The Pertosa Caves: the underground river, how to visit them

The Pertosa-Auletta Caves , also known as the Angel Caves , are one of the most surprising places in Campania. They are located in the heart of the Vallo di Diano , at the foot of the Alburni Mountains , between the municipalities of Pertosa and Auletta, in the province of Salerno.

The site boasts two records that make it unique: it is the only cave in Italy where an underground river , the Negro , is navigated , and it is the only one in Europe to preserve the remains of a pile-dwelling village from the 2nd millennium BC.

The complex is managed by the MIdA Foundation , Integrated Environmental Museums, and is a focal geosite of the Cilento Geopark , recognized by UNESCO.

In 2026 the site experienced a season of great innovations: the reopening in February after the biological shutdown and, from 5 June, the return to full usability of the Hall of Paradise and the Hall of Sponges.

The most scenic areas have been enhanced by a completely renovated lighting system. Here's everything you need to know to plan your visit.

The boat trip on the Negro River

The visit begins in the most evocative way possible: you board a flat-bottomed boat and cross the Negro River , the only navigable underground river in Italy.

The boat is slowly towed by hand by guides using an overhead system of ropes. The water is almost still, and the silence is broken only by the roar of the internal waterfall.

The boat ride is about 200 meters long and lasts just a few minutes, but it remains the most vivid memory of the entire experience. The water temperature hovers between 10 and 11 degrees Celsius, while the air inside the cave stays around 15 degrees Celsius year-round, with high humidity.

Pros: A unique experience in Italy, suitable for children too, with guides who share the site's history as you explore.

Cons: Space on the boat is limited and departures are at fixed times, so planning is essential. Those who suffer from claustrophobia may experience some discomfort in the narrower sections.

On review portals like Tripadvisor, the boat ride is the most mentioned element: visitors describe it as a magical experience, highlighting the surreal silence and the courtesy of the guides.

The attraction has collected over a thousand reviews and is among the highest-rated places in the entire province of Salerno.

Visiting itineraries: Caves Plus, Premium and Speleological

Tours are exclusively guided and take place on three itineraries designed for different audiences. The most popular is the Grotte Plus itinerary , which lasts about an hour and includes a boat ride and a walk of about a kilometer through the equipped rooms, with departures at scheduled times.

The Premium Caves route is the extended version: it adds the landing at the underground waterfall and a visit to the Hall of Paradise and the Hall of Sponges , the most scenic areas of the complex.

The two rooms reopened in June 2026 after renovations. Finally, there is a speleological trail , available upon reservation, for those who wish to explore the unequipped sections with helmets and equipment.

Pros: three levels of difficulty, marked, non-slip trails, insurance included in the ticket, radio system and defibrillators available.

Cons: the prices of the Premium are higher (25 euros against 18 for the Plus) and the speleological branches are reserved for those in good physical shape.

The site's guides are often praised in reviews for their expertise and ability to engage even the youngest visitors. Many recommend the Premium option for first-time visitors to the caves, because the Hall of Paradise, behind the waterfall, is considered the highlight of the tour.

The most spectacular rooms of the karst complex

The complex extends over approximately 3.000 meters of caves , shaped by water over millions of years. The most impressive feature is the Great Hall , 24 meters high, entirely decorated with thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites.

Among the most famous formations is the Kiss , a stalactite and a stalagmite that joined together after about 20.000 years of very slow growth.

The Sponge Room owes its name to porous concretions with unusual shapes, while the Paradise Room enchants with its large white concretions and reflections on the water.

Pros: Scenery of rare beauty enhanced by the new LED system, a circular path that does not pass through the entrance, cool temperatures even in the height of summer.

Cons: The route requires walking on natural surfaces and some steps, so comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended; high humidity can fog up lenses and glasses.

Visitors describe the Great Hall as breathtaking, and the Kiss as the most photographed formation on the trail. Reviews following the reopening in June 2026 particularly praise the new lighting, which enhances the colors of the concretions without disturbing the ecosystem.

The pile-dwelling village and the MIdA museums

Here, naturalistic adventure intertwines with archaeology: the Pertosa-Auletta Caves are the only site in Europe where you can admire a submerged pile-dwelling village dating back to the 2nd millennium BC.

The remains of the pile dwellings, together with objects, weapons and animal bones, testify to a continuous human presence since the Bronze Age.

The first scientific explorations date back to the end of the nineteenth century and many finds are now kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Salerno.

On-site, the cave ticket includes admission to the Soil Museum , the only one of its kind in Italy, and the Speleological Archaeological Museum , which must be visited within 48 hours of the cave visit. Both museums are closed on Mondays.

Pros: A comprehensive cultural offering with two museums included in the price, perfect for families and school groups, with unique artifacts in Italy.

Cons: Guided museum tours follow fixed times (approximately 11:30, 14:00, 15:30, and 17:00) and must be planned carefully, especially if you are coming from far away.

Visitors' stories describe the Soil Museum as a surprise: interactive workshops and multimedia installations make the visit fun, even for children. The archaeological museum, meanwhile, is the ideal complement to understanding what those submerged pile dwellings truly represented.

How to get there, opening times and tickets

The caves are located approximately 263 metres above sea level, in the municipality of Pertosa.

By car, you can reach it from the A2 Mediterranean motorway, formerly the A3: take the Petina exit if you're coming from the north, or the Polla exit if you're coming from the south, then follow the signs for the Grotte dell'Angelo along the SS 19. There's a large paid parking lot, about 3 euros, which is also suitable for buses.

Tours depart in fixed shifts and the hours change with the seasons: on weekends and in summer, departures are more frequent, while in winter, visits are fewer.

The site closes every year between January and mid-February for the biological shutdown , necessary to protect the underground ecosystem (in 2026 it reopened on February 14), on December 25 and, from October to February, on non-holiday Mondays.

Reservations are strongly recommended and are almost mandatory on spring weekends or in August.

You can book online on the Fondazione MIdA website, by calling 0975 397037, or by emailing prenotazioni@fondazionemida.it. Remember to wear closed shoes and a jacket: inside, even in summer, it's about 15 degrees Celsius.

Pros: Convenient parking in front of the entrance, small group visits that make for an intimate experience, and a single ticket that also includes museums.

Cons: You need to stick to the schedules and book in advance during peak periods; 2026 rates start at 18 euros for the Plus tour, higher than the average for Italian caves.

Practical reviews suggest arriving at least 20 minutes before your booked time and remembering that the museums are closed on Mondays: those planning a trip on that day should focus their visit only on the caves.

The family ticket, 49 euros for two adults with children, is the most convenient option for those travelling with small children.

What to combine with a visit to the surrounding area

The caves are located in a strategic position for exploring the Vallo di Diano.

Just a few minutes' drive away is the Certosa di Padula , the Carthusian monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its famous cloister and spiral staircase. The villages of Teggiano, Pertosa, and Auletta are worth a stroll through their narrow streets.

A little further south lies the Cilento region, with the temples of Paestum and its beaches, reachable in less than an hour. Cave lovers can continue to the Castelcivita Caves , another important karst complex in the Salerno area, for a weekend of underground tourism.

Pros: A perfect day combining caves and the Padula Charterhouse, an area rich in agritourism and traditional products like Sarconi beans and caciocavallo cheese.

Cons: The Vallo di Diano is an inland area, better served by car than public transport; in the low season, many restaurants and businesses close on weekdays.

Travelers who combined the caves with the Certosa di Padula describe it as one of the most complete days in Campania: nature, archaeology, and art within a radius of just a few kilometers.

Our advice is to book a visit to the caves in the morning and dedicate the afternoon to the monastery, or vice versa, with a delicious stop at the dairies of Capaccio Paestum.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Pertosa-Auletta Caves

How much does a ticket to the Pertosa Caves cost? In 2026, the Grotte Plus tour costs €18, with a reduced price of €13 for children aged 6 to 15, seniors over 65, teachers, university students, journalists, speleologists, archaeologists, and geologists.

The Premium Caves tour costs €25, with a reduced price of €22. Children aged 0 to 5 and people with disabilities pay just €1 for insurance. The Family Plus ticket is €49, groups of 20 people are €13 each, and school groups are €10.

How long is the guided tour? The Grotte Plus tour lasts about an hour, with a 200-meter boat ride and a kilometer walk.

The Premium Caves tour lasts longer because it includes the underground waterfall, the Paradise Room, and the Sponge Room. The speleological tour, reserved for those who book, follows specific times and procedures.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the equipped trails are comfortable and safe for all ages, and children under 5 enter free, paying only €1 for insurance. The guides are accustomed to managing family groups. For strollers and prams, please inquire when booking.

How do you get to the Pertosa-Auletta Caves? By car from the A2 Mediterranean motorway: exit at Petina from the north or at Polla from the south, then follow the signs for Pertosa along the SS 19 delle Calabrie. There is a paid parking lot in front of the entrance, about €3, which is also suitable for buses.

When are they open and when is it best to book? The caves are open almost year-round but close between January and mid-February for the biological shutdown, on December 25th, and on non-holiday Mondays from October to February.

Tours depart at fixed times: on spring weekends and in August, it's best to book 2 or 3 days in advance on the MIdA Foundation website or by calling 0975 397037.

What should you bring? Comfortable, closed-toe shoes, essential for nature trails, and a jacket or sweater: the indoor temperature is around 15 degrees Celsius year-round, with high humidity. The ticket includes insurance and a guided tour.

For updated information on schedules and fares, please visit the official website of the MIdA Foundation (fondazionemida.com).

If you are planning an itinerary in the area, start with our guide on what to see in the Vallo di Diano and how to visit the Certosa di Padula , or head towards the Greek temples of Paestum with a stop at the dairies of Capaccio Paestum.