Castellana Grottoes, Entry Ticket

Castellana Grottoes, Entry Ticket, rated 4.6 across 543 traveller reviews.

Overview

This ticket covers a guided walk through the Grotte di Castellana, a karst cave system located about 1.5 kilometers outside the town of Castellana Grotte. A guide leads the group from the first cavern, known as the Grave, through corridors that shift in shape and size, pointing out stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones and crystals along the route. Many of the chambers carry names the early explorers gave them, drawn from shapes they thought they recognized in the rock. The White Cave, known for its alabaster-like whiteness, is the finale, and it is only included on the Full tour option.

The Grave itself sets the scale early. It is roughly 100 meters long, 50 meters wide and 60 meters deep, naturally connected to the outside, and its center is dominated by a large group of stalagmites known as the Cyclops. Reviewers single out the White Cave as the highlight and advise choosing the full route to reach it. The visit runs between 50 and 100 minutes depending on the option.

It suits travellers who want commentary rather than a solo wander, since a guide is part of the package. There is no hotel transport; everyone makes their own way to the site and meets inside the ticket office.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at ticket officeGo inside the ticket office to meet the guide, using entrance number 1.
2. Enter the GraveThe tour begins in the first and most extensive cavern, naturally connected to the outside, where the Cyclops stalagmite group stands at the center.
3. Walk the cave corridorsThe route winds through passages and chambers of varying shape and dimension, past stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones and crystals.
4. Reach the White CaveThe final chamber, known for its alabaster-like whiteness, is visited only on the Full tour option.
5. Tour ends on siteThe guided walk finishes at the caves, and travellers leave independently. No pickup or drop-off is provided.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the experience underground, from temperature to footwear and group size.

• Warm layers. The temperature inside the cave is around 16.5 degrees Celsius, and warm clothing is advised. Reviewers also flagged the chill and recommended bringing a jacket, since the difference from the outside temperature is noticeable.
• Sturdy shoes. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a reviewer noted the ground can be slippery in places. There is a lot of walking involved, so flimsy footwear is a poor idea.
• Route length. Pick the option matching your legs and your time.
• Group size. One reviewer found the group too large and the commentary thin as a result. Others praised their guides as knowledgeable and attentive to the group's pace, so the experience varies with the guide on duty.
• Meeting point. Head inside the ticket office and use entrance number 1. One reviewer reported confusion when meeting instructions pointed to the plaza rather than the actual entrance, so confirm the entrance before arriving.
• Photos and food. Photography is allowed inside. Food, drinks and smoking are not, and touching the rock formations is prohibited, so leave snacks for after the tour.

Common issues. One reviewer found the group too large and wished for more commentary, and the review summary notes that some travellers find the pace rushed. Meeting logistics confused at least one traveller whose instructions pointed to the plaza rather than the actual entrance. Strollers are not allowed. No hotel pickup or drop-off is included, and food and drinks are neither provided nor permitted inside the caves.

Common Questions