The Blue Grotto is a sea cave filled with crystal-clear seawater, creating a mesmerizing natural phenomenon.
This stunning effect occurs when sunlight passes through underwater rock formations and enters the dark cave, reflecting only blue light and making the water inside glow brilliantly.
It is called the Blue Grotto because of this enchanting blue illumination on the cave’s surface.
While the most famous Blue Grotto is in Capri, Italy, similar sea caves can be found around the world:
Famous Blue Grottos Around the World
・Capri (Italy)
・Biševo Island (Croatia)
・Kastelorizo Island (Greece)
・Malta Island (Malta)
・Onna Village (Japan)
Blue Grotto in Malta
Malta’s Blue Grotto may be smaller than the famous one in Capri, but some say it’s even more beautiful. With its breathtaking scenery, it’s a must-visit spot on the island.
How to Get to the Blue Grotto
From Valletta, Malta’s capital, take a bus to the Blue Grotto. The journey takes about an hour, arriving at the Grotto bus stop.
Getting to the Blue Grotto
From the bus stop, walk down the slope where you’ll find small boats lined up. Purchase a ticket and board a boat. Once enough passengers have gathered, the tour will begin.
Boat tour
The boat tour takes you through several caves, both large and small. The boat will occasionally stop, allowing you to take photos of the stunning scenery.
Best Time to Visit
The Blue Grotto’s most breathtaking emerald-green hues can only be seen in the morning on a sunny day. In the afternoon, the sea’s color changes depending on the angle of the sunlight, though it remains beautiful at any time.
Swimming Near the Blue Grotto
You can swim near the boat platform, where the rocky coastline makes for great snorkeling. However, the water is very deep, and the waves can be strong, so swimming to the Blue Grotto itself is not possible.
The best way to explore it is by boat.
Popular Tours in Malta