Grotte Di Castellana
Grotte Di Castellana
4.5
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- littlemiceEdinburgh, United Kingdom58 contributionsGreat caves, great walkAbsolutely fantastic. If too many English speaking visitors, they put in an extra tour so not to have too big a crowd. I highly recommend the longer walk, if only for the quietness of walking to the white cave. Of course we aren't allowed to take pictures everywhere, but it's a good thing it would be non stop stop and take pictures. Instead one has to just walk and take in, not through the lenses of a mobile a 500 meter walk to the white cave. We came by bus from Monopoli and arrived with plenty of time to enjoy the park and a cafe at the nearby Ca-fine cafe (The expresso was €1.5. a reasonable price). We then went to Alberobello. A day trip loop I highly recommendVisited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten October 31, 2023
- Josie G25 contributionsThe Grotto was the highlight of our tripThe Grotto was spectacular! A must see if you are in Puglia. We had the best tour guide her name was Daniela. She was so informative, very smart and knowledgeable. Daniela you made our Grotto experience a perfect one. Thank you. The 2 Canadian ladies.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 29, 2024
- DawnQualicum Beach, Canada175 contributionsGreat day! Worth the tripFantastic. The caves are interesting and our English guide was great. You cannot take pictures in most caves ( it would slow the walk down for sure) but it is worth walk through it. We did the shorter walk but I wish we did the longer walk after enjoying the shorter walk so much. A great day trip.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 14, 2024
- Raphael SBasingstoke, United Kingdom251 contributionsAn excellent and fascinating cave experience, quite amazing.This Grotte was an amazing experience with quite incredible underground formations. There is s shorter tour and a longer tour. We opted for the longer tour, in English. Our guide was excellent, knowledgable and humorous. During this tour we explored cavern after cavern, each different and showing quite spectacular sights. The whole tour did last about 90 minutes and was well worth the fee. Just a few additional notes to point out: Car Park - there is an official car park and there is a €4 Euro fee for this. Photos - photos are allowed in the first cavern but not after this. I am not sure if this is to protect photographic rights, as some have suggested, or to protect the caves themselves. Footwear - the cave can be quite slippery at times so do ensure that you have good shoes on and that you use the handrails whenever possible. Booking - we did pre-book our tickets online but, for our session, some people just turned up and paid - no queuing required. Toilets - there are no toilets in the cave but there are toilets near the entrance. These are good quality, well-kept and cost 50 Cents per person to enter. Although the area outside of the cave entrance are not the friendly or welcoming, do persevere, once inside the cave, the experience is amazing highly recommended.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 4, 2024
- annaLeeds, United Kingdom9 contributionsGreat guide, great cavesWe chose the English tour and pre-booked. Our guide (Igor) was super nice and very informative. He could easily answer any question in perfect English. The cave was astonishing with lots of different formations, mostly stalagmites and stalactites. The 'no photo' rule helped as it let us enjoy the caves more. It wasn't constantly drilled into us and most people sneakily took photos all the same. I would suggest to bring a t-shirt as it is 16⁰ in the chambers and our teen's crop top was too chilly.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 8, 2024
- LousydinksBarnsley, United Kingdom37 contributionsMust do!We came here because it was rain and thunderstorms and needed something to so that wasn’t a bar and am so glad we did. Absolutely amazing. The whole tour from beginning to end was jaw dropping. It’s not fancy and you will have to wait in queues but so worth it for seeing one of natures wondersVisited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 10, 2024
- simonbrown_01Tenterden, United Kingdom95 contributionsSpecial caves to rememberThis is the most stunning set of caves I have experienced. The bus goes direct from Bari, so is accessible outside of a tour. Our guide Marie led the English speaking group and was very informative. The sights down there need to be seen to be believed, the highlight of our trip so far.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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sidhusarabjeet
Greater London, UK39 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
I would have given this place a 10/10 - the place, the caves were absolutely 💯 brilliant and something that should be enjoyed and be enjoyable. However our experience and enjoyment was hampered immediately when we arrived at the ticket office. We had booked in advance and that was not a problem. However to use the toilets we had to pay 50 cents a d that is a problem when you don't have any change and the caretakers are not sympathetic. Then the next part was that all the groups for the tour were lumped together without staggering them. Thus this caused problems when groups entering clashed with groups leaving. The tour guides and the knowledge they possessed was, just needed to be desired. About 80% of the group could not hear the guide. We could not understand why the rear guide could not split the rear group and give a commentary. Perhaps she was not paid for this. Instead her job was to constantly shout "no photos or videos" - We could not understand what was the reason for this - its not as if we photographing a nuclear bunker or the crown jewels. Perhaps they did not want the group to slow down as a result of people taking photos. This could have been dealt with by giving people a couple of minutes to savor the place. Also what was more scary was that there was no clear plan for exit and emergency escape. There were plenty of elderly people and one them showed signs of distress when the groups clashed and had to wait for one to pass the other by. Basically the whole thing was badly organised and it felt that nobody could care.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FP-MSP
Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia151 contributions
May 2022 • Family
The caves are really pretty but the whole experience is ruined by the staff and management.
