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Melissani Cave
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Lake
Melissani Cave, located on the island of Kefalonia, is a world-renowned natural wonder featuring a memorable subterranean lake. The cave was rediscovered in 1951 by speologist Giannis Petrocheilos and opened to the public in 1963. Its most striking feature is the large circular opening in the ceiling, created when the roof collapsed during the 1953 Ionian earthquake. This allows sunlight to flood the cavern, creating magical reflections and bustling blue hues in the crystal-clear waters below. The lake contains brackish water, which travels underground from the Katavothres near Argostoli across the entire island before emerging here. Archaeological excavations revealed that the cave was an ancient place of worship for the god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi, giving the site its name. Visitors typically explore the two chambers of the cave by small boats to view the intricate stalactites and the varying depths of the lake.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Maritime Museum · Paralia Agia Paraskevi · Karavomilos Beach
- Nearby: Agia Efimia (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 19 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 24 | 21 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 119 | 93 | 76 | 45 | 29 | 19 | 12 | 19 | 77 | 103 | 129 | 149 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The well-known cave on Kefalonia is easily accessible and located just a short, comfortable drive from the port town of Sami. A paved road leads directly to the reception area, making arrival by car or organized tour bus completely uncomplicated.
Best season
A visit is most impressive in the summer months right around midday, as the vertical sunlight perfectly illuminates the glowing water. Outside the peak season, however, opening hours can be somewhat limited or irregular due to weather conditions.
Terrain & paths
Access is via an artificially created, gently sloping tunnel with steps down to the actual surface of the subterranean water. The further exploration of the magical underground lake then takes place exclusively seated comfortably in small rowboats.
What to bring
Since the steps down are often quite slippery due to the dampness, non-slip footwear is highly recommended for a safe and secure grip. The most important thing for this excursion is a good camera to capture the unique, vivid play of colors in the water.
Parking
Right at the entrance area, there is a large, generously laid-out parking lot designed to accommodate the multitude of cars and tour buses. During the busy summer peak season, this lot can sometimes become very full and bustling despite its large size.
Safety
Inside the cave and on the way down, visitors should always move carefully and strictly follow the instructions of the experienced boat guides. Special attention must be paid to the slippery nature of the paths caused by the omnipresent dampness.
Time needed
The actual visit, including the leisurely boat ride, is usually quite short and is typically completed in just about 1 to 2 hours in total. The brief duration of the stay makes the cave absolutely well-suited as a stopover on a more comprehensive island tour.
Geography
Facts
- Rediscovered in 1951 by speleologist Giannis Petrocheilos
- The roof partially collapsed during the 1953 earthquake
- Maximum depth of the underground lake is 39 meters
- Water is brackish, traveling underground across the island
- Ancient sanctuary dedicated to Pan and nymph Melissanthi
- Located near the village of Karavomylos on Kefalonia
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Melissani Cave (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to visit?
Between 12:00 and 14:00, when sunlight falls directly through the ceiling opening onto the blue water.
Is a boat tour offered?
Yes, the entrance fee includes a short guided boat tour across the underground lake.
Where is the Melissani Cave located?
It is located on the island of Kefalonia, near the village of Karavomylos near Sami.
Is the water in the cave fresh water?
It is brackish water, a mixture of seawater and freshwater coming from the mountains.
Is the cave suitable for children?
Yes, access is easy and the short boat ride is a fascinating experience for families.
Melissani Cave: where is it located?
Melissani Cave is located in Greece.
Melissani Cave: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maritime Museum, Paralia Agia Paraskevi, Karavomilos Beach.
Melissani Cave: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Melissani Cave: why is it worth visiting?
Melissani Cave, located on the island of Kefalonia, is a world-renowned natural wonder featuring a memorable subterranean lake.
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