Caves of Porto Selvaggio: What to know before you go
Checked practical information on access, sea conditions, services and safety. In 2026 the Puglia natural-cave register provides updated coordinates for several caves in Nardò, while the municipality has reorganised part of park mobility. These data help distinguish the individual caves and their access routes more accurately.
Overview of the park’s main caves
This page does not describe one cave: it is an overview of the cave and rock-shelter system of Porto Selvaggio and Uluzzo Bay. Grotta del Cavallo, Grotta di Uluzzu, Uluzzo C, Grotta Gaia and Green Cave have very different characteristics and access conditions and should be considered separately.
Good to know
This page does not describe one cave: it is an overview of the cave and rock-shelter system of Porto Selvaggio and Uluzzo Bay. Grotta del Cavallo, Grotta di Uluzzu, Uluzzo C, Grotta Gaia and Green Cave have very different characteristics and access conditions and should be considered separately.
Getting there and access
There is no single “cave route”. Some caves are on the Uluzzo headland and reached on foot, some are sea caves dependent on conditions, and others are protected archaeological sites where entry must never be assumed.
Access
There is no single “cave route”. Some caves are on the Uluzzo headland and reached on foot, some are sea caves dependent on conditions, and others are protected archaeological sites where entry must never be assumed.
Sea, coast and seabed
The sea caves sit on a rocky coast with variable depth, waves and currents. Clear water makes snorkelling appealing, but each cave must be assessed individually and only in calm sea.
Sea
The sea caves sit on a rocky coast with variable depth, waves and currents. Clear water makes snorkelling appealing, but each cave must be assessed individually and only in calm sea.
Families and children
Useful for hikers, archaeology enthusiasts and experienced snorkellers who want to understand which caves are terrestrial, marine or protected.
Families
Useful for hikers, archaeology enthusiasts and experienced snorkellers who want to understand which caves are terrestrial, marine or protected.
Parking and services
Use this page to orient yourself, then open the page for the individual cave. Parking, trails and services vary greatly between Uluzzo Bay, Porto Selvaggio’s main bay and the Torre dell’Alto sector.
Planning
Use this page to orient yourself, then open the page for the individual cave. Parking, trails and services vary greatly between Uluzzo Bay, Porto Selvaggio’s main bay and the Torre dell’Alto sector.
Accessibility
The setting is natural, with rock and uneven trails. There is no certification allowing the cave approach to be described as barrier-free; visitors with specific mobility needs should use the accessible viewpoints of the park instead.
Accessibility
The setting is natural, with rock and uneven trails. There is no certification allowing the cave approach to be described as barrier-free; visitors with specific mobility needs should use the accessible viewpoints of the park instead.
Wind and sea conditions
No cave should be treated as a playground for jumping or improvised exploration. Archaeological barriers, restrictions, rough sea and exposed passages always take priority over your planned itinerary.
Safety
No cave should be treated as a playground for jumping or improvised exploration. Archaeological barriers, restrictions, rough sea and exposed passages always take priority over your planned itinerary.
Swimming and snorkelling
The sea caves sit on a rocky coast with variable depth, waves and currents. Clear water makes snorkelling appealing, but each cave must be assessed individually and only in calm sea. No cave should be treated as a playground for jumping or improvised exploration. Archaeological barriers, restrictions, rough sea and exposed passages always take priority over your planned itinerary.
Activities
The sea caves sit on a rocky coast with variable depth, waves and currents. Clear water makes snorkelling appealing, but each cave must be assessed individually and only in calm sea. No cave should be treated as a playground for jumping or improvised exploration. Archaeological barriers, restrictions, rough sea and exposed passages always take priority over your planned itinerary.
What has changed / rules to check
In 2026 the Puglia natural-cave register provides updated coordinates for several caves in Nardò, while the municipality has reorganised part of park mobility. These data help distinguish the individual caves and their access routes more accurately.
Update
In 2026 the Puglia natural-cave register provides updated coordinates for several caves in Nardò, while the municipality has reorganised part of park mobility. These data help distinguish the individual caves and their access routes more accurately.
Who it suits
Useful for hikers, archaeology enthusiasts and experienced snorkellers who want to understand which caves are terrestrial, marine or protected.
Recommended
Useful for hikers, archaeology enthusiasts and experienced snorkellers who want to understand which caves are terrestrial, marine or protected.
Less suitable for
Less suitable for anyone seeking a sandy beach, easy access and services within a few metres.
Less suitable
Less suitable for anyone seeking a sandy beach, easy access and services within a few metres.
What to bring
Suitable shoes, water, sun protection and the specific page for the cave you intend to see. For sea caves add appropriate equipment and caution about conditions.
What to bring
Suitable shoes, water, sun protection and the specific page for the cave you intend to see. For sea caves add appropriate equipment and caution about conditions.
