Swim in the Blue Grotto Italy

“There's no one else around, which makes it that much spookier to be leaning out over the pitch-black mouth of a sea cavern. The solitude also makes it seem that much more bone-headed of an idea to think I can swim into the grotto, especially with such a strong current sucking in and out—I can feel it against my calves—and with every seventh wave swallowing the tunnel whole. [...] I splash into the water, my left hand closing about the chain, the forearm slamming into the rock behind it. As I vaguely register with relief that no urchin spines seem to be piercing my body, the incoming wave sweeps me along and helps carry me into the tunnel, the chain slipping rapidly through my palm. Funny thing is, once I get inside, it's all much easier. I haul myself all the way through the tunnel and into the grotto itself, which starts to take dark, shadowy shape above and before me.”

“So that is how two adults who have passed the 50 year threshold found themselves swimming in the Blue Grotto with several English and American 20 year olds. The French girls were not exaggerating, it WAS absolutely fantastic! There is a small ladder at the end of the wooden walkway to ease yourself into the water and then a chain to hold onto as you enter the grotto. The water was surprisingly clean and refreshing after our somewhat treacherous hike.”