We took the fifty minute short tour.
Once you exit the first cave you are not allowed to take pictures any more. The reason we were given when exiting is that it is to avoid people slowing down the tours.
This quest for speed is the theme of the visit. The guide is running at the front, spitting out explanations as fast as possible, whilst the prison guard at the back pushes you to follow the pace and yells at you for attempting to sneak a picture. You literally cannot stop to enjoy the any sight or just stop for a minute to take in the beauty of the caves.
Luckily, after 38 minutes, the guide announced that the 50 minute tour was finished and disappeared. Legends says some guides and wardens can make groups run through the cave in 35 minutes.
The management of this place should really think of investing in a conveyor belt to make sure that nobody stops to enjoy this natural wonder.
We took the fifty minute short tour.
Once you exit the first cave you are not allowed to take pictures any more. The reason we were given when exiting is that it is to avoid people slowing down the tours.
This quest for speed is the theme of the visit. The guide is running at the front, spitting out explanations as fast as possible, whilst the prison guard at the back pushes you to follow the pace and yells at you for attempting to sneak a picture. You literally cannot stop to enjoy the any sight or just stop for a minute to take in the beauty of the caves.
Luckily, after 38 minutes, the guide announced that the 50 minute tour was finished and disappeared. Legends says some guides and wardens can make groups run through the cave in 35 minutes.
The management of this place should really think of investing in a conveyor belt to make sure that nobody stops to enjoy this natural wonder.
Written May 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan E. Faris
St. Petersburg, FL19 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The caves are beautiful and worth seeing, however both the ticket agent and the guide are EXTREMELY rude and act as if they can’t be bothered by people. In fact, the ticket agent yelled at me when I asked if I needed a code to scan on my online tickets (guests were scanning to enter). He came out of the ticket both yelling at me to walk through a closed gate instead of scanning a ticket. The tour guide publicly scolded several guests for not paying attention to her or walking fast enough. There is zero concern for the guest experience!
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabry
Brescia, Italy29 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Very negative review for the management of the Caves that are wonderful instead.
We arrive at the ticket office and we are offered, in addition to the entrance ticket, an additional ticket of 6 euros to see the "Planetarium"... half an hour of 3D projections under a white dome not far from the entrance of the caves. We immediately draw a pitiful veil on the thing, dirty, greasy and finger-filled 3D glasses (I watched almost everything without...), then they name you "planetarium and the origin of life...." one does not expect a cartoon for 4-5 year olds... made even maluccio. 30 minutes of screening and for the first 10 minutes they kept letting people in, opening the door all the time and hello screening in the dark. Not recommended.
The caves are beautiful, cool and very wet. We recommend hiking shoes or sneakers but there are people who enter with leather carp and women with heels... but how the hell do you allow it?!? I've seen slips, falls and smoothies every 10 minutes! Put a ban on unsuitable clothing!
The last negative note I dedicate to Guide, it seemed he had to catch a flight immediately after the visit because basically it seemed we were doing the marathon between the rooms; a quick explanation and then off to the next destination. Their only concern was not to let people take pictures... they must have said it 30 times... why? Without flash you can do it in most other Italian caves.
Ah.... bathrooms are subject to charges.... 50 cents minimum
We arrive at the ticket office and we are offered, in addition to the entrance ticket, an additional ticket of 6 euros to see the "Planetarium"... half an hour of 3D projections under a white dome not far from the entrance of the caves. We immediately draw a pitiful veil on the thing, dirty, greasy and finger-filled 3D glasses (I watched almost everything without...), then they name you "planetarium and the origin of life...." one does not expect a cartoon for 4-5 year olds... made even maluccio. 30 minutes of screening and for the first 10 minutes they kept letting people in, opening the door all the time and hello screening in the dark. Not recommended.
