Blog

Melissani Cave is among the most visited pure wonders, not simply in Kefalonia however in all of Greece. Whereas it was solely rediscovered 70 years in the past, Melissani Cave had been an essential place for historical individuals within the space.

Its magnificence, distant untouched setting, and mythology appeal to guests from all around the world. Should you’re planning a visit to Kefalonia, then Melissani Cave ought to positively be in your itinerary. 

When you can’t do the same old actions like swimming or lounging right here, a go to to this place is a should due to its pure magnificence. At first, we had been hesitant about visiting pondering it wouldn’t be a lot, however we determined to make it part of our itinerary, and we had been glad we did!

Not solely did we get to see the great thing about Melissani Cave, however we additionally obtained to discover deeper into Kefalonia, and see the close by Drogaratis Cave (one of many issues to do in Kefalonia we’d have by no means considered!)

Right here is the whole lot you could find out about Melissani Cave and one of the best methods to take advantage of out of your go to.

1. About Melissani Cave

Named after Melissani, a mythological nymph, Melissani Cave is an historical collapse Kefalonia. In historical instances the cave was used as a website of worship for Pan, the Greek god of shepherds, flocks, wildlife, gatherings, and rustic music.

The cave is considerably massive with two chambers and has a crystal turquoise-blue lake. All these traits of pure magnificence and mythology make for an fascinating attraction and you must take the time to go and go to this spot.

There may be a gap on prime of the cave that lets guests peer down into it from a protected statement deck. The highest opening of the cave can be surrounded by lush inexperienced timber, including much more pure magnificence to the realm.

2. Melissani Cave’s Legendary Roots

Mythology tells us that Melissani Cave is a spot the place nymphs reside, hiding on a small islet contained in the cave in the direction of the again of the lake. In Greek mythology, nymphs are divine spirits that seem as stunning ladies, dancing, singing, and tending to the pure magnificence and life within the space the place they reside.

It doesn’t cease there although. Mythology additionally tells us that Melissani, one of many nymphs who dwelled within the cave, was in love with Pan, however that love was not mutual. In despair, Melissani threw herself into the lake and ended her life, which gave rise to the crystal blue shade of the water that we see right this moment.

After listening to the story, I discovered it odd how a spot as stunning as Melissani Cave might be the setting of one thing so grim and unlucky.

3. The Geology Of Melissani Cave

Whereas Mythology might be enjoyable, it’s simply as superb to consider the scientific components that led to the formation of Melissani Cave. 

The cave’s geology is exclusive, having been shaped over centuries and millennia as water entered the cave and slowly eroded the rocks, creating the hollows of the cave seen right this moment. The lake’s water comes from springs flowing beneath the cave, which clarify why the water is so clear and pristine.

4. “Discovering” Melissani Cave

Whereas credit score for locating Melissani Cave was given to the speleologist Giannis Petrochilos, who got here throughout the collapse 1951, proof factors to historical individuals utilizing Melissani Cave for worship and rituals.

Then, in 1953, after an earthquake induced the roof of the cave to provide approach and the opening on prime of the lake was shaped, extra individuals got here to find out about Melissani Cave and that’s when it turned actually fashionable.

We headed over to the statement deck to see contained in the cave and the view was simply unimaginable.

5. Artifacts Had been Found In Melissani Cave

Archeologists who examined the cave after the invention by Giannis Petrochilos discovered quite a few artifacts, some stretching again to the time of Historic Greece. Most notable are a disc with illustrations of dancing nymphs and a clay figurine.

Artifacts like these are what lead scientists to imagine that the cave was as soon as a spot of worship for Pan.

6. How To Get To Melissani Cave

Melissani Cave is positioned 40 minutes away from Argostoli, the Kefalonian capital. Driving there may be an expertise that ought to solely be undertaken by skilled drivers for the reason that roads could be a bit tough, winding, and tough (should you aren’t used to driving in Greece, that’s).

There’s additionally a bus service that runs from Argostoli to Sami that guests can take. The bus takes lots longer although, with a median time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. We sometimes advocate that any customer to the Greek islands lease a automobile.

Contemplating the complete tour of the cave solely takes half-hour at most, the bus journey might be thought of too lengthy a journey for such a brief journey. Nonetheless, don’t let that deter you and miss out on the pure magnificence that Melissani Cave has to supply.

7. Opening Instances

From Could till the tip of October, the timings are from 9 AM until 7 PM, Mondays to Sundays. From November to April, the cave is open solely on Thursdays and weekends, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Be sure you examine the official web site earlier than you go, simply to be on the protected facet.

8. When is the Finest Time To Go to Melissani Cave?

You must attempt to go to Melissani Cave on a vivid sunny day if attainable. At noon, the daylight instantly hits the water of the lake, inflicting the complete cave to be lined in turquoise gentle.

