Melissani Cave Combined Ticket: How the €13 Combo Works
If you are planning to visit both of Kefalonia's main show caves, the combined ticket is the single most useful thing to know before you go. The Municipality of Sami, which operates both caves, sells a single ticket covering Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave for €13 per adult — and it is genuinely good value. This page explains exactly what the combined ticket is, where to buy it, how much it saves, and the rules around validity and free admission.
What the Combined Ticket Is
The combined ticket is a single admission pass issued by the Municipality of Sami that grants entry to both Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave. It is not a tour product and it does not include transport — it is purely the entrance fee for both caves, sold at a discount compared to buying two separate tickets.
🎫 Combined Ticket at a Glance
- Adult price: €13
- Covers: Melissani Cave + Drogarati Cave
- Where to buy: at the entrance ticket booth of either cave
- Validity: single entry to each cave, valid on the same day (split-day validity is not stated by the municipality — confirm by phone before relying on it)
- Reduced categories: €5 for Melissani and €3 for Drogarati (children 6-18, students, seniors 65+)
- Free admission: children under 6, disabled visitors, and local residents (proof of address required)
What You Save: Combined vs Separate Tickets
The combined ticket's value is clearest when you compare it to buying the two caves separately:
| Option | Melissani Cave | Drogarati Cave |
|---|---|---|
| Separate tickets (adult) | €10 | €6 |
| Total if bought separately | €16 | |
| Combined ticket (adult) | €13 | |
| You save | €3 | |
For a reduced-fare visitor, the saving is proportionally similar: the reduced combined ticket is €10 against €5 (Melissani) + €3 (Drogarati) bought separately. For families with children, the saving stacks up further. Even at €3, the discount is modest in absolute terms — but it is the difference between a cave visit that feels like an obvious choice and one that requires a second thought.
Where to Buy the Combined Ticket
The combined ticket is sold only on site, at the entrance ticket booth of either cave. It is not available in advance through any official channel, and it is not included automatically when you book a tour — if you are arriving on a guided tour, confirm with the operator whether the tour price covers both caves or whether you pay the combined ticket separately on arrival.
- Buy it at Melissani Cave's entrance — then use it for Drogarati on the same day
- Buy it at Drogarati Cave's entrance — same deal, either location sells the same product
- Payment: credit and debit cards are accepted, but carry euros as backup in case the terminal is down
Validity: Same Day or Different Days?
One of the most common questions about the combined ticket is whether you have to visit both caves on the same day. The municipality publishes the combined ticket as a single ticket type with no stated multi-day or split-day validity rule, so treat it as valid for single-day use unless the municipality confirms otherwise. In practice this means plan both caves into the same day — and if you need certainty about split-day use, phone the cave directly at +30 26740 22997 before relying on it. The ticket is a physical pass stamped or validated at each entrance, so keep it safe after your first cave visit regardless.
The ticket is a physical pass stamped or validated at each entrance. If you are unsure which cave to visit first, see our Melissani vs Drogarati comparison for a recommendation on ordering by light and queue.
Who Gets In for Free?
Both caves offer free admission categories, and these apply whether you hold a combined ticket or separate tickets:
- Children under 6 — free entry to both caves
- Disabled visitors — free entry; Melissani has an accessible viewing platform, though the boat requires a short staircase
- Local residents — free entry on presentation of proof of address
Reduced-price tickets (€5 for Melissani, €3 for Drogarati) are available for children aged 6–18, students with valid identification, and seniors aged 65 and above. The combined ticket carries the same reduced rate structure — buy once, save on both.
Is the Combined Ticket Worth It for You?
The short version: if you plan to visit both caves, the combined ticket is a no-brainer. It saves €3 per adult (€16 separately against €13 combined), it removes the small decision friction of buying two tickets, and it is valid for a single day so you are not forced to rush. For a family of four (two adults, two children) the saving is roughly €6, which comfortably covers lunch in Sami afterwards.
The only scenario where the combined ticket does not make sense is if you know in advance that you will only visit one cave — in which case buy that cave's individual ticket and skip the discount. See our tickets and fees page for the full current price list, and our tours page for guided options that may include cave entry in the tour price.