Melissani Cave, Greece

From series “Fantastic and Colorful Caves Inside the Earth”

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In Greece on the island of Kefalonia is a unique Melissani cave, one of the most romantic and beautiful in the world. In the cave is a lake of the same name, the main feature of the cave is a huge hole in the ceiling through which bright daylight penetrates the underground world. A beautiful legend about the nymph Melissini is connected with the cave and the lake. The nymph was secretly in love with the god Pan. And when he rejected her love, she lost the meaning of life and drowned in the cave lake.

Scientists believe that the cave was formed about 20000 years ago, due to the erosion of rocks. During one of the earthquakes, the upper part of the cave collapsed, giving way to daylight. It stains the crystal clear waters of the cave lake in bright azure color and makes the walls of the cave painted in a variety of shades. Boat trips along the cave lake are incredibly popular among tourists. The depth of the cave lake is quite large and reaches 14 meters. The water in it is so clean that even at such a depth one can easily examine the stony bottom.

At different times of the day, the light stains the cave in different colours, making it one of the most amazing natural attractions of the planet. It is important to note that Melissani cave is an important historical object. Thousands of years ago it was used for religious rituals. Unique religious artifacts were discovered in the cave. Figures of the god Pan, clay disks and plates with images of the nymphs are now kept in the archaeological museum of Argostoli.

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Melissani Cave - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Emporiki Bank' located in 5.59 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Avis Car Hire Kefalonia Sami' is located in 2.28 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'Aegean' in 0.94 km

Supermarket: 'Sami Supermarket Ltd' in 2.23 km

Apotheek: 'Farmakio' in 2.25 km

Police station: 'Astinomiko Tmima' in 2.17 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'ΕΣΤΙΑΤΟΡΙΟ ΖΕΡΒΑΤΙ, ΚΑΒΑΛΛΙΕΡΑΤΟΣ ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣ' in 0.61 km

Nearest airports:
» Kefalonia Airport EFL - in 18 km

» Dionysios Solomos Airport ZTH - in 60 km

» Andravida Airport PYR - in 69 km

» Araxos Airport GPA - in 71 km

» Agrinion Airport AGQ - in 73 km

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Cities nearby

» Guide to Zakynthos

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Best hotels near Melissani Cave

Kefalonia View Villas

Located in 0 km from Melissani Cave
Route on the map:

Rooms: 2

Elegantly decorated with well-chosen furnishings, the spacious units feature a seating area with fireplace, 3 bedrooms and a kitchen with dining … More: photo, rates and booking

Venezia Apartments

Located in 1 km from Melissani Cave
Route on the map:

Rooms: 3

Overlooking the Ionian Sea or the mountain, the apartments have a seating area and a kitchenette with fridge and cooking hobs. Each features a TV and … More: photo, rates and booking

Thodora Appartments

Located in 2 km from Melissani Cave
Route on the map:

Rooms: 22

All self-catering units open to a private balcony and feature air-conditioning, and a kitchenette with a fridge. They also include a bathroom with a … More: photo, rates and booking

Margarita Studios

Located in 3 km from Melissani Cave
Route on the map:

Rooms: 8

Each studio is painted in bright colours and classically furnished and offers a large balcony with beautiful views. In-room amenities include a TV, a … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

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Top destination around Melissani Cave - Kefallonia

Hotel complexes offering comfortable bungalows are also very popular with tourists. One of them is Minies Beach situated at the beach of the same name. The hotel offers its guests three villas equipped for comfortable vacation. Along with beautiful rooms, each villa has its own terrace with colorful soft furniture. This charming hotel is an excellent choice for fans of active leisure.
Mariza villa complex located next to scenic Trapezaki beach is an excellent choice for romantic persons or those who prefer to rest in picturesque nature areas. Mariza is also known for its calm and welcoming atmosphere and well-equipped grounds. Though there are only two villas, the hotel competes with the best luxurious accommodation places in its scale and beauty.

Mouikis eco hotel is one of the most appealing places on the island. Located in the very heart of Argostoli, it’s situated next to popular shopping streets and various entertainment places. There's also a popular beach just 30 meters away from the hotel. Rooms and public areas of Mouikis are decorated in elegant style with environment safe materials. High ecological standards represent the main feature of this glamorous hotel.
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