Grotte marine di Capo Palinuro

The limestone cliffs of Capo Palinuro contain a group of sea caves shaped by the karst coast. Among them are the Grotta Azzurra, whose chamber is illuminated by refracted blue light, Grotta d'Argento, Grotta delle Ossa and Grotta dei Monaci, each marked by different colours and forms.

Why it matters

The promontory of Capo Palinuro closes the Gulf of Salerno, where the sea has carved caverns, tunnels and arches into the limestone. The caves form part of the natural landscape of the Cilento coast, alongside underwater springs and meadows of Posidonia oceanica. Their openings and interiors reflect the interaction of rock, water and light.

What to notice

In the Grotta Azzurra, sunlight entering through the water produces blue reflections across the chamber. The Grotta d'Argento is associated with silvery reflections on its rock, while the pale surfaces of the Grotta delle Ossa and the shapes of the Grotta dei Monaci give the other caverns their distinctive character. Together, the caves reveal different forms of the same limestone coastline.

Context and history

These sea caves formed as water enlarged weaknesses in the limestone, opening chambers along the coast. The park's account also describes underwater springs and areas where hydrogen sulphide is present. The caves belong to a wider landscape of cliffs, submerged formations and marine vegetation around Capo Palinuro.