Melissani Cave: A Magical Underground Lake in Kefalonia
Step into a world of wonder as sunlight filters through the collapsed roof of Melissani Cave, illuminating the crystal-clear turquoise waters below. The air is cool and carries a faint mineral scent, while the gentle lapping of water against the wooden boats creates a soothing rhythm. This natural masterpiece offers one of Greece's most unforgettable experiences.
Follow all guide instructions for cave preservation
2025 Visitor Information
Current Prices & Tickets
Adults: €10 per person
Children (6-12 years): €5 per person
Children under 6: FREE admission
Combo Ticket with Drogarati Cave: €13 (excellent value - saves €2)
Groups (10+ people): Contact for special rates
Operating Hours 2025
Peak Season (June-September): 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Shoulder Season (April-May, October): 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Winter Season (November-March): 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing
Tour Experience Details
Duration: 15-minute guided boat tour with expert commentary
Boat Capacity: Maximum 12 passengers for intimate experience
Best lighting: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM for optimal sunlight effects
Early morning advantage: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM for fewer crowds
Professional guides: Licensed local experts with geological knowledge
Advance Booking Recommendations
Peak Season (July-August): Book 2-3 days in advance
Midday visits (11 AM - 3 PM): Expect 30-45 minute wait times
Group bookings: Contact cave office for guaranteed time slots
Same-day tickets: Available but limited during peak periods
Experience the Cave
Watch our boat tour video to see the experience
Visitor Guidelines & Safety
To ensure everyone's safety and protect this fragile environment, we kindly ask visitors to follow these guidelines:
Safety Requirements
Life jackets are provided and must be worn for your safety
Please remain seated and hold on during the boat ride as the water can be unexpectedly choppy
Children must be closely supervised near the water at all times
Visitors must be able to safely board and exit small boats (assistance available)
Not recommended for severe claustrophobia or mobility limitations
Environmental Protection
Swimming isn't permitted to protect the delicate ecosystem - the water's purity is carefully maintained
We ask that you refrain from touching the cave walls to preserve their natural beauty
No littering - all waste must be carried out
No feeding or disturbing wildlife
Use designated paths and platforms only
Photography Guidelines
Photography is encouraged (without flash or tripods) to capture your memories
Respect other visitors when taking photos
Video recording allowed but please be mindful of others
Professional photography requires advance permission
Accessibility Information
Cave entrance accessible via stairs (approximately 20 meters down)
Wheelchair accessible to cave entrance only
Boat tours not accessible for wheelchair users
Handrails provided on pathways
Staff assistance available for visitors with mobility concerns
Our experienced guides are happy to answer questions and will ensure everyone has an enjoyable, safe experience. These measures help preserve Melissani Cave for future generations to enjoy.
Geology & Formation
Melissani Cave was formed approximately 20,000 years ago through a combination of geological processes:
The cave was created by chemical dissolution of the limestone bedrock
Earthquakes caused the roof to collapse, creating the famous skylight
The lake formed from brackish water - a mix of fresh water and seawater
Unique mineral deposits create the water's vivid coloration
The cave system extends much further than the visible lake, with underwater passages connecting to the sea.
History & Mythology
Melissani Cave has captivated visitors for centuries:
Named after the nymph Melissani from Greek mythology
Rediscovered in 1951 by speleologist Giannis Petrocheilos
Opened to the public in 1963 after safety improvements
Featured in several films and documentaries about Greece
Local legend says the cave was home to nymphs who would punish those who disturbed their waters.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Melissani Cave
From Argostoli (Capital): 28 km (35-minute drive) via scenic coastal road
From Kefalonia Airport: 36 km (45-minute drive) via EO90 highway
From Sami Port: 2 km (5-minute drive or 20-minute walk)
Parking: Free designated parking area (50 spaces)
Public Transport: KTEL bus from Argostoli to Sami (limited schedule)
Combination Visits
Drogarati Cave: 4 km away (10-minute drive) - Perfect combination with underground lakes and stalactite formations
Antisamos Beach: 6 km away (featured in Captain Corelli's Mandolin)
Myrtos Beach: 30 km away (world-famous beach with dramatic views)
Sami Village: 2 km away (traditional harbor town with restaurants and shops)
Facilities & Services
Visitor Center: Information, tickets, and cave history displays
Restrooms: Clean, modern facilities available
Café & Snacks: Light refreshments and beverages
Souvenir Shop: Local products and cave memorabilia
First Aid: Trained staff and emergency equipment on-site
Weather Considerations
Cave Temperature: Constant 18°C (64°F) year-round
Light Jacket Recommended: Especially for children and during summer visits
Cancellations: Tours may be cancelled during severe weather or high winds
Best Weather: Sunny days provide optimal lighting effects
Frequently Asked Questions 2025
How deep is Melissani Cave?
