Private Half-Day Cephalonia Tour: Melissani Lake, Antisamos Beach

Boat through a cave 300 feet underground, then swim where a Hollywood film was shot

This private half-day tour from Cephalonia takes you by minivan to four stops: a boat ride inside Melissani Lake's cave, the 18th-century Agrilia Monastery overlooking the island, a swim at Antisamos Beach, and a photo stop at Myrtos Beach. The tour runs about five hours and includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver. You choose your departure point: Argostoli, Lixouri or Skala.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat ride, monastery visit, swim, photo stop

• Boat ride on Melissani Lake
• Visit Agrilia Monastery
• Swim at Antisamos Beach
• Photo stop at Myrtos Beach

The experience

The day starts with a boat ride on Melissani Lake, where sunlight streams through a cave opening more than 300 feet overhead and hits the turquoise water below. After that, you head to Agrilia Monastery, built in the 18th century on the spot where a miraculous icon was found by two shepherds and their maid in 1722. The monastery sits a few kilometers from Sami village toward Antisamos Beach, and the views of the island from there are the reason most people linger.

Antisamos Beach is where the film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" was shot, and you get time to swim in the turquoise waters surrounded by green hills. The tour wraps with a stop at Myrtos Beach for photos before the driver brings you back to your hotel. Because this is a private tour, the itinerary can shift to match what you want to see and how long you want to spend at each stop.

What’s included

• Private minivan transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen location.
• English-speaking driver for the full five hours.
• boat access to Melissani Lake.
• time to swim at Antisamos Beach.
• a photo stop at Myrtos Beach.

Options for this experience

3 options

Pickup from Argostoli, LassiGuide in English · 13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Pickup included in Argostoli, Lassi, Svoronata, Spartia, Lakithra, Lourdas, Pessada and Sami

Pickup from Skala, KateleiosGuide in English · 13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Pickup included in Skala, Poros, Kateleios and Ratzakli

Pickup from Lixouri, XiGuide in English · No fixed timePickup included in Lixouri, Xi and Megas Lakos

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (4 to 95 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Rotta Transfers & Tours

Is this one for you?Because the tour is private and fully customizable, you can adjust the pace and time spent at each stop to match your interests. If you want to linger longer at the beach or skip ahead to the monastery, the driver works with your preferences instead of keeping to a fixed group schedule.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly happens at Melissani Lake on this tour?

Melissani Lake is an underground cave with a boat ride on turquoise water. Sunlight enters through an opening in the cave ceiling more than 300 feet above, lighting up the water as you float through.

Can I actually swim at Antisamos Beach, or is it just a photo stop?

Antisamos Beach is a full swim stop with turquoise waters and green hills surrounding it. You have time to get in the water, not just take pictures.

Which pickup location works best for where I'm staying?

You can choose to be picked up from Argostoli or Lassi, from Lixouri or Xi, or from Skala or Kateleios. The driver will collect you from your hotel in whichever area you select and return you there at the end.

What's included in the price of this tour?

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned minivan, hotel pickup and drop-off, and an English-speaking driver for the full five hours. Entry fees to Melissani Cave and a separate tour guide are not included.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers. The boat ride on Melissani Lake and the swim at Antisamos Beach are the main physical elements.