Kefalonia: Shore Excursion to Melissani and Drogarati Caves

Kefalonia, the largest of the Ionian Islands, is a stunning natural wonder waiting to be explored. The island’s shore excursion to Melissani and Drogarati Caves promises an unforgettable experience, where visitors can enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of these geological marvels. From the turquoise waters of Melissani Cave to the awe-inspiring stalactites of Drogarati, this tour offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and geological significance. But the adventure doesn’t end there, as a picturesque photo stop at the renowned Myrtos Beach adds a touch of coastal charm to this exceptional journey.

Key Points

• The 5-hour shore excursion covers a boat ride through the turquoise waters of Melissani Cave and a visit to the impressive Drogarati Cave.
• Visitors can experience the unique light effects in Melissani Cave and explore the stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and acoustics of Drogarati Cave.
• The tour includes a photo stop at the renowned Myrtos Beach, recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
• Transportation is provided via bus or coach, with a comfortable experience throughout the excursion.
• The tour is suitable for most visitors, but those with limited mobility may find the cave access challenging.

Tour Overview

The Tour Overview provides a rundown of the 5-hour shore excursion to the mesmerizing Melissani and Drogarati Caves in Kefalonia, Greece.

Priced from €1,015 per person, the tour offers a chance to explore these natural wonders with a knowledgeable guide. Visitors can enjoy a 40-minute boat ride through the turquoise waters of Melissani Cave and a 40-minute visit to the Drogarati Cave, known for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and renowned acoustics.

The tour also includes a photo stop at the picturesque Myrtos Beach. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this shore excursion provides a convenient and flexible way to discover the highlights of Kefalonia.

Highlights of the Tour

Highlights of this shore excursion to Melissani and Drogarati Caves include the captivating boat ride through the turquoise waters of Melissani Cave, known as the "Lake of the Nymphs."

Visitors can marvel at the unique light effects created by the sun’s rays filtering through the collapsed cave roof, which occurred around 3,000 years ago.

The tour also features:

1. A visit to the Drogarati Cave, renowned for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and exceptional acoustics, which have hosted concerts by renowned artists like Maria Callas.

2. A photo stop at the stunning Myrtos Beach, recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

3. Knowledgeable guides who provide informative storytelling about the geological and historical significance of these natural wonders.

Drogarati Cave Exploration

Visitors start their Drogarati Cave exploration by descending 150 steps into the cave’s interior. The cave, discovered around 300 years ago, is known for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and unique acoustics. In fact, the cave’s natural auditorium has hosted esteemed performers like Maria Callas.

Feature	Description
Stalactites	Hanging rock formations
Stalagmites	Rising rock formations
Acoustics	Excellent for concerts
History	Opened to public in 1963

The exploration offers a glimpse into this geological wonder, allowing visitors to marvel at its captivating natural beauty and appreciate its rich cultural heritage.

Melissani Cave Boat Ride

After exploring the Drogarati Cave, visitors embark on a boat ride through the Melissani Cave. Known as the "Lake of the Nymphs," this geological wonder features stunning turquoise waters and unique lighting effects.

The boat tour offers a chance to:

1. Witness the cave’s famous sunlight rays that filter through the collapsed roof, creating a mesmerizing display.
2. Observe the seawater disappearing into swallow holes, only to reappear 15 days later.
3. Learn about the cave’s history, including the collapse of the roof around 3,000 years ago.

The Melissani Cave boat ride provides a captivating and educational experience, complementing the previous exploration of the Drogarati Cave.

Myrtos Beach Photo Stop

After the captivating boat ride through the Melissani Cave, the shore excursion includes a brief photo stop at the renowned Myrtos Beach. Recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Myrtos offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and dramatic white cliffs. Visitors have just 10 minutes to snap photos and take in the breathtaking scenery before continuing the tour.

Feature	Description
Location	Situated on the northwestern coast of Kefalonia
Geography	Crescent-shaped bay framed by towering white cliffs
Accolades	Frequently ranked among the best beaches globally
Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, and photography

Transportation Details

The transportation for the shore excursion is provided via bus/coach, with multiple segments totaling 75 minutes.

The journey includes:

1. Transportation from the meeting point at the Kefalonia Sightseeing office, located 250 meters from the cruise ship terminal, to the Drogarati Cave.
2. A transfer from the Drogarati Cave to the Melissani Cave for the boat ride.
3. A final bus ride from the Melissani Cave back to the meeting point.

The buses are equipped to ensure a comfortable experience throughout the excursion.

Practical Information

Located 250 meters from the cruise ship terminal, the Kefalonia Sightseeing office serves as the meeting point for this shore excursion.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the tour involves 150 steps down into the Drogarati Cave and navigating uneven, slippery flooring.

While the caves offer a unique experience, visitors with limited mobility may find the accessibility challenging.

Entrance fees for the caves are approximately 10 Euros per person.

Customer Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for this shore excursion, based on 80 reviews.

The highlights noted by participants include:

1. Knowledgeable guides who provided informative storytelling about the caves.
2. The tour being suitable for families, with the caves offering a unique and engaging experience.

While most had positive experiences, some felt the time allocated for lunch was too restricted, and suggested improvements to the bus’ cooling system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Inside the Caves?

Photography is generally allowed inside the caves, though visitors should follow any specific guidelines or restrictions set by the cave management. Lighting conditions may also impact the quality and feasibility of taking photos within the caves.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as the terrain inside the caves can be uneven and slippery. Visitors should dress for the weather and be prepared for some light walking.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

Participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or restrictions regarding food and beverages.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may not be fully accessible for people with disabilities. While the Melissani Cave is wheelchair-friendly, the Drogarati Cave has 150 steps and uneven, slippery flooring, which could pose challenges. Guests with mobility issues should consult the tour provider for specific accessibility details.

How Small Are the Boat Groups for the Melissani Cave?

The boat groups for the Melissani Cave are small, typically holding around 4-6 people. This allows for an intimate and personalized experience as visitors explore the cave’s stunning turquoise waters and natural wonders.

Recap

Visitors to Kefalonia won’t want to miss this captivating shore excursion. From the mesmerizing Melissani Cave boat ride to the impressive Drogarati Cave, travelers will be awestruck by the natural beauty and geological wonders. The photo stop at Myrtos Beach completes the experience, offering a chance to appreciate one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. This guided tour provides a comprehensive introduction to Kefalonia’s captivating underground landscapes and coastline.