour by calling the number on the door.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the cave's pathways.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stalactites and Stalagmites
Inside the cave
Marvel at nature's artistry with countless formations sculpted over millennia.

Limestone Columns
Inside the cave
Witness impressive columns formed by the slow dance of water and minerals.

Guided Tour Experience
Throughout the cave
Engaging guides bring the cave's history and formations to life with entertaining stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Grotta delle Meraviglie
What to Wear for Your Cave Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📞 Call Before You Go
Confirm opening hours and book your tour by calling the number on the door.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the cave's pathways.
🚗 Parking Nearby
No direct parking, but a nearby fork offers convenient spots.
💡 Well-Lit Interior
The cave is beautifully illuminated, making it easy to see all formations.
Tips
from all over the internet
📞 Call Before You Go
Confirm opening hours and book your tour by calling the number on the door.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the cave's pathways.
🚗 Parking Nearby
No direct parking, but a nearby fork offers convenient spots.
💡 Well-Lit Interior
The cave is beautifully illuminated, making it easy to see all formations.
🦇 Bat Friends
Keep an eye out for the cave's 10 small, friendly bat residents!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Grotta delle Meraviglie, calling it a 'small and very interesting place' and a 'beautiful place and great excursion.' The highlight for many is the 'great guide' who makes the tour 'very cool and entertaining.' While the cave itself is described as 'fairly small,' the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique formations and engaging presentation.
"Awesome little cave, although it was fairly small we were lucky enough to have a great guide which made the cave a very cool experience. Would recommend 😃"
Josh Lucas
"Lovely caves, worth taking a look. The tour guide was really good and entertaining. Not sure if English is available. The access is directly from the road. No parking space in front of it, but there is a fork nearby where you can park your car."
Samuele Zoratto
"A very nice, small cave. The lights inside makes it easy to see everything. You have to call the number on the door if it's closed during opening hours. We had to wait for 10 minutes only."
Agnieszka Silska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grotta delle Meraviglie is located in Maratea, Basilicata. Access is directly from the road, making it easy to find. While there's no dedicated parking directly in front, visitors can find parking at a nearby fork in the road.
Information on public transport accessibility is limited. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for Maratea or consider a taxi if you are not traveling by car.
If you're in Maratea, the cave is easily reachable by car. For those exploring the wider Basilicata region, it's a scenic drive.
The cave is situated along the Strada Statale, making it a visible landmark for those driving through the area.
Grotta delle Meraviglie in Maratea is in Basilicata, while the Grotta delle Meraviglie near Santa Maria di Leuca is in Puglia. They are distinct locations. The one near Leuca is accessible via boat tours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing details are not consistently available online. It's advisable to call the provided contact number to inquire about current ticket prices and any potential discounts.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your visit in advance by calling the number on the door, especially during busy periods, to ensure your spot.
Opening hours can vary. Visitors are advised to call the contact number to confirm the current operating schedule, as the entrance may be closed even during advertised hours.
Tours typically last around 1 hour, providing a comprehensive exploration of the cave's wonders. (Note: This citation is for a different Grotta delle Meraviglie, but the duration is a common feature of show caves.)
No, visits to Grotta delle Meraviglie are guided tours. The guides enhance the experience with their knowledge and stories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors consistently praise the engaging and entertaining tour guides who make the experience memorable. The unique stalactite and stalagmite formations are also a major highlight.
Yes, children often enjoy the cave's formations and the engaging nature of the guided tours. The relatively short duration also makes it suitable for younger visitors. (Note: This citation is for a different Grotta delle Meraviglie, but the family-friendliness is a common aspect.)
The cave is renowned for its diverse and beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone columns, which have been shaped over thousands of years.
Caves generally maintain a cool and stable temperature year-round. It's advisable to wear layers, though specific temperature information for this cave isn't widely published.
No specific photo restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the formations or wildlife.
📸 📸 Photography
The illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone columns offer stunning photographic subjects. Capture the unique shapes and textures formed by nature.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally recommended to avoid flash photography in caves to protect the delicate formations and any potential wildlife. Check with your guide on arrival.
Given the low light, a tripod and a camera with good low-light performance are beneficial. Experiment with longer exposure times and a wide aperture to capture the details.
Video recording is usually permitted in show caves, but always be considerate of your guide and fellow visitors.
Your guide will likely point out the most impressive formations and best vantage points for photography during the tour.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Comfortable shoes are a must for little explorers. While accessibility information is limited, the well-lit paths are generally easy to navigate. It's a great way to introduce children to the wonders of geology and natural history in a fun and accessible environment.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Calling ahead to confirm prices is key. Parking is also generally free or low-cost nearby, and the cave's location makes it an accessible stop without requiring extensive travel expenses. It's a perfect addition to a day exploring the Maratea coast without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Grotta delle Meraviglie
The presence of water is crucial for the formation and continued growth of these speleothems. Each drop carries dissolved minerals, and as it evaporates or drips, it leaves behind a tiny deposit. Over eons, these deposits build up to create the breathtaking formations visitors see today. The cave's unique characteristics are a direct reflection of the specific mineral content of the water and the geological structure of the surrounding rock.
Experiencing the Guided Tour
These tours are not just informative but also engaging, making the cave accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The guides' passion for the site is evident, and they ensure that visitors appreciate the natural wonders around them. The relatively short duration of the tours makes them perfect for a quick yet memorable excursion, fitting well into a day of exploring the Maratea area.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit