Grotta Sfondata · Otranto · Salento
Puglia · Salento · Adriatic Sea · Otranto

Grotta Sfondata

Otranto’s famous coastal cave with a collapsed roof and a large opening to the sky, in the Mulino d’Acqua cave system.

Grotta Sfondata: what to know before you go

The 2026 Apulian Speleological register confirms the cave and coordinates. The updated page keeps the visual appeal of the Blue Eye but does not encourage visitors to approach the upper rim.

Registered in 2026

The Apulian Speleological Federation lists 40.17030, 18.48057.

Data

This is the main mapping reference.

Collapsed roof

The name comes from the collapse of part of the cave roof.

Effect

A large opening remains to the sky.

Mulino d’Acqua

It belongs to the bay’s cave system.

Nearby

Conchiglie and Eremita are in the same stretch.

Dangerous upper rim

The dramatic view from above does not make the edge safe.

Rule

Do not cross margins, barriers or paths.

Sea viewing

It can be appreciated during coastal boat trips.

Weather

Approach and stops depend on wind and waves.

Snorkelling

Possible outside in calm sea.

Safety

Avoid unstable walls or overhangs.

Families

It is not a toddler beach.

By boat

Always follow the crew.

What to bring

Walking shoes if coming by land, water, hat and sunscreen.

Photos

Use safe viewpoints away from the rim.

Grotta Sfondata

Reference coordinates: 40.1703, 18.48057. For coves and caves the pin marks the mapped place or coastal sector, not a guaranteed sea-entry point.

Coordinates: 40.1703, 18.48057

The gallery can be populated from the project photo database and historic images already associated with Otranto.

Beach clubs and private businesses in Otranto

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Nearby places to discover

Continue along Otranto’s northern coast comparing nearby beaches, caves and access points.

Accommodation in Otranto and nearby

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Vittoria Resort Pool & Spa

Via Catona – Otranto+ 39 0836 23 72 80 Claim for free

Ristorante Pizzeria Il Ghiottone

Via Lungomare Kennedy 3, Otranto, Italy +39 0836 801325 Claim for free

Baia dei Turchi Resort

Contrada Fontanelle 73028 Otranto LE +39 0836.195.6322 Claim for free

Hotel Albania

Via S. Francesco di Paola, 10, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39.0836.801877 Claim for free

Torre Santo Stefano Agriturismo

Via Alimini Loc. Baia Dei Turchi - 73028 - Otranto (Le) +39 0836 805621 Claim for free

Hotel Profumo di Mare

Lungomare Terra d"otranto, 5, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 506987 Claim for free

Le Dimore di Otranto

Strada Vicinale Fabrizio, 73028 Otranto (Le) + 39. 339 5913 111 Claim for free

Masseria Muntibianchi

S.P. 277, Via Giurdignano, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 1946379 Claim for free

Mediterraneo Camere

Via delle Torri, 24, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 320 457 5786 Claim for free

B&B Zio Cici

Piazza IV Novembre 9, 73027 - Minervino di Lecce (Le) +39 333 977 1514 Claim for free

Agriturismo Il Megalite

SP 277 Otranto - Giurdignano, Snc, 73020 Otranto (Le) +39 345 661 6133 Claim for free

Agriturismo Il Piccolo Lago

Vicinale Masseria Muzza, 137, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 334 742 8007 Claim for free

Bed & Breakfast San Giorgio - Otranto

Via Azienda Fontanelle, 119 (SP341), 73028 - Otranto - (Le) +39 340 374 2836 Claim for free

Masseria Montelauro

SP358 Otranto - Uggiano - Località Montelauro, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 806 203 Claim for free

Sarmenti Agriresort

Località Fontanelle, 73028 - Otranto (Le) +39 376 107 1720 Claim for free

Hotel Koinè Otranto

Litoranea Alimini, Via Alimini, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 802 409 Claim for free

Masseria Lacco

Contrada Lacco - Muro Leccese (Le) +39 320 079 6078 Claim for free

La Zudrea

Località Santo Stefano, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 320 307 3527 Claim for free

Masseria Mongiò

Località Baia dei Turchi, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 328 976 4677 Claim for free

Masseria Fabrizio

Strada Vicinale Fabrizio, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 801 166 Claim for free

B&B Le Palombelle

Strada Vicinale Palombara, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 338 900 0374 Claim for free

Donna Rosa B&B

Località Santo Stefano, snc 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 328 877 6882 Claim for free

Residence Villa Grottamonaca

Via Cerra, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 349 130 4617 Claim for free

Borgo Mulino d"Acqua

Via Vicinale Santo Stefano, 34, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 802 191 Claim for free

Hotel La Plancia

Via Antonio Sforza 1/7, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 805 970 Claim for free

Vele d"Otranto B&B

Viale Rocamatura 4, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 347 058 4631 Claim for free

Hotel Palazzo Papaleo

Via Rondachi, 1, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 802 108 Claim for free

B&B Piccolo Vigneto

Contrada Fontanelle 78, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 371 172 6058 Claim for free

Hotel degli Haethey

Via Antonio Sforza, 33, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 346 164 0971 Claim for free

B&B Aneda

Via Porto Craulo, 14, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 339 879 2833 Claim for free

Hotel Bellavista Otranto

Via Vittorio Emanuele, 19, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 801 058 Claim for free

Palazzo De Mori

Bastione dei Pelagi, 73028 Otranto (Le) +39 0836 801 088 Claim for free
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Continue along the coast

This guide belongs to Otranto; configured coastal navigation links Baia delle Orte and Torre Santo Stefano.

Frequently asked questions about Grotta Sfondata

Location, access, sea, families, safety and practical information.

Why is it called Sfondata?
Because part of the roof collapsed.
Coordinates?
40.17030, 18.48057 in the 2026 cave register.
Where is it?
In the Mulino d’Acqua area.
Can I view it from above?
Only from safe points well away from the rim.
Can I approach by sea?
Yes when conditions allow.
Good for children?
Not as an exploration site.
Can I snorkel?
Yes outside in calm sea.
Near Grotta delle Conchiglie?
Yes, they are practically adjacent.