The caves are beautiful, cool and very wet. We recommend hiking shoes or sneakers but there are people who enter with leather carp and women with heels... but how the hell do you allow it?!? I've seen slips, falls and smoothies every 10 minutes! Put a ban on unsuitable clothing!
The last negative note I dedicate to Guide, it seemed he had to catch a flight immediately after the visit because basically it seemed we were doing the marathon between the rooms; a quick explanation and then off to the next destination. Their only concern was not to let people take pictures... they must have said it 30 times... why? Without flash you can do it in most other Italian caves.
Ah.... bathrooms are subject to charges.... 50 cents minimum
Automatically translated
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue2102
Kingsdown, UK112 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
The caves have a natural magic and have been very well prepared for tourists and visitors without spoiling them. But we were not too impressed with the guided tour - only two tours a day in English, made for VERY VERY large groups. The layout meant we had to walk in a long line and other groups were passing us on their way back. The groups needed to be a max of 20 rather than maybe 60 or 70 people. We could not hear the guide and she only gave minimum facts with no chance to ask questions.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariateresa P
82 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
We purchased tickets for the full visit on site (€18 each) as it is not possible to purchase them online for the same day.
It is worth getting to the end, to the White Cave, if you are ready to endure the 3km total walk and the slight rarefaction of the air. Choosing the partial route in terms of price would be a waste in my opinion and the show would be half enjoyed.
The very knowledgeable guide, a speleologist with great experience (unfortunately I don't remember his name).
Too bad we couldn't take photos, except of the first cave, for reasons that aren't too clear.
It is worth getting to the end, to the White Cave, if you are ready to endure the 3km total walk and the slight rarefaction of the air. Choosing the partial route in terms of price would be a waste in my opinion and the show would be half enjoyed.
The very knowledgeable guide, a speleologist with great experience (unfortunately I don't remember his name).
Too bad we couldn't take photos, except of the first cave, for reasons that aren't too clear.
Written April 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yuki182
Lecce, Italy6 contributions
Aug 2023
Very beautiful caves, it's a shame that I don't have time to enjoy viewing and visiting them.
The groups that are formed are various and numerous, so on the one hand you always have the next group "on your heels" which therefore pushes the guides to apply continuous pressure, and on the other, since the groups are made up of many people and have this rush , the moment the lead guide arrives at the point of interest he starts talking without worrying about the fact that not all the people in the group are yet close enough to hear him.
You can't stop, but at the same time you always have to look at the ground to be careful not to slip, so you spend more time looking at the ground than observing the beauty around you.
Although the site listed the price of €18 for the complete itinerary, by continuing and purchasing the ticket online (adding both the presale and further commissions) the total was €21.
The groups that are formed are various and numerous, so on the one hand you always have the next group "on your heels" which therefore pushes the guides to apply continuous pressure, and on the other, since the groups are made up of many people and have this rush , the moment the lead guide arrives at the point of interest he starts talking without worrying about the fact that not all the people in the group are yet close enough to hear him.
You can't stop, but at the same time you always have to look at the ground to be careful not to slip, so you spend more time looking at the ground than observing the beauty around you.
Although the site listed the price of €18 for the complete itinerary, by continuing and purchasing the ticket online (adding both the presale and further commissions) the total was €21.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lfdp69
Arcachon Bay, France2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
It is imperative to change jobs when you are as unpleasant as our guide for this visit to the cave! First of all, the price: 15 euros per person for a so-called 50-minute visit, carried out at a running pace and which only lasts 40 minutes. Then the explanations (in Italian only) are recited mechanically by the guide before the group even joins her. If you stop for a few seconds to admire you'll get yelled at! In short, this really spoils the wonderful welcome given to tourists in Puglia. Avoid to keep good memories of this very beautiful region.
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luca V
Treviglio, Italy4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The day could have been a good omen but we know that in this country nothing goes as it should.
Looking at the staff at the entrance who were too kind, I had the feeling that, in addition to the caves, they wanted to give us more.
At the receptionist of the info point I expressly ask for tickets only for the cave route being in a hurry and wanting to spend little.
He tells us about a planetarium included in the package and having no other information we accept and pay: 24 euros, but then beats on the POS ATM 48 euros and we understand that the crafty knows how to twist.
Our if decidedly enviperated, I accept without polemics for my partner who makes me wide nods to fly over.
We take a poster that we read later where it says that the route to the caves costs 16 euros per person. But what, I say? I'm already sacramenting, because if there's one thing I can't stand it's deception, when I read on a handwritten A4 that tickets can't be refunded.
