A 40-minute drive from Argostolion is Lake Melissani, an extremely beautiful lake with the clearest water. If you are vacationing in Sami, it's only a 5-minute drive. The lake flows in a cave, on top of which an earthquake created a window. During the day the sunlight shines through the hole and the view is spectacular!
Depending on the weather, the color of the water can change from turquoise to blue, green, or even deep blue. The lake is a mix of fresh and sea water, because it is fed by the sea. There are bushes and trees growing on top of the cave and inside, and stalactites and stalagmites add well to the overall picture.
Interesting fact
Melissani is covered with legends. All thanks to the disc with dancing nymphs and the figurine of the deity Pan (god of hunters, forests and shepherds) found in the cave. It is believed that nymphs have lived here since ancient times. Legend has it that the cave was formed as a result of an unhappy love affair between the nymph Melissani and Pan. Today, the relics found here can be viewed at the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia's capital.
Guide to Melissani
Today, tourists can visit the lake and the cave without any problems. Tickets are sold at the entrance. Also, there are cafes and souvenir stores nearby.
You have to go down the stairs to the tunnel that leads to the boats. This is where the interesting adventure begins. You sail around the lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery. There is a small island in the middle of the lake that is home to bats. And Greek boatmen will tell you interesting stories and legends, sing songs and take pictures.
The best photos are taken in the morning, although at sunset there is a special atmosphere. The whole tour takes about 15 minutes, but it is worth the trip. The rest of the time you can spend exploring the surroundings, which are no less spectacular.
What to do in the surrounding area
Next to the lake is the resort of Karavomilos. Here you can eat in the taverns, visit the lake with the ducks, see the watermill, go to the beach and swim in the sea. If you are traveling with children, there is a playground nearby.
This place is ideal for quiet contemplation for natural beauty.
There is also a small grotto with another lake. This place is not so touristy, the entrance is free. Wild nature, like from a fairy tale, the clearest water, in which the fish swim. Some tourists also try to swim, but the water is quite cold. There is a walking path through the picturesque surroundings.
