Frasassi Caves tour in Marche, Italy: Everything you need to know

The Frasassi Caves, or Grotte di Frasassi in Italian, are among the largest cave systems in Europe. Located in Genga, in the province of Ancona in the Marche region, they are considered one of the most impressive underground routes in the world. Inside, you’ll walk past giant stalactites, stalagmites, and small lakes of crystal-clear water that make the caves a truly unique experience. In this article, we share everything you need to know about the Frasassi Caves tour in the Marche region of Italy.

About the Frasassi Caves in Marche, Italy

The Frasassi Caves are located in Genga, in the province of Ancona in the Marche region. This incredible subterranean complex was discovered relatively recently in 1971 by a group of speleologists. Just three years later, the caves were opened to the public. Today, they are one of the most popular attractions in Marche.

The cave system is enormous, stretching for more than 30 kilometers across eight geological levels. Scientists believe it started forming over a million years ago, as water slowly carved its way through the limestone.

Today, visitors can access about 1.5 kilometers of the site. It can only be explored on a guided tour, lasting around 75 minutes. Inside are seven main chambers filled with enormous stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes, and other impressive formations. The standard tour takes you through five of them.

How to get to the Frasassi Caves

The Frasassi Caves are well connected and easy to reach no matter how you travel. By car, the simplest route is along the A14 with an exit at Ancona Nord, then onto the SS76 toward Roma, leaving at Genga Sassoferrato and following signs to the parking and ticket office in San Vittore delle Chiuse. The drive takes about 30 minutes from Ancona, and we had to pay EUR 2.6 each way for the toll on the A14.

If you prefer train travel, services on the Ancona to Roma line stop at Genga San Vittore Terme station. From Ancona the journey takes about 57 minutes and costs between EUR 4 and EUR 11. From Rome it takes around 3 hours 10 minutes with fares between EUR 13 and EUR 45. Once you arrive, it is a pleasant 15 minute walk from the station to the parking and ticket office.

For those flying in, the closest airport is Raffaello Sanzio in Ancona. From there, it is about an hour’s drive along the SS76, exiting at Genga Sassoferrato before continuing to San Vittore delle Chiuse. You could also follow our instructions on how to reach the caves by train from Ancona. Travelers arriving by sea can disembark at the Port of Ancona and follow the same SS76 route to the caves.

Good to know
From the parking area, a free shuttle bus takes visitors straight to the cave entrance.

Frasassi Caves tour

The Frasassi Caves can only be visited on a guided tour. The most popular option is the regular tour, which lasts about 75 minutes and takes you along a 1.5-kilometer route through five chambers. Tours are available in both Italian and English. However, English tours only run three times a day at 11:40, 13:40, and 15:40, and only during the high season. We didn’t know this in advance. When we arrived at around 2 pm, we’d just missed the previous English tour. We really wanted to see the impressive caves, so decided to wait another hour and a half until the next tour started! So our tip to you non-Italians out there is: time your visit to the Frasassi Caves well. 😉

Good to know
You can also download the free AudioGuide Grotte di Frasassi app, where you can listen to all the information and curiosities inside the caves at each check point.

For us, the most impressive chamber of all was the Ancona Abyss. This colossal hall measures 200 meters high, 180 meters long, and 120 meters wide. Our tour guide told us it’s so big that Milan’s Duomo could easily fit inside. Crazy to think about! In the center of the chamber stand The Giants, a cluster of stalagmites up to 20 meters tall with a diameter of up to five meters. Another highlight for us at the Frasassi Caves was the Hall of Candles, filled with candle-shaped stalagmites and small pools of water. We had never seen anything like this before, they really looked like they were made of wax!

Which brings us neatly to something else we had never seen before: souvenir photos inside a cave. About fifteen minutes into our Frasassi Caves tour, the whole group was guided into a broad chamber, where anyone who wanted could line up for a mini photo shoot right in the heart of the cave. Out of roughly fifty visitors only two parties opted in, so it was not exactly a hit. We skipped it too, but asked about the price to give you the most up to date information. At the time of our visit in August 2025, a small print cost EUR 7 and a bigger photo will set you back EUR 9. If you decide to do this little photo shoot, you can collect your photo in the gift shop after the tour.