Conclusion: the caves, in themselves, deserve and in an hour and a half of cold (17 degrees) and humidity you will have the opportunity to enjoy stalactites and stalagmites of all colors between calcium carbonates and iron oxides.
Otherwise avoid being winked at by planetariums and useless ammennicles that will cost you a madness.
Looking at the staff at the entrance who were too kind, I had the feeling that, in addition to the caves, they wanted to give us more.
At the receptionist of the info point I expressly ask for tickets only for the cave route being in a hurry and wanting to spend little.
He tells us about a planetarium included in the package and having no other information we accept and pay: 24 euros, but then beats on the POS ATM 48 euros and we understand that the crafty knows how to twist.
Our if decidedly enviperated, I accept without polemics for my partner who makes me wide nods to fly over.
We take a poster that we read later where it says that the route to the caves costs 16 euros per person. But what, I say? I'm already sacramenting, because if there's one thing I can't stand it's deception, when I read on a handwritten A4 that tickets can't be refunded.
Conclusion: the caves, in themselves, deserve and in an hour and a half of cold (17 degrees) and humidity you will have the opportunity to enjoy stalactites and stalagmites of all colors between calcium carbonates and iron oxides.
Otherwise avoid being winked at by planetariums and useless ammennicles that will cost you a madness.
Automatically translated
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gennaro F
Parma, Italy243 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Stunning place, very close to Alberobello, personally I preferred the caves. We did the complete route, about 3km between the round trip and a 2 hour walk. I recommend a jacket since the temperature never exceeds 18 degrees, definitely comfortable clothing, tennis shoes or rubber shoes. The place is really wonderful, we didn't buy the ticket before, we got to the car park and got the tickets at the info point. We also took the ticket for the 3D planetarium, the total price of both was €24. The planetarium is €6, perhaps a little expensive, but the price of the caves, given that the guide is also there, can cost €18.
The only flaw in being able to use the bathroom near the caves is €0.50 per person, which seems a bit excessive to me after paying the entrance ticket. Luckily we went to the info point for free.
I repeat, the caves are wonderful and the route is still simple, you just have to be careful not to slip, but it's not that risky with suitable shoes. Our guide Tatiana, was really good and kind, she answered all our questions and was very good at explaining everything to us. I hope one day to be able to do the route reserved for organized groups and speleologists. Place to visit at least once in your life
The only flaw in being able to use the bathroom near the caves is €0.50 per person, which seems a bit excessive to me after paying the entrance ticket. Luckily we went to the info point for free.
I repeat, the caves are wonderful and the route is still simple, you just have to be careful not to slip, but it's not that risky with suitable shoes. Our guide Tatiana, was really good and kind, she answered all our questions and was very good at explaining everything to us. I hope one day to be able to do the route reserved for organized groups and speleologists. Place to visit at least once in your life
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
È possibile fare il giro con una bimba di 1 anno? O pericoloso? E sono disponibili dei marsupi da affittare?
Written August 22, 2024
How big is the hole in Grotte di Castellane?
Written October 1, 2022
There are several ‘halls’ connected by pathways that are concrete or similar. Some of the ‘sculptures’ are spectacular.
Written October 2, 2022
Is there a souvenir area + restrooms + eating facility at the site?
Written August 16, 2022
Yes, toilets are next to the ticket office/entrance and there are various souvenir places nearby, also things to eat I think.
Written September 1, 2022
Salve quanto tempo bisogna aspettare per fare la visita guidata?
Written October 1, 2020
In agosto ho aspettato un ora,adesso credo l’attesa sia molto inferiore
Written October 1, 2020
Salve, volevo acquistare i biglietti per le grotte per il 31 agosto, ma sul sito sono disponibili solo fino al 30... Come posso fare? Ho telefonato ma mi risponde un fax. Grazie.
Written August 26, 2020
Dal 31 agosto cambiano gli orari delle visite, quindi probabilmente sarà possibile prenotare in quella data solo tra qualche giorno. Comunque le assicuro che la fila per comprare i biglietti scorre velocissima e non ci sono lunghe attese neanche per entrare, quindi anche comprare i biglietti il giorno stesso può essere un’opzione valida
Written August 26, 2020
Ci sono negozi di souvenir propriamente inerenti alle grotte?
Written July 22, 2020
Quanto dura il percorso lungo ? Se si sceglie il percorso breve si arriva alla grotta bianca ?
Written July 22, 2020
Il percorso li o dura circa due ore e mezza. Nel percorso breve non si arriva alla grotta bianca
Written August 2, 2020
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