Melissani Lake & Myrtos Beach tour: Boat cave & swimming

Cave lake, then Greece's most photographed beach in one morning

A private tour of Cephalonia visiting Melissani Lake and Myrtos Beach, with hotel pickup and an English-speaking driver. You drift on a boat across the turquoise waters inside Melissani's cave, then spend the afternoon swimming and sunbathing at Myrtos Beach, known for its white pebbles and towering cliffs. Entrance to Melissani Lake costs 10 euros per adult and 6 euros per child (ages 6–17). Children under 6 enter free.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Melissani Lake and Myrtos Beach

• Boat ride on Melissani Lake
• Enjoy views at Myrtos Beach
• Relax and swim at Myrtos Beach

The experience

Melissani Lake sits inside a cave where sunlight reflects off turquoise water in ways you won't see anywhere else. You board a small boat and drift across the lake while light plays across the cave ceiling and walls. The geological formations and the color of the water are the draw here: no crowds, no long walks, just the boat ride itself.

After the cave, the tour moves to Myrtos Beach, one of Greece's most photographed spots. The beach sits below towering green cliffs, with white pebbles meeting bright blue water. You have time to swim, lie on the beach and soak in the view. If the timing works, you'll catch the afternoon light as it hits the cliffs and the water. The contrast between the cliff face and the beach is what makes it distinctive. Most beaches don't have that scale of backdrop.

The whole tour runs four hours with your own driver and vehicle, so you move at your own pace between stops. Bottled water is included. The driver speaks English and handles all the driving, so you're free to focus on the sights rather than navigation or parking.

What’s included

• Private transportation with an English-speaking driver.
• hotel pickup.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupPrivate

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 14 pickup points.

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

Paid on site€ 10

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Adventour

Is this one for you?Four hours is enough to see both sites without rushing, but it doesn't leave much time for other activities in the same day. If you want to combine this with a village visit or another beach, you'd need to book separately or adjust your schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (under 4).

What exactly is Melissani Lake and what do you do there?

Melissani Lake is a cave lake with turquoise water fed by underground springs. You board a small boat and drift across the water inside the cave, where sunlight creates reflections on the cave walls and ceiling. It's a geological site known for the color of the water and the light effects, not a swimming stop.

Can you swim at Myrtos Beach, or is it just for looking?

Myrtos Beach is a full swimming beach. You can wade in, swim in the turquoise water and spend as much time as you want relaxing on the pebbles. The beach is known for its dramatic setting (white pebbles, bright blue water and tall green cliffs rising behind it), so most visitors spend time taking photos as well as swimming.

How long do you spend at each stop?

The tour is four hours total with travel time included. Melissani Lake takes roughly an hour with the boat ride and the walk to the cave entrance. The rest of the time is at Myrtos Beach, where you can swim and relax without a set schedule for leaving.

Is the entrance fee to Melissani Lake included in the tour price?

No. Entrance to Melissani Lake is 10 euros per adult and 6 euros per child aged 6 to 17. Children under 6 enter free. You pay this fee when you arrive at the cave.

What's included in the tour besides the stops?

The tour includes private transportation in your own vehicle with an English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and bottled water. You don't arrange your own transport or navigate between the two sites.