Kefalonia: Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave & Wine Tasting Tour

Summary

Wine caves & blue lake magic on a Kefalonia day trip

You’ll taste Robola wine among Kefalonia’s hills, step into cool monastery caves and echoing chambers of Drogarati Cave, float across Melissani Lake’s surreal blue water by boat, then wander Fiscardo’s harborside cafés before pausing above Myrtos Beach for one last gasp of Ionian color. It’s a day full of small surprises and moments you’ll want to hold onto.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the bus windows fogged up as we drove through the hills outside Argostoli — someone cracked a joke about Greek air conditioning (just open the window). Our guide, Eleni, had this gentle way of pointing out things you’d never notice: olive groves that looked almost silver in the morning light, or a little roadside shrine with plastic flowers. We started at Robola Winery, where I tried to swirl my glass like I knew what I was doing. The wine — honestly, it tasted like sunlight and stone. There was this faint smell of wild herbs everywhere. I probably drank more than I should’ve before noon but nobody seemed to mind.

St. Gerasimos Monastery was quieter than I expected — even with other visitors around, there’s this hush inside. Eleni told us about the saint’s miracles; a local woman crossed herself quickly as she walked past us. Downstairs in the cave where he prayed, it felt cool and almost damp, like old earth and candle wax. Then Drogarati Cave: echoey and strange, stalactites hanging like teeth overhead. Some kids tried clapping to test the acoustics (it really does sound like a concert hall), and their laughter bounced everywhere.

I didn’t expect Melissani Lake to look so blue — not just turquoise but shifting colors under the sunbeams coming through the roof hole. We all got quiet for a minute on the boat ride; you could hear water dripping and someone’s sandals squeaking against fiberglass. After that came Fiscardo village: pastel houses right on the water, cats sleeping under café chairs, fishermen mending nets with hands that looked older than the boats themselves. Lunch here was slow — grilled fish and bread that tasted smoky from the oven. I tried to ask for directions in Greek; Li laughed when I butchered it.

On the way back we stopped above Myrtos Beach for photos — everyone piled out of the bus at once. The cliffs were so white it hurt my eyes, and there was this salty wind whipping up from below. My phone still has sand in its case from that stop. Honestly, I keep thinking about that view whenever things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kefalonia Island highlights tour

• Visit Robola Winery for wine tasting
• Explore St. Gerasimos Monastery
• Tour Drogarati Cave
• Boat ride at Melissani Lake
• Lunch and stroll in Fiskardo village
• Photo stop at Myrtos Beach

Top questions

How long is the Kefalonia island tour?

The tour is a full-day experience including several stops across Kefalonia from morning until late afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup or pickup from your nearest meeting point is included.

What do you do at Robola Winery?

You’ll taste local Robola wines and learn about Kefalonian winemaking traditions.

Are entry fees included for Melissani Lake and Drogarati Cave?

Entry fees are included as part of your tour package.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there is free time in Fiscardo village to buy lunch at local cafés or tavernas.

Is this tour suitable for young children or strollers?

Infants can join in a pram or stroller but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

How much walking or physical activity is required?

You should have at least moderate fitness; some walking and steps are involved especially at caves and villages.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (or meeting point), all entry fees for wineries and caves, guided commentary in English throughout each stop, comfortable air-conditioned transport between sights, plus a wine tasting session before heading out to explore more of Kefalonia’s landscapes and villages together.