The optimum instances to discover are within the late morning and early afternoon, particularly between 11:30 AM and a pair of:00 PM. Throughout this era, the daylight filters by means of the cave roof opening, casting a mesmerizing glow on the underground lake. To boost your expertise, take into account arriving a bit earlier to keep away from the crowds that sometimes collect round midday and 1 PM.

We visited in September and had no strains when visiting the caves, although we’ve heard throughout July and August it’s attainable to attend multiple hour! We at all times love visiting Greece within the shoulder season, due to this.

9. Entrance Price To Melissani Cave

Adults pay €7 or $7.50 for admission, whereas youngsters can enter for €3 or $3.50. An entrance charge is charged to contribute to the upkeep of the cave, which incorporates facilities such because the pier and boats. If you want, chances are you’ll tip your boat driver a euro or two.

It’s an choice to purchase a combo ticket for €10 that may even get you inside Drogaratis Cave, effectively value it for my part, however a brief drive away!

10. Exploring The Cave

When you can stroll across the space and discover the environment, one of the best (and solely) approach of exploring the cave and the lake is by row boat. You don’t must pay further for this because it’s included within the admission charge.

The sooner you get there, the higher, as a result of chances are high your boat would be the just one touring the cave at the moment. When issues decide up, 3 to 4 boats are concurrently on the lake, and the elevated exercise compromises the expertise. Every boat seats about seven individuals, so attempt to get a seat on the entrance for the unimaginable views you’ll get.

The journey takes about quarter-hour in whole and can begin by circling the open space. The information will inform you an in depth historical past of the location earlier than the boat goes into the lined space of the cave. Although in all truthfully, our information didn’t say a lot throughout our boat journey!

Issues will begin to get a bit darker right here and also you’ll have the ability to see the stalactites and stalagmites protruding in every single place. As you allow the cave’s first chamber in the direction of the second, you’ll cross a slim passageway. It would seem to be a good squeeze however don’t fear; the information will use ropes hanging alongside the wall of the cave to tug the boat by means of slowly.

After the second chamber, the boat will loop round and also you’ll get one of the best view of the day; the daylight beaming into the cave from the highest opening.

11. You May Be Serenaded On Your Boat Trip 

Hold some money on you when visiting the cave to tip the boatman and, should you’re fortunate, you would possibly get serenaded whereas having fun with your boat journey in Melissani Cave. Although we didn’t get serenaded like we had been in Venice, and didn’t see some other boat being sung to both.

12. Swimming Inside Melissani Cave

Whereas it could appear tempting, not each physique of water is meant for use for swimming. The lake inside Melissani Cave is as stunning as it’s pristine, and the individuals who maintain the cave wish to maintain it that approach.

Many imagine the lake’s shimmering look is as a result of it has remained untouched and uncontaminated by any human intervention or interplay. That’s why swimming is strictly prohibited inside Melissani Cave.

13. You May Make A Tour Out Of It 

Regardless of how stunning and awe-inspiring Melissani Cave is, the reality is your go to there received’t take greater than half-hour. You’ll have the remainder of the day to your self and, fortunately, there are many choices round for exploring.

In reality, many vacationers choose to e book a tour of Kefalonia, which can embody Melissani Cave amongst different pure sights within the space, similar to Drogarati Cave and Fiskardo Village.

Additionally, this would possibly sound stunning, however you possibly can additionally find yourself discovering a day tour to Kefalonia that may price about the identical as taking a taxi to Melissani Cave. A tour service would come with transportation as effectively, together with visiting many different sights, which supplies you much more worth for cash.

14. What To Carry With you

Carry plenty of consuming water, since you’ll be strolling round lots and it may well get sizzling in Kefalonia, so maintain your self hydrated. A pair of footwear that provide good grip can be a should because you’ll be stepping on rocks, grass, and dust virtually wherever you go.

Oh, and most significantly, don’t overlook to carry your telephone or digital camera! The photographs you’ll take right here won’t solely be Instagram-worthy however may even be reminiscences you cherish for a lifetime. For our complete go to right here, I couldn’t cease clicking away with my telephone.

15. Antisamos Seaside Is A Stone’s Throwaway

Situated near Melissani Cave, Antisamos Seaside is as fairly as some other seashore you’ll discover in Greece. We noticed it from a distance and obtained a take a look at the umbrella-covered loungers unfold throughout the complete seashore.

The view and the loungers appeared very tempting, so we stopped for a number of hours to take a dip and calm down and luxuriate in a chilly drink within the sizzling solar.

16. Issues To Do In Sami

Additionally near Melissani Cave is Sami, a small picturesque port city with unimaginable pure magnificence and a wealthy nautical historical past. After ending our drink on Antisamos Seaside, we determined to discover the city.

One attraction that caught our eye was the Nautical Museum of Sami. It’s a small, yellow-orange rectangle of a constructing, however inside are housed a few of the most stunning ship fashions I’ve ever seen in my life.

There are many different enjoyable sights in Sami as effectively, just like the Port of Sami and the Odysseus Theme Park, however sadly we couldn’t get to all of them.

17. Eating places Shut To Melissani Cave

Fortunately there are a lot of eating places close to Melissani Cave, some lower than half a mile away. However the one which stood out and the place we headed ourselves was Deco Artwork Delicacies. This restaurant does Greek, Mediterranean, and seafood delicacies and the meals is unimaginable.

The portion sizes had been excellent and you possibly can style the standard and freshness of the meals with each chew. The restaurant is sort of fashionable with locals and guests alike.

18. Go to Myrtos Seaside

Myrtos Seaside is a 20-minute drive away from Melissani Cave and, at first look, it appears unreal. The seashore is nestled on the backside of a mountain in a curve and it might simply be the backdrop to an costly Hollywood manufacturing.

We determined to finish our day at Myrtos Seaside and watched the sundown on the horizon. The surroundings and the environment made for an unimaginable expertise and an ideal solution to finish a day of exploring.

19. Different Sights Shut To Melissani Cave

We spent 10 days on Kefalonia, and we by no means obtained bored. There’s a lot to do on this Ionian Island and many different sights near Melissani Cave that you possibly can go to. These embody Karavomilos Lake, Drogarati Cave, and Vouti Seaside, amongst many others.

27 BEST Issues To Do In Kefalonia

20. Is Melissani Cave Value It?

In a single phrase, YES! You must DEFINITELY go to Melissani Cave and discover the encompassing areas of Kefalonia. The surroundings is unimaginable, and the pure magnificence is a few of the greatest we’ve ever seen in our travels round Greece. Plus, it’s one thing totally different to do in Greece because it doesn’t contain laying on the seashore absorbing tons of sunshine.

If you wish to give this place the justice it deserves, you must have a full separate multi-day itinerary for Kefalonia to soak up all its sights and sights.

21. Take into account Visiting Drongarati Cave

The Drongarati Cave, one other important cavern on the island only a 10 minute drive away gives a fascinating show of stalagmites and stalactites. Unearthed over three centuries in the past, it served the Haliotat group and, akin to Melissani, was made accessible to the general public in 1963.

Situated simply roughly 6 km away, reaching this outstanding cave entails a one-hour uphill stroll or a short 10-minute drive. For drivers, observe the indicators for Chaliotata, and make sure you proceed at a leisurely tempo, preserving a watch out for the right-hand flip indicated by a blue highway signal directing you to Drongarati.

Transport Round Kefalonia

Get a Rental Automotive

As soon as in Greece, one of the simplest ways to get round is with a rental automobile. This allows you to get to all of the locations you wish to get to by yourself schedule. A guide rental automobile can go for €15 a day within the off-season as much as €35 a day within the greater seasons and can make sure you get to all one of the best locations in Greece. Realizing methods to drive a guide automobile will get you higher costs in Europe. Should you’re touring as a gaggle, it’s value your whereas to rent a automobile in your journey.

We traveled round Kefalonia and paid €25 a day in Kefalonia in September. These had been fairly respectable offers for my part! I usually prefer to examine comparability websites so I can get one of the best costs.

When is the Finest Time to Go to Kefalonia?

Excessive season (June-September)

Like most islants in Greece, the excessive season in Kefalonia runs from June to early-September. That is when you’ll discover one of the best sunny climate, as famous above, but additionally crowds and excessive costs and the climate is HOT, particularly in July and August, so that you’ll wish to be near a pool or ocean. Resort and automobile rental costs are at their highest throughout this time. We personally traveled to Kefalonia within the second and third week of September, and it was excellent! Though I believe we might have discovered higher offers had we pushed our journey to the final week of September.

Shoulder Season (April -Could and Late Sept/October-November)

The climate in Greece is cooler throughout these months, some would take into account it rather more comfy than prime summertime climate. It’s not as busy as {the summertime}, however you’ll nonetheless see loads of vacationers lingering about. Costs on lodging and automobile leases will drop throughout this time. The shoulder season is often a improbable time to go to Greece.

Low Season (Late November- early April)

The temperatures are cooler in the course of the off-season in Greece. You’ll nonetheless see loads of sunny days but additionally many overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too chilly to take a dip within the water, however you may nonetheless benefit from the seashores with some garments on to maintain heat within the breeze. The upside is you’ll discover low costs and low numbers of vacationers. The unhealthy facet is many companies shut for the season and the vibe shouldn’t be what you would possibly count on out of a visit to Greece.

The Finest Time to Go to Greece

What to Pack for Kefalonia?

We’ve a complete packing record for Greek journey! Whether or not you’re simply visiting Kefalonia, or have plans to hit up Zakynthos, Ithaca, Corfu, and delve deep into the Ionians, this packing record is for you!