Argostoli: Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, and Myrtos Beach

Experience the best of Kefalonia with a well-rounded 4-hour shore excursion that covers Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, and Myrtos Beach. Priced at $51 per person, this tour is offered by Sea Dream Travel and includes transportation, a guide, and a photo stop at Myrtos Beach. It departs from Argostoli, with pickup options at multiple locations, making it convenient even for cruise ship passengers.

This tour is ideal for those who want a compact yet rundown of Kefalonia’s highlights in a single morning or early afternoon. The tour’s average rating of 4.2 out of 5 from 81 reviews indicates a positive experience, especially for travelers who enjoy guided explanations, scenic views, and natural caves.

A key strength of this experience lies in its visit to Melissani Lake with a boat trip, the impressive Drogarati Cave, and a photo stop at Myrtos Beach, one of Kefalonia’s most iconic sights. A potential consideration is that entry tickets for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave are not included and need to be purchased separately. Also, the tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing refreshments is recommended.

Key Points

• Visit three major attractions: Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, and Myrtos Beach viewpoint in a 4-hour tour.
• Price point of $51 per person includes transportation and a live guide who shares fascinating details.
• Tour departs from Argostoli with multiple pickup options, suitable for cruise ship passengers and holidaymakers.
• Melissani Lake features a boat trip through an underground lake, with myths about Pan linked to its waters.
• Drogarati Cave showcases 150-million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites, some used for events and gatherings.
• Myrtos Beach stop offers a 15-minute photo opportunity at one of Greece’s most famous beaches.
• Entry tickets for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave are not included; plan to buy them on site.
• The tour’s guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with Gerasimos singled out as an outstanding guide.

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Starting Point and Pickup Details in Argostoli

The tour begins with pickups at 11 different locations in Argostoli, including Lassi Super Market, The Twelve Suites Collection, and the Cruise Ship Terminal. This flexibility makes it easy for cruise passengers and local visitors alike. The journey starts with a bus/coach transfer lasting around 50 minutes to the first stop at Melissani Lake, followed by visits to Drogarati Cave and Myrtos Beach.

For those arriving by cruise ship, the pickup is organized with visible company logos at the terminal. Guests staying in Kefalonia hotels will be informed of pickup times a day in advance, while the overall schedule allows for a relaxed pace, balancing sightseeing and travel comfortably.

Visiting Melissani Lake: Underground Wonder and Mythology

The highlight for many is the boat trip across Melissani Lake, an underground waterway formed by natural rock formations. The underground walk reveals the cave dedicated to Pan, with stories and legends about the god of the woods and nature. Visitors often find the crystal-clear waters and the play of sunlight through the opening above to be mesmerizing.

The walk through the cave is straightforward, though travelers should be prepared for 118 steps to access the interior. The water’s vibrant colors make for beautiful photos, especially if the timing aligns with the midday sun when the water appears most colorful.

Exploring Drogarati Cave’s Ancient Formations

Next, the tour visits Drogarati Cave, a natural marvel with stalactites and stalagmites that have developed over 150 million years. The cave is spacious enough to hold large groups and is sometimes used for events due to its impressive acoustics and natural beauty.

Visitors get to see an array of intriguing rock formations, some resembling sculptures or figures. The climb of 118 steps to reach the cave’s entrance is the only physical requirement, so comfortable shoes are advisable. Many find the natural rock features to be a fascinating glimpse into Earth’s history.

Photo Stop at Myrtos Beach

The tour includes a 15-minute stop at the viewpoint of Myrtos Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in Greece. From the vantage point, travelers can capture stunning panoramic photos of the curving white shoreline and turquoise waters.

This stop depends on timing and crowd levels, as Melissani Lake may sometimes be crowded, leading the guide to replace this with a visit to De Bosset Bridge if necessary. The viewpoint provides an excellent chance to appreciate Kefalonia’s rugged coast.

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Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses air-conditioned buses or minibuses, ensuring comfort during the 65-minute return journey to Argostoli. The group sizes tend to be small to medium, and reviews mention that guides like Gerasimos make the experience engaging and personalized.

The driver is noted for politeness and helpfulness, and the overall pacing allows enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The photo stop at Myrtos is scheduled for about 15 minutes, providing sufficient time for photos and a quick look around.

Booking and Flexibility Options

Guests can reserve the tour with the advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind. The pay later option allows flexible planning, especially for travelers uncertain about exact scheduling.

Since the tour does not include entry tickets for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave, visitors should plan to purchase these separately on-site. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the nature walks and cave visits.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This Kefalonia highlights tour combines natural beauty with storytelling, thanks to guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge. The boat trip at Melissani Lake offers a unique experience not found in all island tours, and the visit to Drogarati Cave provides a deep time perspective on geological history.

The photo stop at Myrtos Beach is a highlight, especially for those eager to capture Kefalonia’s stunning coastlines. The timing flexibility and multiple pickup points make it accessible and convenient, especially for cruise travelers.

Limitations and Considerations

The main limitation is that entry tickets for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave are not included, so additional costs are expected. The walk up 118 steps to Drogarati Cave may pose challenges for those with mobility issues or difficulty climbing stairs.

Timing at Myrtos Beach can vary, and crowds may influence the experience. If Melissani Lake is very crowded, the tour may skip the beach photo stop and replace it with an alternative site. Also, the tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing water or snacks is advisable.

Suitable Audience for This Tour

This tour appeals most to travellers seeking a balanced mix of natural sights and cultural stories. It’s ideal for cruise ship passengers who want a condensed but thorough Kefalonia experience and for day-trippers staying in Argostoli. The guided aspect ensures learning about the island’s myths, geology, and history, making it perfect for those who appreciate informative excursions with scenic highlights.

Final Thoughts on Kefalonia’s Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, and Myrtos Beach Tour

This 4-hour guided tour offers a well-organized glimpse into Kefalonia’s natural and cultural treasures. The boat ride through Melissani Lake and the impressive stalactites and stalagmites of Drogarati Cave are highlights that many find memorable. The viewpoint at Myrtos Beach provides a perfect photo opportunity to conclude the trip.

While entry tickets are not included and timing can vary, the friendly guides and comfortable transport help make this experience enjoyable and straightforward. It suits those eager to maximize their short time on the island, especially if they prefer a guided, educational approach.

This tour provides good value for the price and combines beautiful scenery, captivating geology, and local legends into a compact Kefalonia experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are entry tickets included for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave?
No, visitors need to purchase these tickets separately on-site.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves climbing 118 steps to access Drogarati Cave, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

Can I expect a large group or a small tour?
The tour tends to have small to medium group sizes, and reviews mention personalized guidance, especially when fewer guests join.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking and stairs. Since the tour does not include food or drinks, bringing water or snacks is advisable.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
The provided data does not specify weather policies; it’s best to check with the provider Sea Dream Travel directly for weather-related considerations or possible cancellations.

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