Melissani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece
What is it?
Melissani Cave is a stunning must see natural wonder on the greek island of Kefalonia. Located near the town of Sami, it is fairly nondescript from above. But after buying your tickets at ground level, you walk down a gentle slope towards the crystal clear blue water and wow. Heaven opens up before you! The best time to visit is around midday where the sunlight shines through the opening and creates gorgeous reflections on the beautiful water below.
Greek Mythology has it that the cave was named after the nymph Melissanthi who committed suicide because her love for God Pan was not reciprocated. When the archaeologist Marinatos excavated the islet in 1962 he found several artefacts from the 4th and 3rd century BC which suggest that this islet was a place of worship, dedicated to the god Pan and the nymphs. Among other finds, there is a figurine of god Pan as well as a clay plate, showing dancing nymphs.
To explore the cave you will be taken on a small row boat that carries 12 people each (luck out and visit when it’s quiet and you’ll get one by yourself!) The guides give some additional information about the caves during the 15 minute visit. Be ready for water to drip on you from the side of the cave and to marvel at the clear blue waters as you float around exploring this magnificent site.
There are two chambers within the Cave. The first chamber is sun-lit and the second chamber is dark and has numerous stalactites covered with algae and moss. To get between the two caves the small boat you are on passes through a narrow channel where the arched roof comes close to the head of the guide.
Where is it?
Melissani Cave is situation in the north east side of this beautiful ionian island, not far from the pretty town of Sami. It is also within easy reach of Agia Efimia and the stunning Myrtos Beach. There is good road access until very close to the cave and it is well signposted.
Kefalonia is a relatively small island so visiting the cave is possible from most locations on the island. There are also lots of other things to see on this side of the island so plenty to do on a day trip to the region. This includes the Drogarati Cave which is another amazing sight. Walk down a flight of steps (and be aware you’ll have to walk up them on the way back!) and find yourself inside the cave with big chambers and impressive stalagmites and stalactites.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to the cave is with a car rental but there are plenty of taxis in nearby Sami who would take you there as well. It is also a popular day trip for arranged tours.
Prices and Times
Entrance fee for adults = 8 Euro, children= 4 Euro.
Our 4 year old was not charged an entrance fee.
During low season the cave is only open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 10-2pm.
During the summer time, from the beginning of May until the end of October the caves are open from 9am each morning until 7pm in the evening.
What to do at Melissani Cave
There isn’t much to do at the Cave other than the boat ride but there is a gift shop and small snack shop at the entrance as well. We also spent a little time admiring the vast number of goats in the nearby field! For food and drink there are plenty of restaurant options nearby that you will pass as you go towards the caves. Also the town of Sami has lots of places to eat whilst enjoying the view over the water.
The Melissani Cave in Kefalonia, Greece is a must see when you are visiting this Island. I hope the information above is helpful!
If you’d like more ideas for European family travel check out A Day in Paris here.
