Melissani Lake & Ouzo Meze
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Port
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$90
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Cephalonia is famous for its strange geological phenomena -- particularly its caves and underground lakes.
From Argostoli, the island's capital, it is a one-hour drive to the village of Karavomylos, where the mysterious, 40,000-year-old underground Melissani Lake is located. During the 1953 earthquake, the cave's roof collapsed, creating amazing light displays on the cave walls. Legend says the lake is named for the nymph Melissanthe, who fell in love with Pan and drowned in the lake when he rejected her.
A small boat will be waiting to take you on a breathtaking trip across the cave's mysteriously salty, subterranean water. You will find yourself surrounded by a vast, shimmering play of blue and violet colors, created by the sun filtering through the hole in the ceiling more than 100 feet overhead. The headwater is in Argostólion, and it enters the cave by traveling across the island and through holes in the coastline.
Your tour continues to the village of Sami, for a snack stop for ouzo (aniseed flavored liqueur) and Greek meze (appetizers) at a waterfront restaurant.
Please note: Terrain includes approximately 20 steps and a steep incline. Due to the natural environment of the caves, the steps may be slippery. Wear comfortable non-skid walking shoes.