Grotta del Tono

Grotta del Tono – underground adventure

While exploring Sicily’s northern coast, we found ourselves in the quiet town of Gioiosa Marea — home to the understated yet captivating Grotta del Tono.
Unlike the island’s more popular natural landmarks, this cave remains blissfully off the beaten path. Perhaps that’s exactly why it won us over so quickly. There are no ticket booths, no information signs, not even a hint of commercialization. What you get instead is pure mystery — a place that still feels untouched, almost unreachable, as if it’s guarding secrets meant only for those who stumble upon it.

How to get to the cave

Grotta del Tono lies just a few hundred meters from the centre of Gioiosa Marea, perched about ten meters above sea level. Getting there is easy enough, but entering the cave requires a guide. When we arrived, the entrance was locked and the area completely deserted. Not a soul in sight. After a brief chat with some locals, we learned that the only way to arrange a visit was through the town hall — the Comune itself.

We were greeted with warmth at the town hall, where they took down our names and, for a symbolic fee of 1€ per person, assigned us a guide. One of the staff handed us protective helmets, and after a short walk, we arrived at the cave entrance. Although our guide didn’t speak English, we managed to understand parts of his explanation through a mix of gestures, shared effort, and my shaky Italian. It was one of those beautifully human moments — where curiosity bridges the gap between languages.

Tour of the Grotta del Tono

Grotta del Tono surprised us with its vastness and unusual shape. Instead of a typical walking path, we were met with something far more raw and adventurous. We switched on the lights attached to our helmets and followed our guide into the narrow passageways, where each step felt like a small discovery.

Inside the cave, silence reigned. The only light came from our headlamps, casting flickering shadows on the damp rock walls. The first chamber was bare — no formations, no decorations — and yet, it felt like we were part of an expedition deep into the Earth’s core.

We squeezed through narrow paths, climbed over massive boulders, and waited eagerly to see what lay ahead.

With only a few meters of visibility ahead, each step revealed a part of the cave we hadn’t seen before.
The kids absolutely loved the adventure.

After a few minutes, we finally reached the area where some karst formations began to appear. They weren’t particularly grand, but that didn’t bother us at all. The real experience was the act of exploring itself.

The ceilings glistened with droplets of water and had a subtle purplish hue. We could tell the cave was still young, with formations slowly taking shape. As we gradually approached the end, even though Grotta del Tono wasn’t luxurious, it undeniably captivated us.

History and significance

The first written records of Grotta del Tono date back to the 19th century. It wasn’t until the 1980s, however, that systematic explorations revealed its true significance. During these investigations, archaeologists uncovered prehistoric artifacts, including findings linked to cults dedicated to the goddess Diana.

According to geological studies, Grotta del Tono is a typical karst cave formed by the erosion of limestone bedrock. Airborne moisture and underground water have been shaping every detail here for centuries. The cave holds scientific significance not only due to its geology but also because of its possible connection to earlier human activities in the region.

In the past, it served as a refuge or hiding place, and local residents know about it from stories passed down by their ancestors. Although it was discovered long ago, it was only recently made accessible—and only under the guidance of an authorized person, in order to protect its fragile environment.

Practical information for visiting Grotta Tonno

🚗 From Messina it’s about 85 km to Gioiosa Marea, with a one-hour drive westward along the A20 highway. From Catania the journey takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes (190 km), fastest via the A18 and A20.

🎟 Admission: Entry to the cave is only permitted with a guide, who can be arranged at the town hall (Comune di Gioiosa Marea). At the time of our visit, we paid 1€ per person, totalling 4€.

🕒 Time to set aside: The cave tour itself takes around 45 minutes, but be sure to factor in some extra time for arrangements at the town hall.

🗺 What to pair the trip with: Just a 30-minute drive (about 25 km) east takes you to the Riserva Naturale Orientata Laghetti di Marinello – a protected area of saltwater lagoons nestled beneath the dramatic cliffs of Tindari, with stunning beaches stretching along the coast. If you’re not in the mood for sun and sand, you can head to Castello di Milazzo.