Summary
The Melissani cave lake is a spectacular underground lake in Kefalonia Greece, with an open ceiling that lights up its stunning blue water. You can go into this ‘cave of the nymphs,’ as it’s called, and take a short paddleboat tour around the lake. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Kefalonia island!
If you visit Melissani cave at the right time of day, the ceiling lets in just enough light to make the water color go crazy, turning a transparent bright blue. This travel guide will explain how to get to the Melissani lake, when is the best time to visit, current entrance fees, best tour packages, and everything else you need to know before you go!
Best Melissani Tours
If you’re looking for the best day tours on Kefalonia island, we recommend GetYourGuide! They offer highly rated tours that visit many of the best sights like Melissani Lake, Antisamos Beach, and Assos Village. These tours usually include free hotel pickup and drop-off from most of the popular areas in Kefalonia. We’ve utilized this company for various activities around the world, and they provide excellent service.
Melissani Cave Lake: What To Expect
Melissani cave is explored by paddleboat. You walk down a flight of stairs and through a narrow tunnel into the cave, and then hop onto a small boat with about a dozen other tourists and a local Greek boatman. The boatman will circle the lake, taking you to the back of the cave, where you can see impressive stalagmites and other sights. It’s a magnificent cave with a cool temperature, and the lake is up to 30 meters deep in some spots.
This site is almost a bucket list item that every world traveler needs to see, although the boat ride is a bit short and the lake is reliant on the right lighting in order to look its best. Due to its beauty, Melissani has become one of the most popular places to visit in Kefalonia, leading to queues for entry. During high season, the line can take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes.
Even though the boat ride itself is brief (about 10 minutes), it’s filled with excellent photo opportunities! If you’re fortunate, you may even spot eels swimming in the lake. It’s a delightful little adventure! Enjoying it so much, I chose to tour the cave a second time, although for most individuals, one visit will likely suffice.
Hours & Entrance Fees
During summer months (May to October), Melissani cave operates from 9 AM to 7 PM. In winter, it’s open only on Thursdays and weekends, from 10 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee for the boat trips is 10 Euros per adult, while kids pay half price. If you plan to visit Drogarati Cave (which is highly recommended!), there’s a combo ticket available for 13 Euros, which is quite a deal.
These hours and ticket prices are valid as of 2024 but may change over time given the popularity of the attraction.
Best Time To Visit Melissani Cave Lake
The color of Melissani lake becomes stunning if you arrive at the right time of day. Mid-day around 11 AM to 1 PM is typically the best time to see the cave, as that’s when the sun is positioned highest in the sky, enhancing the colors of the lake. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest time for visits, so be prepared for potential waits.
The heaviest crowds generally occur from noon to 1 PM, so to effectively avoid most of it, consider arriving before then. If you’re not a photographer, the precise timing may not be as critical for your visit, since the lake is impressive at any time of day when the sun illuminates it!
Can You Swim In Melissani Cave?
Regrettably, swimming is not permitted in Melissani cave. The only way to experience the lake is via paddleboat, which may actually preserve the cleanliness of the water. If you are seeking a great swimming spot, consider checking out Antisamos Beach near Sami!
Where Is Melissani Cave?
Melissani cave is centrally located in Kefalonia island, near the town of Sami. Kefalonia is easily accessible from Athens, the capital of Greece, as well as nearby islands like Zakynthos. Daily flights and ferries are available at reasonable prices.
How To Get To Melissani Cave Lake
Melissani cave can be easily reached via paved roads from the harbor town of Sami. You can drive yourself there, or consider a guided tour. It’s just a 5-minute drive from Sami, or approximately 40 minutes from the Argostoli area. Utilize the map below to navigate to the parking area for the cave.
History Of Melissani Cave
In ancient times, Melissani cave was inhabited and served as a site for worshipping the Greek god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi. Greek mythology narrates that the nymph Melissanthi took her own life in the lake after Pan rebuffed her affections. The ceiling of the cave is believed to have collapsed during an earthquake, revealing the concealed lake within. It was first explored by Ioannis Petrocheilos in 1951 when artifacts associated with Pan were discovered, now displayed at the Archeological Museum of Argostoli in Kefalonia.
Public access to Melissani cave began in 1963, and it has since evolved into one of the island’s most sought-after tourist attractions!
More Kefalonia Travel Tips
Thank you for reading! I hope this travel guide for the Melissani cave lake in Kefalonia, Greece, has been enjoyable and informative.
