Melissani Lake & Drogarati Cave tour, Kefalonia: Swim at Myrtos

Boat across an underground lake, walk through a 150-million-year-old cave, then swim at Greece's best beach

A half-day tour of Kefalonia combines three stops: a boat ride on Melissani Lake inside a B-shaped cave where sunlight filters through a collapsed roof; a walk through Drogarati Cave with its stalactites and stalagmites down approximately 150 steps with handrails; and a swim at Myrtos Beach, voted best in Greece. An English-speaking guide and hotel pickup are included. Cave entry fees are optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, Myrtos Beach

• Travel to Melissani Lake
• Take boat ride on Melissani Lake
• Visit Drogarati Cave
• Descend 150 steps into cave
• Explore stalactites and stalagmites
• Travel to Myrtos Beach
• Relax and swim at Myrtos Beach

The experience

Melissani Lake sits inside a cave just outside Sami, a geographical oddity formed when the roof collapsed centuries ago. You board one of seven rowing boats that hold about ten people each, and the guide explains how the lake formed as the boat crosses water that reaches 20 to 30 meters deep. The cave's B-shape and the light pouring through the opening make it visually distinct from most cave tours, and the boat ride itself is the main event here, not a quick visit but the centerpiece of the morning.

Drogarati Cave was discovered 300 years ago when an earthquake cracked open its entrance. It opened to the public in 1963. The descent is approximately 150 steps with handrails installed, and the cave floor is uneven in places and can be slippery, so the walk requires steady footing. Inside, stalactites and stalagmites mark a geological formation that speleologists date to around 150 million years old. The cave itself is the draw (the formations and the scale of the space) rather than a guided narrative.

Myrtos Beach closes the tour. Located 29 kilometers north of Argostoli and surrounded by hills, it has been voted best beach in Greece multiple times and is where you swim. The tour runs three to four hours total, includes bottled water and a driver who will take photos for you, and ends with time in the water before the return to your hotel.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and return.
• English-speaking guide.
• private vehicle transport.
• bottled water.
• driver photography service.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30 and 10:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (under 12)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

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 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 13

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Thalassa travel group

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three separate cave and beach stops in one morning with hotel pickup included, rather than coordinating your own transport between locations.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 12).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the boat ride on Melissani Lake actually like?

Melissani Lake sits inside a cave where the roof collapsed centuries ago, letting sunlight filter in. You board one of seven rowing boats that hold about ten people each, and the boat crosses water 20 to 30 meters deep while the guide explains how the lake formed. It is a geographical phenomenon rather than a quick paddle.

How difficult is the walk through Drogarati Cave?

Drogarati Cave requires a descent of approximately 150 steps with handrails installed. The cave floor is uneven in places and can be slippery, so you need steady footing and a moderate level of physical fitness. The walk itself is the main part of the visit.

Is swimming at Myrtos Beach included in the tour?

Yes, the tour ends at Myrtos Beach with time to swim. The beach is located 29 kilometers north of Argostoli and has been voted best beach in Greece multiple times.

Do I need to pay extra for cave entry?

Cave entry fees are optional and chosen at checkout. The tour price covers the guide, transport and Myrtos Beach access. You decide whether to add entry to Melissani Lake, Drogarati Cave, or both.

What is included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, bottled water and transport in a private vehicle are included. The driver will take photos for you during the tour.