Grottos, otherwise simply known as caves or caverns, can be found in remote destinations all around the world. More attractive than a simple cavern or cave, grottos often have unique features that make them stand out from their surrounding landscapes. Some grottos, such as those found in private residences or beneath cities, are manmade. Most offer brilliant views of the world surrounding them, often reflecting the sunlight or crystal blue and turquoise waters in astounding new ways.

Keep your eyes peeled on your next vacation or hiking tour – you never know what you’ll find hiding in the waters surrounding the hills, mountains, or valleys you are exploring. We proudly share 10 amazing grottos you might not want to miss.

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

Hiking through the trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee will bring you to a brilliant waterfall. Tucked away behind the waters is a small grotto where many daring and careful visitors have climbed in an attempt to see the waterfall from the other side.

9. The Aqua Grotto – Italy

Explorers spending time on the bay surrounding Naples will be pleasantly surprised when they stumble upon the Aqua Grotto. The pristine blue waters flow calmly beneath a beautifully formed cave with multiple entry and exit points. Imagine boating or floating on a relaxing tube beneath this incredible natural wonder.

8. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia

Off of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia you’ll stumble upon The Grotto. The grotto can be reached after a very short hike from the parking lot at the top of the cliff. You’ll find yourself at the edge of the sea, surrounded by a cavern that provides incredible views from all angles.

7. The Grotto at the Playboy Mansion

While certainly not natural, the man-made grotto found within the Hugh Hefner’s Playboy Mansion is certainly a sight to behold. While obviously not natural, visitors experience the sensation of being in a cavern while relaxing and escaping from the hot mid-day sun.

6. Cathedral Cove – New Zealand

Near Dunedin in New Zealand you’ll be astounded by the remarkable beauty of Cathedral Cove. The cove includes a number of hiking trails, including bridges that make small stream crossings even easier. Whether you walk a few minutes or follow the entire 60-90 minute trail, you’ll be absolutely amazed at what you see.

5. Shalyapin’s Grotto – Ukraine

Not far from Crimea, in the Ukraine, you’ll find Shalyapin’s Grotto nestled snugly on the edge of the Black Sea. Proceed with caution as you approach the grotto. Nude bathing is widely practiced on the beaches of Crimea, so you’ll want to be cautious if traveling with children so as not to startle them or the sunbathers, if you should happen to stumble across any.

4. Fossellone’s Grotto – Italy

Fossellone’s Grotto is an amazing quaint place to sit and view the sea splashing against the rocks below. The grotto is also considered a site of historical significance, as a few excavation excursions have resulted in a few discoveries.

3. Arpaia Grotto – Portovenere, Italy

Off the coast of Italy you’ll find the Arpaia Grotto. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the views from both the water and within the grotto make the trip worth both the time and effort. Breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the cooling waters, and relax.

2. Saipan Grotto – Marianas Islands, Saipan

The Marianas Islands are a popular destination for tourists and scuba divers. The Saipan Grotto is a busy dive spot full of underwater passages and caves. The crystal blue waters, however, are a dangerous place for the inexperienced diver. With depths over 100 feet, divers regularly panic here and a number of fatal accidents have been reported. While the area is beautiful, it is highly recommended that you proceed with caution.

1. Hamilton Pool – Austin, Texas

A short drive away from the city center in Austin, Texas you’ll find Hamilton Pool. The natural pool is a hot destination for both locals and tourists alike. Swimming to the far end of the pool gives visitors the opportunity to rest within the grotto, which was formed years ago after a natural dome collapse. There are a few small natural waterfalls, clear waters, and plenty of rocks for lounging if you prefer the water over the beach!

If you look hard enough, you’ll likely find hundreds of other grottos in your travels. Mother Nature has often eroded the planet in ways we might not have otherwise imagined possible. Take advantage of the opportunity you have to visit these incredible destinations. There is absolutely no way of knowing how long they’ll last before winds and erosion, continuously altering the face of the planet, cause them to disappear.

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