The Grotte di Castellana are a karst cave system beneath the Murge plateau, near the town of Castellana Grotte, about 40 km from Bari. They were explored in the late 1930s by the speleologist Franco Anelli, who first descended into the great sinkhole known as La Grave in January 1938 and went on to find the chambers beyond. Today you descend on a guided route through enormous caverns hung with stalactites and stalagmites, with colourful formations lit to bring out their shapes. The highlight at the end of the complete route is the Grotta Bianca, the White Cave, where pure white alabaster formations glitter like frozen snow. Two routes are available, a partial visit and a complete visit, and the guided tour on this ticket runs for about an hour and 40 minutes. It is a spectacular, easy and family-friendly addition to a Puglia itinerary, and it is a great choice on a hot or wet day.
The caves formed over millions of years as rainwater dissolved limestone and carved out chambers and corridors, and the same water deposited the formations that decorate them. The route passes through huge halls with names that hint at their shapes, and the guide explains how the formations grow, how old they are and how the caves were discovered. The route is well lit and walkways are laid out for visitors, though there are steps and some uneven surfaces, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
The caves are cool, so bring a light sweater or jacket even in summer, and expect humidity. The complete route is longer and the most rewarding, because it ends in the White Cave. Choose the shorter partial route if you are travelling with very young children, or if you have limited mobility. The guided tour on this ticket is led by a live guide in Italian, so check the language options and ask at the entrance about any English audio or printed information.
The caves are an easy half-day trip from Bari by train and a short walk, or by car, and the site has a large car park and a visitor centre. Castellana Grotte is also close to Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, so the caves slot neatly into a day with one of those towns. Check opening times for your date, because hours change with the season, and arrive early in summer when school and tour groups fill the routes.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through lit cave chambers on a partial or complete route, with the complete route ending at the White Cave.
Best time
Any season, since the caves are cool and dry from weather; arrive early in summer to avoid groups.
How long
The guided tour on this ticket lasts about an hour and 40 minutes.
Tips
Bring a light sweater, wear shoes with good grip, check the language of the guided tour and allow time for parking and the visitor centre.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, rainy days and anyone who loves dramatic natural scenery.
- Families
- Excellent for children who like adventure; the partial route suits very young ones.
- Couples
- A memorable, cool escape on a hot day, followed by lunch in the Itria Valley.
- Pair with
- Alberobello, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli on the same day.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel from Bari.
Good questions
Can I visit the caves without a guide?+
Visits are made on guided routes, so you join a group tour at set times. Check the language of the tour on your ticket.
What is the difference between the routes?+
There is a partial route and a complete route. The complete visit is longer and ends at the White Cave, so it is the more rewarding choice.
What is the White Cave?+
The Grotta Bianca is the alabaster chamber at the end of the complete route, where pure white formations sparkle under the lights. It is the highlight of the visit.
Is it cold inside?+
Yes, the caves stay cool all year, so bring a sweater or light jacket even in summer. Humidity is high, so wear shoes with grip.
How do I get there from Bari?+
The caves are about 40 km from Bari and reachable by regional train and a short walk, or by car. Check the return timetable before you go.
