Melissani Cave — Attraction in Sami Municipality

Visited: June 21, 2023. The queue (line) to get in was torturous, it wrapped around the building and into the bus parking area. There were several bus loads of cruise ship passengers and no shade until the last ten meters before the ticket desk. Tip: Bring a sun shade umbrella if possible and consider a bottle of water for the queue as mandatory. Also, if you find a day when the cruise ships don't come to Kefalonia you will probably have a much better experience. It would be nice if the operators extended the shading during the busy season, we were here at the start of the season, way before it gets really busy, and were in the queue for at least 40 minutes before getting under the shade. In the cave the temperature drops quickly. the deeper you traverse the tunnel the cooler it gets. At the end of the tunnel is the lake where you are taken onto a boat and guided across the lake and around the small island with a group of 8 to 16 people plus the boat pilot. The trip across the lake and around the remains of the island is about ten minutes from the time every is seated to the time you arrive back at the 'dock'. The underground lake was visually stunning. You will probably have seen images of it on Google but it is really worth experiencing in person (keep in mind the cautions from the start of this review), you get the smells, sounds, feel, and spectacular visuals of which photos only show you a small slice. History & mythology: The cave has an interesting history that includes being a place of worship for the God Pan, the God of shepherds, flocks, open spaces, and sex. Archaeologists found evidence of worship on the island in the cave after the earthquake of 1953. The boat pilot spent time chatting and telling us some interesting facts about the cave as it is now, but what we really wanted was to hear about the history and mythology...

Melissani Cave, located near the town of Sami on the island of Kefalonia, is truly a natural wonder that captures the heart of every visitor. As you approach the cave, the anticipation builds, surrounded by lush green trees and the rugged landscape typical of this Ionian island.

Once inside, you are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of sunlight filtering through the large opening in the cave's roof, illuminating the water in stunning shades of blue and turquoise. The clarity of the water is remarkable; you can see the rocky bottom and the small fish darting around, creating a sense of serenity and connection with nature.

As you glide through the cave on a small boat, the echoes of the gentle lapping of water against the sides and the soft whispers of fellow travelers enhance the enchanting atmosphere. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling, formed over thousands of years, add to the cave’s mystical allure. Each turn reveals new formations and hidden nooks, making each moment feel like a discovery.

The experience is not just visual; it’s also deeply sensory. The cool breeze coming from the cave contrasts beautifully with the warm sun outside, offering a refreshing break. You may even catch the faint sound of water dripping, a reminder of the cave's age and the forces of nature that created it.

Don't forget to take a moment to simply soak it all in — the beauty, the tranquility, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring such an extraordinary place. Your visit to Melissani Cave is bound to be a highlight of your travels, leaving you with memories of its breathtaking beauty long after...

Melissani Cave is undeniably a natural wonder and well worth a visit, earning a solid four stars from me. The cave is absolutely stunning, especially when the sun's rays penetrate the open roof, illuminating the incredibly clear, turquoise waters with a surreal, glowing effect. It's truly mesmerizing to glide across the water in the small boats, and our guide did a good job explaining the cave's history, including how it's named after the nymph Melissani, who, according to myth, drowned herself here out of unrequited love for Pan. The story adds a layer of mystical allure to an already magical place. However, while the beauty is undeniable, the experience itself is quite brief. The boat ride around the cave lasts only about five to ten minutes, which, for the price of admission, feels a bit short. This brings me to my main caveat: it absolutely does not worth waiting for hours in a queue to experience this. We saw incredibly long lines, and for a five-minute ride, that kind of wait would severely diminish the enjoyment. My advice is to try and visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times. If you can get in with a reasonable wait, Melissani Cave is a uniquely beautiful place to witness nature's artistry. Just manage your expectations regarding the duration of the visit and you'll...