Drogarati Cave & Melissani Lake tour from Argostoli

Walk through stalactite chambers, then row across an underground lake lit by daylight

A half-day coach tour from Argostoli that visits two of Kefalonia's natural cave systems: Drogarati Cave, where you walk through chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, and Melissani Lake, where you board a traditional rowing boat for a guided crossing of the underground lake. The tour includes a photo stop at Myrtos Beach and returns to Argostoli by coach. A live guide in your chosen language (English, Spanish, Italian or German) leads the group. Hotel or port pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake

• Travel by coach from Argostoli
• Explore Drogarati Cave chambers
• Take boat ride on Melissani Lake
• Photo stop at Myrtos Beach viewpoint
• Return to Argostoli by coach

The experience

You're picked up from your hotel or Argostoli Port and travel by air-conditioned coach to Drogarati Cave, where a local guide walks you through its interior chambers. The cave is known for its dramatic stalactites and stalagmites (mineral deposits built up over thousands of years), and for its acoustics. The guide explains how the formations developed as you move through the different sections, with the main chamber being the largest and most visually striking. The cave has steps and uneven surfaces, so comfortable walking shoes matter.

From Drogarati, the coach takes you to Melissani Lake, an underground lake inside a cave system. Here you board a small traditional rowing boat (the only boat experience on the tour) for a guided crossing that lasts roughly 10 to 15 minutes. The local boatman navigates the crystal-clear water and shares the mythology and history of the lake as you move through it. The sunlight streams through an opening in the cave roof above, creating the turquoise and blue colors the lake is known for. This part of the tour is shared with other visitors.

On the return journey to Argostoli, the coach makes a photo stop at Myrtos Beach, one of Greece's most recognizable viewpoints. You get time to capture the contrast between the white limestone cliffs and the deep blue Ionian Sea before heading back. Total driving time during the tour is roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. During peak summer months (July and August) or when multiple cruise ships dock at Argostoli, the caves can draw large crowds, which may mean longer waits at the entrances.

What’s included

• Entrance fees to both caves.
• local guide in your chosen language.
• hotel or port pickup and drop-off from Argostoli.
• air-conditioned coach transport.
• and a short traditional rowing boat ride inside Melissani Lake.

Options for this experience

4 options

German Guided TourAvailable from 20 Apr 2027Guiding is in German. Depending on group makeup, guiding may be offered in more than one language. Pickup is included.

Italian Guided TourAvailable from 30 Apr 2027Guiding is in Italian. Depending on group makeup, guiding may be offered in more than one language. Pickup is included.

English Guided TourAvailable from 13 Nov · 09:00Guiding is in English. Depending on group makeup, guiding may be offered in more than one language. Pickup is included.

Spanish Guided TourAvailable from 7 Oct 2027The guide speaks Spanish. Includes pickup.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFridayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 13 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Child (6 to 16 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 48

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Avalon Travel Kefalonia

Is this one for you?Choose the language that matches your group when you book, since the guide speaks only one language per departure. If you have mobility concerns, note that both caves involve steps and uneven surfaces, so moderate physical fitness and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In Spanish, German and Italian. In English, at 09:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What exactly is inside Drogarati Cave that makes it worth visiting?

Drogarati Cave contains intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations built up over thousands of years by mineral-rich water. The main chamber is particularly large and known for the quality of its stalactites. The cave is also renowned for its acoustics.

Do I get to swim or wade in Melissani Lake, or just look at it?

You board a traditional rowing boat for a guided crossing of Melissani Lake. The boat ride lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes and is the only water experience included on the tour. You do not swim or wade: the boatman rows you across the underground lake while sharing its history and mythology.

How long is the tour, and how much of that is actually driving?

The tour runs for 4 hours total. Driving time during the tour is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, split between the journey to the caves, between the two sites, and the return to Argostoli. If you arrange pickup outside Argostoli, additional transfer time to and from your location is not included in the 4-hour duration.

What is Myrtos Beach and why is there a stop there?

Myrtos Beach is one of Greece's most iconic viewpoints, known for its striking white cliffs and deep blue Ionian Sea. The tour includes a photo stop there on the return journey so you can capture the landscape before heading back to Argostoli.

Is the boat ride inside Melissani Lake crowded?

The boat ride is shared with other visitors. During peak summer months (July and August) or when multiple cruise ships arrive at Argostoli Port, both caves can become very busy, which may result in longer waiting times at the entrances.