The Grotta dello Smeraldo is a sea cave that is flooded with a brilliant blue or emerald light. The quality and nature of the color in each cave is determined by the unique lighting conditions in that particular cave. The grotto, which is located along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is partly filled with water. The surface area of the water measures roughly 45 x 32 meters, with a cavern roof about 24 meters above water level. Unlike the more famous Blue Grotto a few miles to the west on Capri, the Grotta dello Smeraldo has no natural outlet above the waterline. The only opening to the outside world is just below the water level. Refracted sunlight entering the cavern through the opening gives the water its characteristic emerald glow during daylight hours.