Grotte di Pertosa-Auletta (Angel Caves)
Magical underground world of limestone caves with a unique boat entrance and stunning stalactite formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Grotte di Pertosa-Auletta (Angel Caves)
Best Time
Guaranteed tour access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Magical underground world of limestone caves with a unique boat entrance and stunning stalactite formations.
"The caves are absolutely amazing, huge caverns with stunning formations, well worth the visit!"
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
Cave temperature is cool year-round. A light jacket or long sleeves are recommended for comfort.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
English audio guides are available for a small fee, enhancing your understanding of the cave's history.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boat Entrance
Cave Entrance
Begin your journey with a unique boat ride through the initial underground river passage.
Stalactite and Stalagmite Formations
Main Caverns
Marvel at the breathtaking natural sculptures formed over millennia.
Alburni Mountains Surroundings
Outside the Caves
Enjoy the beautiful natural landscape surrounding the caves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Wear and Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
Cave temperature is cool year-round. A light jacket or long sleeves are recommended for comfort.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
English audio guides are available for a small fee, enhancing your understanding of the cave's history.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and exploring, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.
💰 Cash for the Bar
While tickets are card-friendly, the on-site bar only accepts cash.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Bring a Jacket!
Cave temperature is cool year-round. A light jacket or long sleeves are recommended for comfort.
🎧 Audio Guide Option
English audio guides are available for a small fee, enhancing your understanding of the cave's history.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and exploring, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.
💰 Cash for the Bar
While tickets are card-friendly, the on-site bar only accepts cash.
⏳ Book in Advance
Tours are hourly and can fill up, especially during busy periods.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Grotte di Pertosa-Auletta for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations and the unique boat entrance. The surrounding landscape is also noted as beautiful. However, some guests found the Italian-only guides to be a significant drawback, with a lack of effort to accommodate English speakers and perceived rudeness.
"Beautiful stalactite cave. If you drive between airports in rome or naples and calabria, then this is a nice midpoint place to rest 1 hour. If you can time it with the guided tours. What is special about this cave is you enter the cave by boat. At first we was a bit disappointed, the first half was not beautiful but then the cave became amazing and the last half was full of Stalactites and stalagmites. We like this cave."
Lars F Clausen
"Impressive place and a lot of history here. 5 euro for parking, 18 euro for an adult and 13 euro 6-15 yrs. Family tickets available. There is a new tour once pr. Hour. Italien guide. If you’re only English speaking you can for 1 euro buy an audio guide. Around one hour tour first by boat and then walking. Bring a coat or long sleeves. You can pay by card for tickets. If you want something to drink afterwards in the bar only cash here."
Charlotte Davidsen
"We had a wonderful tour with wonderful guid named Mario. The cave is beautiful and interesting and the surroundings are beautiful too!"
Dana Lempert
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The caves are located in the heart of the Alburni mountains. Driving is the most common way to reach them, with parking available for a fee. They can serve as a convenient midpoint if you're driving between Rome/Naples and Calabria.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the caves directly. It's recommended to have a car for easier access to this more remote location.
There is a parking area available for visitors, which costs around 5 euros.
Yes, the caves are accessible by car, and it's a scenic drive through the Alburni mountains.
While possible, it's a significant drive. Many visitors use it as a stopover point rather than a dedicated day trip from Naples due to the travel time involved.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are approximately 18 euros for adults and 13 euros for children aged 6-15. Family tickets are also available.
It's advisable to book tickets in advance to secure your spot, as tours are hourly and can fill up.
The guided tour lasts about one hour, starting with a boat ride and followed by a walking tour.
Yes, family tickets are available, and it's worth inquiring about group rates when booking.
The guided tours are primarily conducted in Italian. However, audio guides in English are available for an additional fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the caves remains consistently cool, around 15-16°C (59-61°F) year-round. Bringing a jacket or long sleeves is highly recommended.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a jacket or long sleeves due to the cool cave temperature. +1
Yes, children aged 6-15 have a reduced ticket price, and the boat entry can be an exciting part of the experience for them.
The tour involves approximately 1 kilometer of walking after the initial boat ride through the caverns.
There is a bar on-site where you can get drinks, but it's important to note that it operates on a cash-only basis.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, but it's always good to check with your guide for any specific restrictions.
The areas with the most impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations offer the most dramatic photo opportunities. The boat entrance also provides a unique perspective.
It's best to avoid using flash photography as it can damage the delicate cave formations and may be prohibited.
Given the low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial for sharper images.
Drone usage is typically not permitted inside natural caves due to safety and conservation concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress children in layers as the cave temperature is cool. The walking portion of the tour is about 1 kilometer, which is manageable for most children. While the primary language is Italian, the audio guides can help keep older children engaged with the information. The reduced ticket price for ages 6-15 also makes it a more accessible family outing.
🚗 Road Trippers & Stopover Visitors
Plan your stop to coincide with the hourly tours to maximize your time. The parking is convenient, and the experience is self-contained, making it easy to slot into a busy itinerary. Just be sure to have a jacket ready and consider purchasing an audio guide if you're not fluent in Italian.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Boat Entrance
The boat ride itself is not just a novelty; it's an integral part of understanding the cave's hydrology and how water has shaped these magnificent underground chambers over thousands of years. As you glide through the water, you'll begin to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the formations that lie ahead. This initial journey is often described as magical and sets a tone of wonder for the rest of the tour.
Geological Wonders: Stalactites and Stalagmites
Visitors often express awe at the scale and beauty of these geological wonders. The caves feature huge caverns with stunning formations that are well worth the visit. The guides, while sometimes a language barrier, point out the most remarkable examples, explaining their formation and significance. The interplay of light and shadow on these formations can create truly breathtaking scenes, making it a photographer's delight.
History and Local Context
Understanding the local context can enhance your visit. The caves are a key attraction in the region, drawing visitors interested in natural wonders and geological exploration. The surrounding area offers opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Alburni mountains, making it a well-rounded destination for nature lovers.
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