Grotta del Bue Marino

Grotta del Bue Marino is a sea cave on Filicudi’s western coast. Its name recalls the Mediterranean monk seal, traditionally called bue marino, or “sea ox.” The cave’s entrance faces the sea, where sunlight reflected from the water illuminates the rock.

Why it matters

The name reflects an older coastal term for the Mediterranean monk seal, bue marino (“sea ox”). INGV also identifies a Bue Marino volcanic unit on Filicudi’s western side, dated to about 210,000 years ago, with lavas and scoria from the island’s volcanic history. The cave and its name connect the island’s natural and cultural histories.

What to notice

The cave’s wide entrance opens directly onto the sea. Sunlight reflected from the water creates moving blue patterns on its interior walls. The surrounding coast is formed by steep cliffs dropping into deep water; the western sector includes volcanic lavas and scoria from ancient eruptive centres.

Context and history

The Mediterranean monk seal was historically called bue marino in coastal usage. Filicudi’s western volcanic sector includes the Bue Marino eruptive unit, dated to roughly 210,000 years ago. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage property for their volcanic history, and the Filicudi coast is part of a regional nature reserve established in 1997.