If you are visiting Kefalonia, Greece, you can’t miss the Melissani Cave Lake. This is a subterranean cave structure with a lake that is about 39 meters deep. It is a place of worship for the Pan and Nymph Melissani. The cave is open from 9 AM to 7 PM.
It is a subterranean cave structure with a Lake 39 m deep
The Melissani Cave Lake is a subterranean cave structure with a lake inside in Kefalonia, Greece. It is located northwest of Sami and southeast of Agia Effimia. A boat tour is available to explore the cave.
Melissani Lake is one of the many natural treasures of the island. Visitors can enjoy the views and the colors of the water. There is also a statue of the Nymph Melissanthe at the entrance of the cave. Known for her love of Pan, she threw herself into the cave in order to avoid being killed by him.
Artifacts found at Melissani Cave date to the early Hellenistic period. It was once known as the Cave of the Nymphs. Today, the lake’s perimetre is about 33 km and its depth is about 13 metres.
The stone’s color ranges from stucco to honey-like brown. The roof of the cave collapsed thousands of years ago, creating an aperture in the rock. At the other end of the cave, brackish water flows out.
Visitors can go on a half-day tour that includes a visit to Melissani Cave and Myrtos Beach. This tour is popular, so booking in advance is advisable.
Another popular tour is a trip around the artificial lake. The water is shallow, but the rays of sunlight hit the waters and create beautiful colors. To reach the lake, visitors have to wait in line to ride a rowboat. Afterward, they can learn more about the creation of the lake in the village nearby.
Several excavations have been done at the Melissani Cave, revealing artifacts from the 3rd and 4th centuries BC. These can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Athens.
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece? – A Comprehensive Month On Month Guide To Greece
It is a place of worship for Pan and Nymph Melissani
Melissani Cave Lake in Kefalonia, Greece is one of the best things to do on the island. It is a beautiful underground lake surrounded by trees. There is an open ceiling and crystal clear water. The lake is a mixture of salty and sweet water.
Ancient Greeks dedicated the Melissani Cave as a place of worship to the Greek god Pan and the nymph Melissanthi. A plaque with some short inscriptions in Greek adorns the cave entrance.
According to mythology, Melissanthi drowned in the lake because of her unrequited love for Pan. This explains the name of the lake.
The lake was also used as a sanctuary for the Greek god Pan. In the Archeological Museum of Argostoli, there are findings from the ancient sanctuary of Pan. These include a clay plate depicting six dancing nymphs around the god Pan.
The ancient Greeks also dedicated another cave to the mythological figures of Pan and Melissanthi. A small islet is in the center of the lake. The remains of the temple of Pan are found here.
During the excavations of the cave, some important artifacts were unearthed. A small ceramic statue of Pan and a clay relief of a female figure are among the findings.
Visitors can enjoy paddleboat tours through the lake. When the sun hits the top of the lake, the lake turns bright blue. The water is crystal-clear and reflects on the surrounding stones.
The best time to visit the Melissani Cave Lake is midday. Although it is a popular tourist attraction, the crowds are not too big. If you are not sure what time to visit, the experts will be able to give you some advice.
Fun Things To Do In Greece – Unique Tours & Activities
It is open from 9 AM to 7 PM
The Melissani Cave is one of the best things to do in Kefalonia. It is a cave which contains a lake. A small island is situated in the middle.
If you have a camera, it is a good idea to visit the cave during the day. This will let you take advantage of the sun’s rays, which will illuminate the lake.
One of the most interesting parts of the cave is the opening in the roof. This is fringed with a variety of trees and vegetation.
In addition to the opening, there is an island in the middle of the lake. Visitors can climb to the top to get a better view of the surrounding scenery.
As far as the lake is concerned, you should not miss out on the opportunity to take a paddleboat tour. Besides being a great way to see the lake, it is also a great way to keep the water clean.
You can also visit the nearby Drogarati Cave. Both of these places are worth the effort. Besides the cave, there are a couple of other sights to see on the island.
Another place you can check out is the town of Argostoli. There is a good selection of restaurants and bars here. There is also a cinema. Argostoli has a good range of shops as well.
During the winter months, the caves in Kefalonia close for the season. However, during the summertime they are open from 9 AM to 7 PM.
If you are planning a trip to the island, be sure to spend a few hours at Melissani Cave Lake. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon. When the sunlight hits the lake, the water becomes a beautiful turquoise color.
It is located on the east coast of the Ionian Island in Greece
Melissani Cave Lake is located on the east coast of the Ionian island of Kefalonia. It is a small lake located at the bottom of an underground cave system.
The stalactites of the lake are estimated to be 20,000 years old. Melissani Cave is a must-see site for tourists who visit Kefalonia.
A boat tour of the Melissani Lake is available. The water in the lake is brackish, meaning that it is a mixture of salt water from the sea and freshwater from a natural source. This makes the water clear and beautiful.
You can also enjoy a row boat tour of the Melissani Cave. The entrance fee includes the row boat ride through the lake and the cave.
The second chamber is dark. It has many stalactites covered with algae. They are dated to the 3rd and 4th century BC. Artifacts found in the Cave of Melissani include a clay plate showing a dancer nymph and a figurine of the god Pan.
The first chamber is sunlit. From here, visitors can walk into the second chamber and see numerous stalactites.
The cave is located at a height of about a meter. There are two waterhalls inside the cave. One of the halls has a balcony built on the top for visitors to have breathtaking views.
In the 1960s, excavations were conducted by archaeologist Marinatos. During the excavations, a small terracotta statue was discovered. Also, a tray with a depiction of the god Pan was found.
At midday, the cave is illuminated by sunlight. This produces gorgeous reflections in the water below. Although the best time to visit is during the midday hours, the cave is also very crowded.
It is a must-see in Kefalonia
Melissani Cave Lake is one of the most amazing sights in Kefalonia. It is a large underground lake, with an open ceiling and a blue lake inside. The cave is located in the northwest corner of the island, near Sami, Argostoli and Poros.
This mysterious lake is 164 meters long and 35 meters wide. It is a unique geological phenomenon. In the 1960s, excavations on the site uncovered artifacts pertaining to the Greek god Pan and his nymphs.
You can explore this mystical cave independently or by taking a tour. Melissani is best experienced during the right time of day.
There are two chambers within the cave. One is open and the other is a narrow passageway. When the light is shining on the open hall, the water reflects off the crystal clear water and creates a dazzling illusion.
The best part is that there is a boat dock nearby where you can take a short cruise of the lake. Paddle boats are also available. A knowledgeable boatman will point out strange shapes in the flowstones.
Another thing to look out for is the Drogarati Caves. These are a network of chambers that contain stalactites and stalagmites. They were discovered in 1951 and are a spectacular example of geological history.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out the small island in the center of the cave. Here you will find statues of the nymphs and the Greek god Pan.
If you have time, you can also take a visit to Asos, a lovely seaside village. It’s a short drive away from Myrtos Beach. Take a tour or hire a private guide for your visit.