Speleological routes

If you’re after something more adventurous, the caves also offer two speleological routes for visitors aged 12 and above. The Blue Route is suitable for most people and is considered the easier option. It lasts about two hours and costs EUR 35. Along the way you will enjoy gentle climbs, natural tunnels, and even a few fun slides.

The Red Route is more demanding and takes around three hours. It costs EUR 45 and involves crawling through tight passages, slippery climbs, and a thrilling 30-meter descent with ropes and harnesses. This route is ideal for experienced explorers, adventurous travelers, or those who have already completed the Blue Route.

Plan to arrive at least one hour early to park your car, take the free shuttle bus from the parking area to the cave entrance, and change into your gear. The tour provides a helmet, overalls, boots, and headgear. It’s recommended that you bring a change of clothes, rubber gloves, and toiletries if you plan to use the showers available at the cave entrance.

Tickets for the Frasassi Caves tour

There are two ways to buy tickets for the Frasassi Caves tour: online through the official website, or onsite at the ticket office. Keep in mind that tickets are not sold at the cave entrance, but at the parking area about 1.5 kilometers away.

From there, free shuttle buses take you to the entrance. We recommend buying tickets for the Frasassi Caves online to secure your spot, especially in high season. If you decide to buy on the spot, you need to do so at least 30 minutes before your tour time and factor in the shuttle transfer.

If you book online, you can go directly to the Frasassi Caves Entrance Car Park in San Vittore delle Chiuse. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the time on your ticket. Head straight to the shuttle bus point without queuing at the ticket office. You can show your ticket in digital format, so there’s no need to print it.

Ticket prices for the Frasassi Caves tour:

• Adults: EUR 20
• Reduced (between 15 and 25 and over 65): EUR 18 
• Children (between 6 and 14 years): EUR 14
• Children under 6 and residents of Genga: free

For the speleological routes (Blue and Red), tickets include a guide and all the necessary equipment mentioned earlier. Reservations must be made by phone at the toll-free number 800 166 250 (or +39 0732 90090 if calling from abroad) at least three days in advance. While there are no fixed dates, the routes are usually organized on Saturdays and Sundays, though weekday tours may be available depending on demand.

Practical tips for your visit

• Temperature: The caves stay at a constant 14°C all year round. Bring a sweater or light jacket and wear comfortable, closed shoes.
• Facilities: There are no toilets inside the caves, so make sure to go beforehand. Restrooms are available near the tour entrance.
• Photography: Flash is not allowed inside the caves.
• Respect the environment: Do not touch the formations. Even a small touch can damage them!
• Closures: The caves and museums are closed from 7 to 30 January, as well as on December 4 and December 25.
• Pets: Dogs are only allowed if carried in a pet carrier. For larger dogs, there are three lockable dog boxes available at the ticket office parking area.

Things to do near the caves

If you’re planning a visit to the Frasassi Caves, it’s worth spending some extra time in the area. Here are some highlights nearby:

• Valadier Temple and the Hermitage of Santa Maria infra Saxa: Just a short drive from the caves, you’ll find the impressive Valadier Temple built inside a limestone cave, next to the ancient Hermitage of Santa Maria infra Saxa. If you can show you’ve visited the Frasassi Caves, you get a discount. Make sure to check out our guide to the Valadier Temple for more information.
• San Vittore alle Chiuse Abbey: This Romanesque abbey dates back to the 11th century and sits at the base of the gorge.
• Genga: A small medieval village worth exploring, with narrow streets and historic buildings.
• Nature walks: The caves are located within the Parco Naturale Regionale della Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi, a regional park full of scenic hiking trails. 

Where to stay near the Frasassi Caves

If you want to stay as close as possible to the caves, the best option is Hotel Terme di Frasassi in Genga. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the entrance and offers modern rooms, a hot spring bath, swimming pool, terrace, and an on-site restaurant.

Another good choice is to base yourself in Fabriano, a small city about a 20-minute drive from the caves. Here you’ll find more accommodation options and restaurants. La Castellaia Resort is a great place to stay, with comfortable rooms, a pool, and a family-friendly restaurant. Another great option is Marchese Del Grillo, a stunning property set in an historic building. It features an infinity pool and a traditional restaurant.