Half Day Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave Tour with Myrtos Swim

Explore Kefalonia’s Natural Wonders with the Half-Day Tour

This half-day group tour in Cephalonia, Greece offers a well-rounded experience of the island’s stunning natural sights. Priced at $82.89 per person, it lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours and includes hotel or port transfers, making logistics simple and stress-free. The tour visits two impressive caves—Melissani and Drogarati—along with a rowboat ride on the lake, a relaxing stop at Myrtos Beach, and a visit to the Koutavos Lagoon.

While this tour offers excellent value by bundling multiple highlights into a short timeframe, potential travelers should note that admission tickets are not included for the caves, costing 13 euros per person. The group format and driver-guided experience make it a practical choice for those wanting a taste of Kefalonia’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

Key Points

• Includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off, easing travel logistics.
• Visits Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave, two of Kefalonia’s most famous geological sites.
• Enjoys a boat ride on Melissani’s lake for a unique perspective.
• Stops at Myrtos Beach, voted Greece’s best beach multiple times.
• Visits Koutavos Lagoon, home to Caretta Caretta turtles and diverse birdlife.
• Admission fees are not included, so budget around 13 euros per person for caves.

Pickup and Drop-Off Make the Day Hassle-Free

The tour begins with pickup at the cruise ship terminal or hotel in Argostoli, with returning back to the starting point at the end of the trip. This arrangement eliminates the need for guests to figure out transportation and allows for a smooth start and finish. The small group size, capped at 45 travelers, ensures a comfortable, personalized experience, even amid busy peak seasons.

The driver and guide coordinate all logistics, giving you peace of mind during the excursion. This setup suits those who prefer to relax rather than navigate Kefalonia’s winding roads or arrange multiple transfers on their own.

Melissani Lake: A Dreamy Subterranean Water World

The first stop is Melissani Cave, located just outside Sami. This B-shaped cavern features a lake 20 to 30 meters deep, with sunlight filtering through a collapsed roof that creates a magical atmosphere. The lake’s surrounding trees and forests enhance its beauty.

Inside the cave, approximately seven rowboats operate with about 10 people per boat. The guide explains how the lake was formed and details the geological phenomena, making the visit both scenic and informative. Boat rides last around 10 minutes, providing the chance to experience the cave’s interior from the water.

However, admission costs 13 euros per person and are paid on-site, so travelers should prepare accordingly. The short visit to Melissani makes it ideal for those wanting a quick but memorable encounter with a natural wonder.

Drogarati Cave: Ancient and Stalactite-Formed Majesty

Next, the tour ventures to Drogarati Cave, discovered 300 years ago after an earthquake caused part of it to collapse, revealing its entrance. This 150-million-year-old cave features remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, serving as a significant geological site.

Visitors descend about 150 steps into the cave, with handrails provided for safety. The uneven and sometimes slippery floors mean walking shoes are advisable. Exploring the cave takes roughly 30 minutes, giving ample time to appreciate its formations and size.

Because of the steps and uneven surfaces, this stop may not suit guests with mobility issues, but those able to navigate the terrain will find it a striking, ancient landscape.

Myrtos Beach: Iconic Kefalonia Coastline

One of the tour’s highlights is Myrtos Beach, renowned for its stunning turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs. Located 29 km north of Argostoli, it consistently ranks as Greece’s top-rated beach.

Guests are given about an hour at Myrtos to relax, swim, or soak in the views. This free attraction is perfect for unwinding after the caves, and many visitors appreciate the opportunity to take photos of the postcard-perfect scenery. Travelers should note that crowds can be significant during peak season, so arriving early or late can enhance the experience.

Water shoes are recommended for swimming, especially given the beach’s pebble shoreline.

Koutavos Lagoon: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The tour also includes a stop at Koutavos Lagoon, a vital wildlife habitat near Argostoli. It hosts Caretta Caretta turtles and many bird species, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors can walk or cycle along a broad trail that encircles the lagoon, enjoying shady eucalyptus and pine trees. The lagoon was historically an impassable bog until a bridge was built in 1813, transforming it into a manageable nature reserve.

Access is easy, and the small islet in the lagoon serves as a nesting area for waterfowl, although it is off-limits to visitors. This stop provides a peaceful break amid scenic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Practicalities and Physical Considerations

The tour involves walking on uneven terrain at Drogarati Cave and some steps at both caves. Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level to comfortably enjoy the experience. The boat ride at Melissani is short but delightful, with no significant physical demands.

Bottled water is provided during the tour, but admission tickets for Melissani and Drogarati caves are not included, adding 13 euros per person for both. Travelers are advised to carry cash or cards for these expenses.

The group size makes this tour manageable, but crowd levels can affect timing, especially at Melissani Lake, where queues may form during busy periods, sometimes extending wait times.

Value and Limitations of the Tour

This group tour offers great value by combining multiple top sights into a limited timeframe, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. It is particularly suited for cruise passengers or visitors who prefer to avoid the hassle of planning individual excursions.

However, some reviews highlight timing issues during peak season, with delays and shorter visits at key sites like Melissani Lake. Admission fees are separate, adding to the overall cost, and some stops may involve a lot of walking or stairs that could challenge guests with mobility challenges.

The driver and guide are generally praised for their knowledge and professionalism, though some reviews mention varying levels of commentary and logistical delays. Travelers should manage expectations regarding timing and be prepared for crowds during high season.

Who Will Appreciate This Kefalonia Tour?

This half-day experience is ideal for visitors seeking a quick yet comprehensive look at Kefalonia’s natural attractions. It suits those who enjoy geological wonders, beach time, and wildlife spotting.

Guests with moderate fitness levels will find the caves walkable, but those with mobility concerns should note the steps and uneven surfaces. The group format makes it a good choice for social travelers who appreciate guided commentary and shared experiences.

This tour delivers beautiful scenery, knowledgeable guides, and a variety of highlights that showcase the diverse landscapes of Kefalonia.

Kefalonia’s Natural Highlights in a Half-Day

This tour elegantly combines Kefalonia’s caves, beaches, and lagoons into a manageable package. The boat ride at Melissani adds a special touch, offering a unique view of the subterranean lake.

While crowds and timing issues can sometimes limit the experience, most participants appreciate the quality of sights visited and the value for money. The scenic stops at Myrtos Beach and Koutavos Lagoon provide relaxing moments and wildlife encounters that enrich the day.

The inclusion of transportation and a guided experience makes this tour a practical option for those wanting to see Kefalonia’s highlights without the stress of independent planning.

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, hotel or port transfers are included, with pick-up at the Cruise Ship Terminal or Argostoli hotels.

How much are the cave entrance fees?
The entrance fee for both Melissani and Drogarati caves is 13 euros per person, payable on-site.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about 3 to 4 hours, but timing can vary due to crowds and traffic, especially during peak season.

Is this tour suitable for guests with mobility issues?
Guests should have a moderate physical fitness level. The caves involve stairs and uneven floors, which may pose challenges.

Can I expect a lot of walking?
Yes, the caves involve some walking on stairs and uneven surfaces, and walking at Myrtos Beach is mostly relaxing but includes some walking on pebbles.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but bottled water is provided during the trip.

What makes this tour different from other Kefalonia excursions?
This tour stands out for combining two caves, a boat ride, Myrtos Beach, and the Koutavos Lagoon into a concise half-day experience with group transport.

Is this tour good for families?
Yes, especially for families with children comfortable with walking and stairs, as it offers short, scenic stops and manageable durations.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable footwear, cash or cards for the cave entrance fees, and water shoes for swimming at Myrtos Beach if desired.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.