Grotta delle rondinelle

Grotta delle Rondinelle (the Swallows' Cave) is a sea cave on the coast near Polignano a Mare, the cliffside town in Puglia famous for its turquoise water and limestone bluffs. The cave takes its name from the swallows that nest in the rock crevices above its entrance, a detail local boat guides like to point out as they steer visitors inside.

What makes this cave different?

The defining feature of Grotta delle Rondinelle is its double entrance. From the sea, a wide opening lets small boats glide straight into a sheltered chamber that ends in a small pebble shore tucked inside the rock. From land, the cave is also reached through a collapsed sinkhole — a section of the rock ceiling that fell in at some point in the past, leaving a natural skylight that lets sunlight pour into the cave. Because of this, the light inside shifts throughout the day, and the water changes shade from deep blue to bright turquoise depending on when you visit.

How do you get to Grotta delle Rondinelle?

There's no real walking route to the cave — it sits on a stretch of coastline that's only practically reachable by water. Most visitors arrive on local boat tours departing from the harbor in Polignano a Mare, usually combined with stops at the town's other sea caves. Kayak and small RIB boat rentals are also available for travelers who want to explore the coastline at their own pace, though entering the cave itself takes some caution and a good read of the local sea conditions.

What will you see inside?

Once inside, most visitors stop to swim or snorkel in the clear water and photograph the light falling through the sinkhole above. The pebble shore near the sea entrance is a popular short rest stop on longer boat routes along the coast. It's worth knowing that the cave sits in a stretch of coastline that gets heavy tourist traffic but has no formal protected status — in peak summer, signs of wear from boat and visitor traffic are noticeable, so it pays to tread lightly and take any rubbish with you.

When should you visit?

Late spring and early autumn are the best windows: the water is already warm, and the crowds are thinner than in the height of summer. July and August bring heavy boat and kayak traffic into the cave, which can make swimming and photography feel cramped. Morning light tends to produce the most striking effect through the sinkhole opening, so it's worth timing a boat tour for earlier in the day.

Frequently asked questions

Can you reach Grotta delle Rondinelle on foot? No — the cave is accessible almost exclusively from the sea, so the standard way to visit is by boat tour or kayak from Polignano a Mare.

Where does the cave's name come from? It's named after the swallows that nest in the rock crevices near the cave's entrance.

Can you swim inside the cave? Yes, the water inside is clear and suitable for swimming and snorkeling, though it's worth checking sea conditions before entering.

Is the cave a protected site? No, it has no formal protected status despite being popular with tourists, so responsible, low-impact visiting is encouraged.