Exploring Kefalonia: Melisanni Lake
I have been asked numerous times about things to do on Kefalonia, so, I thought I would share some of the places that I have enjoyed on my blog for everyone.
One of the most popular tourist attractions here on the island are the underground lakes at Melisanni, around 5km away from Aghia Efimia and Sami on the east coast of the island. Open usually from 1st May to 31st October, the entry fee is around 8 euros.
If you decide to come here under your own steam, you will definitely need to hire a car. Driving on the island is not so difficult as long as you take care, like with anywhere really.
Melisanni Lakes play an important part in a strange phenomenon here on the island where water flows through a cave system under the island. It flows in from Argostoli at a lower level than where it exits. During the flow, it enters Melisanni Lake and exits at Kavaromilos lake a mile or so away. In fact, at the moment on the island (March 15) you can see the sea bubbling at Kavaromilos where the water is being forced upwards. The science bit is that the water in Melisanni, although originally seawater, is filtered in the process and ends up as brackish (freshwater mixed with saltwater). Dip your finger in the lake if you dare and taste - but watch out for the eels!!
Entry to Melisanni is down a steep slope and although covered in an astro turf substance can be hard going. There is a restaurant and car parking facility at the entrance to the attraction, so if some of your party do not fancy the experience, they can relax with a drink of their choice, ice cream or a light snack.
The underground cavern is around 100m long and is covered mostly by the lake. The earthquake in 1953 saw the roof cave in and although the lake is around 100 feet deep in places the middle of the lake is mainly rock (the former roof).
To explore the lake to its full glory, there are several boats at the bottom of the ascent to the cave which fit around 15 - 20 people each one and a knowledgeable guide will skilfully sail you around the lake for around 15 minutes, underneath the stalagmites and regale you with all of the information you need to know about the cave.
There is also an inner cave that was discovered in 1951, and here a whole underworld history was born. It is said that this is thought to have been the 'Cave of the Nymphs' after excavations found a clay figure depicting 'Pan' companion to the nypmhs. There were further findings that showed Pan surrounded by dancing nymphs and the figure of a woman. Its is believed to be the nymph called Melissanthe (which is how the lake got its name). These artifacts can be viewed today in the archaeological museum in Argostoli.
One of the most popular tourist attractions here on the island are the underground lakes at Melisanni, around 5km away from Aghia Efimia and Sami on the east coast of the island. Open usually from 1st May to 31st October, the entry fee is around 8 euros.
If you decide to come here under your own steam, you will definitely need to hire a car. Driving on the island is not so difficult as long as you take care, like with anywhere really.
Melisanni Lakes play an important part in a strange phenomenon here on the island where water flows through a cave system under the island. It flows in from Argostoli at a lower level than where it exits. During the flow, it enters Melisanni Lake and exits at Kavaromilos lake a mile or so away. In fact, at the moment on the island (March 15) you can see the sea bubbling at Kavaromilos where the water is being forced upwards. The science bit is that the water in Melisanni, although originally seawater, is filtered in the process and ends up as brackish (freshwater mixed with saltwater). Dip your finger in the lake if you dare and taste - but watch out for the eels!!
Entry to Melisanni is down a steep slope and although covered in an astro turf substance can be hard going. There is a restaurant and car parking facility at the entrance to the attraction, so if some of your party do not fancy the experience, they can relax with a drink of their choice, ice cream or a light snack.
The underground cavern is around 100m long and is covered mostly by the lake. The earthquake in 1953 saw the roof cave in and although the lake is around 100 feet deep in places the middle of the lake is mainly rock (the former roof).
To explore the lake to its full glory, there are several boats at the bottom of the ascent to the cave which fit around 15 - 20 people each one and a knowledgeable guide will skilfully sail you around the lake for around 15 minutes, underneath the stalagmites and regale you with all of the information you need to know about the cave.
There is also an inner cave that was discovered in 1951, and here a whole underworld history was born. It is said that this is thought to have been the 'Cave of the Nymphs' after excavations found a clay figure depicting 'Pan' companion to the nypmhs. There were further findings that showed Pan surrounded by dancing nymphs and the figure of a woman. Its is believed to be the nymph called Melissanthe (which is how the lake got its name). These artifacts can be viewed today in the archaeological museum in Argostoli.
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| Magnificent Melissani |
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