Emerald Grotto in Amalfi Coast: the wonder of underwater crib

n 1932, a humble fisherman of the place, Louis Buonocore, made a discovery that would enrich the already beautiful Amalfi Coast with another gemstone: the Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo), a wonderful natural cave located in the bay of Conca dei Marini, just 5 km from Amalfi.

About 30 meters by 60 meters wide and 24 meters high, the cave owes its name to the particular emerald hue that takes on the water because of the sunlight filtered through an underwater fissure that connects to the sea.

The Emerald Grotto, which in ancient times - before the bradyseism did the sinking of a few meters - was not invaded by water, is full of columns, stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes. Some columns are more than ten meters high. Since 1956, the seabed is home to an original underwater crib, consisting of high-quality ceramic figurines of Vietri sul Mare: every year, at Christmas time, a group of divers swims in the Cave to lay the statue of the Child Jesus.

To visit the Emerald Grotto there are two options: the first is by sea, via the ferries that depart from all major towns of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, with the possibility to organize excursions or renting rafts conducted by sailors. The hike takes about thirty minutes and costs about 10 Euros . The second option is to reach the Cave overland from the Salerno-Positano SS 163, which then flows directly into the cavity by stairs or elevator.

Finally, a few steps from the Emerald Grotto is Conca dei Marini, a must see attraction for those who come to pass in the area: picturesque fishing village perched on the sea, already the favorite of Princess Margaret of England, Jacqueline Kennedy and Sophia Loren, it offers extraordinary beautiful panoramic views.