The lake reaches depths of up to 30 meters (98 feet), though the boat tours stay in shallower areas for safety. The visible underwater formations extend much deeper, creating the cave's mysterious blue appearance.
Can you swim in Melissani Cave?
No, swimming is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem and maintain water purity. The brackish water system is carefully preserved for future generations.
What's the best time to visit for lighting?
Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) offers the most dramatic lighting when direct sunlight creates magical blue illumination. However, early morning visits (8:00-10:00 AM) provide fewer crowds and peaceful atmosphere.
Is photography allowed in the cave?
Yes, photography and video recording are encouraged! Please avoid using flash to preserve the natural lighting effects and respect other visitors. Tripods are not permitted due to space limitations.
How long does the boat tour last?
The guided boat tour lasts approximately 15 minutes, covering the main chamber with detailed commentary about geology, mythology, and conservation efforts.
Is advance booking necessary?
During peak season (July-August), advance booking is strongly recommended, especially for midday visits. Shoulder seasons offer more flexibility with same-day tickets usually available.
Are children allowed on the boat tours?
Children are welcome but must be able to safely board and sit in the boat. Children under 6 enter free, while 6-12 years receive discounted pricing. Life jackets are provided for all ages.
What should I bring for my visit?
Bring a light jacket (cave temperature is 18°C), comfortable walking shoes for steps, camera or phone for photos, and cash for tickets and parking. Sunscreen is recommended for the walk to the entrance.
How does the combo ticket with Drogarati Cave work?
The €13 combo ticket saves €2 compared to separate purchases and can be used on the same day or different days. Both caves offer completely different underground experiences.
Is the cave accessible for people with disabilities?
The cave entrance is accessible via stairs with handrails, but boat tours require the ability to safely board small watercraft. Wheelchair access is available to the cave entrance viewing area only.
Related Visitor Guides
Enhance your Kefalonia adventure with these comprehensive guides:
Drogarati Cave Guide - Combine your visit with Kefalonia's spectacular stalactite cave
Video Transcript: Melissani Cave Boat Tour Experience
This video showcases the breathtaking experience of touring Melissani Cave's underground lake by boat. The footage begins at the cave entrance where visitors board traditional wooden boats operated by experienced local guides. As the boat glides across the crystal-clear turquoise waters, sunlight streams through the collapsed roof opening, creating spectacular lighting effects that illuminate the cave's limestone walls and underwater formations.
The video captures the unique geological features of this 20,000-year-old cave system, including the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia. The brackish water, a mixture of fresh and seawater, creates the distinctive blue-green coloration that makes Melissani Cave famous worldwide. Visitors can see the incredible depth of the lake, which reaches up to 30 meters in some areas, though the boat tours remain in the safer shallow sections.
Throughout the 15-minute journey, the guide explains the cave's formation through limestone dissolution and tectonic activity, as well as its mythological significance in Greek culture. The video demonstrates the optimal lighting conditions that occur between 11 AM and 1 PM when direct sunlight creates the most dramatic visual effects. The peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by the gentle lapping of water against the boat and the cool cave temperature of 18°C, provides visitors with an unforgettable natural experience.
The footage also highlights the conservation efforts in place to protect this fragile ecosystem, showing how visitors must wear life jackets and follow strict guidelines to preserve the cave's pristine condition for future generations. This underground wonder represents one of Kefalonia's most significant geological and tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique beauty.
