Near Ulassai in eastern-central Sardinia, Grotta Su Marmuri takes you through vast underground chambers lined with stalactites and stalagmites. Visits are by guided tour, with time to see the formations and hear about the cave from your guide. Expect a cool 10°C inside, even on a hot day, and slippery patches underfoot. The walk involves many steps, so bring a warm layer and shoes with good grip. There is also a restaurant beside the entrance, a handy stop for lunch before or after your visit.
A cave beneath Ulassai’s plateau
Grotta Su Marmuri lies near Ulassai in the Ogliastra region of eastern-central Sardinia, below the area’s distinctive limestone plateau, known locally as a Tacco. The cave’s name means “marble cave” in Sardinian. Its large underground chambers and high vaults are the main draw, with stalactites and stalagmites formed over time from mineral-rich water.
The halls differ in shape and scale. The Grande Sala, or Great Hall, is a rectangular chamber with its own name. As you move through the cave, look up as well as along the path: formations range from thick, candle-like shapes to finer coral-like growths.
What the guided visit is like
Entry is by guided tour only. The route takes you through the chambers and back out along the same way you entered. Expect a walk of about an hour, though the duration can vary; tours with explanations in more than one language can take longer. Guides explain the cave and its formations, and there is time to look around as you go.
The path includes many steps and some damp, slippery sections. It is not a tight-crawl cave, but the walk calls for comfortable shoes and reasonable fitness. The temperature stays close to 10°C, so bring an extra layer regardless of the weather outside. Check tour times ahead of your visit to plan your arrival.
Food beside the entrance
A restaurant stands beside the cave entrance, making it possible to eat before or after the tour without returning to Ulassai. One local specialty to look for is casu acedu, a fresh cheese associated with Ogliastra. The site also has a bar, so there is somewhere to wait if you arrive before your tour.
Häufige Fragen
Can you visit Grotta Su Marmuri without a guide?
No. Visits take place on guided tours, so check the schedule before you arrive.
How cold is Grotta Su Marmuri?
The temperature inside is around 10°C year-round. Bring a jacket or sweater, even in warm weather.
How long does the cave tour take?
Plan for about an hour to an hour and a half. Tours can take longer when explanations are given in more than one language.
Is there a restaurant at Grotta Su Marmuri?
Yes. A restaurant and bar are beside the cave entrance; casu acedu, a local fresh cheese, is one specialty to look for.
