Argostoli: Shore Excursion to Caves with Local Wine Tasting

If you’re cruising into Argostoli and looking for an experience that combines natural beauty, history, and local flavor, a shore excursion to Kefalonia’s caves with wine tasting might just catch your interest. This tour offers a good mix of sightseeing at two stunning caves—Drogarati and Melissani—plus a relaxing boat cruise and a wine tasting session by the sea. It’s designed to give you a taste of Kefalonia’s unique geological wonders and, of course, a sip of its local wines.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances structured sightseeing with opportunities to relax and savor the island’s flavors. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making the journey more engaging. Plus, the stops at iconic sites like Myrtos Beach give you a chance to capture those postcard-perfect photos. On the flip side, a potential downside is the entrance fees for the caves—which aren’t included in the tour price—and can add a bit to your budget unexpectedly. Still, for those who love a blend of nature, history, and wine, this tour hits many sweet spots.

This experience is particularly suited for travelers who enjoy a good story, stunning visuals, and a laid-back vibe. It’s a solid choice if you’re not looking for full-day adventures but want a meaningful glimpse of Kefalonia’s highlights. Keep in mind, it’s best for those comfortable with some walking and small boat rides, but it’s not recommended for visitors with mobility issues.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of natural wonders and local culture in a half-day format
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and insights
• Beautiful scenic stops like Myrtos Beach and the caves make for great photos
• Additional costs such as cave entrance fees are not included in the ticket
• Comfortable transportation with air conditioning keeps you relaxed during the drive
• Ideal for curious travelers who appreciate geology, history, and wine

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Kefalonia Shore Excursion

This tour is a well-structured way to see some of the most iconic sights on Kefalonia without feeling rushed. Spanning about five hours, it’s designed to be manageable even for those with limited time. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel or cruise terminal, the journey kicks off with a scenic drive that sets the tone for the day—anticipation of caves, beaches, and wine.

Exploring Drogarati Cave

Your first notable stop is Drogarati Cave, which opened to the public in 1963 but was discovered around 300 years ago. Here, you’ll see incredible formations of stalactites and stalagmites that have been slowly formed over centuries. The cave also has a reputation for its remarkable acoustics—famous opera singer Maria Callas performed here, and some concerts still take place.

Keep in mind, there are about 150 steps leading down into the cave, with handrails for safety. It’s not a strenuous walk, but uneven floors and the climb might be challenging for some. According to reviews, visitors find the cave’s beauty worth the effort, and the guided commentary makes the experience even more enriching. One traveler remarked, “The caves were absolutely beautiful and Maria was an excellent guide. Thoroughly enjoyed this excursion!”

The Boat Ride into Melissani Lake

Next, you’ll hop onto a boat cruise into Melissani Lake, also called the Lake of the Nymphs. This is probably the highlight for many—an underground lake with striking turquoise waters illuminated by sunlight filtering through a collapsed roof. It’s a geological wonder you’ll remember long after the tour ends. The boat ride lasts about 40 minutes, during which your guide will explain the cave’s history and natural features.

Expect some waiting during the busiest months (July and August), as queues can form, but most find that the wait is worth it. The experience of seeing sunlight light up the water and the cave’s otherworldly atmosphere is often described as magical. Several reviews emphasize how stunning Melissani is, with one saying, “The caves were stunning, and the boat ride was a perfect way to experience their beauty.”

Visiting Myrtos Beach Viewpoint

A quick drive will bring you to a viewpoint overlooking Myrtos Beach, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The view here is breathtaking, with the sheer cliffs and the bright blue sea stretching out below. It’s a brief stop (about 10 minutes), but the photo opportunities are plentiful. One reviewer noted, “The viewpoint of Myrtos Beach was absolutely stunning—such a perfect backdrop for photos.”

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Wine Tasting at a Seaside Local Shop

The tour wraps up with a laid-back wine tasting, set at a traditional shop near the coast. Here, you’ll get an in-depth look at Kefalonia’s local wines—an experience praised by many for its authenticity and the guide’s passion. Expect about 1 hour and 45 minutes to sample various wines and learn about their production and history.

Travelers mention that the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm really enhance the tasting. One reviewer shared, “Their love for Kefalonian wine was contagious, and the tasting was a highlight of the trip.” The visit to this shop also offers a chance to browse and buy local wines, making it a perfect souvenir stop.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The day begins with multiple pickup points, making it convenient regardless of where you’re staying. The drive to Drogarati Cave takes around 40 minutes, giving time for some initial sightseeing and introductions. Once there, the focus is on the cave’s formations and acoustics—an accessible site for most, but with some physical considerations for those with mobility issues.

After exploring the cave, you’ll transfer to Melissani Lake for the boat cruise. This part is especially memorable for its surreal beauty. The 40-minute boat ride is relaxed and offers plenty of photo opportunities. Following this, a quick 10-minute stop at Myrtos Beach viewpoint allows for some landscape photography before heading to the final main event—the wine tasting.

The wine experience lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You’ll enjoy local wines and learn about Kefalonia’s wine culture, directly from passionate local hosts. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or cruise terminal, making for a smooth finish.

Transport and Group Size

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, which is especially appreciated during hot summer days. The group size isn’t specified but seems to be organized enough to keep the experience intimate and manageable. The guide’s reviews consistently highlight their friendliness and knowledge, adding value to every stop.

Cost and Value

The tour’s price covers most of the experience, including guide services, transportation, and the wine tasting. Entrance fees for the caves (~13 Euros) are not included, which is typical for many tours but worth noting to avoid surprises. Some reviews pointed out that cave entrance fees aren’t part of the initial price, so budget accordingly.

Considering the stops, the boat cruise, and the wine tasting, many travelers find the tour offers good value. The stunning sights and knowledgeable guides mean you’re getting a comprehensive look at Kefalonia’s highlights, especially if you compare it to booking each activity separately.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews paint a clear picture of what you can expect. “The tour was great and so was the guide,” says Pablo, highlighting the professionalism and friendliness of the guide. Jacinta mentions that she appreciated not feeling rushed, which speaks to the well-paced schedule.

Soham praises the caves’ beauty, and Alma emphasizes the driver’s skill and the overall pleasant experience. Many travelers also enjoy the photo opportunities—from the iconic caves to the breathtaking Myrtos Beach viewpoint—and value the chance to learn about the island’s culture through the wine tasting.

Some minor negatives include the cave entrance fee not being included in the initial cost and the potential wait times at Melissani during busy months. Still, these are small considerations compared to the overall quality of the experience.

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This Kefalonia tour suits travelers who are interested in geological wonders, scenic views, and local flavors without committing to a full-day outing. It’s particularly good if you appreciate guided storytelling and want a relaxed pace that balances sightseeing with leisure.

It’s ideal for those who enjoy photography, as stops are carefully chosen to maximize photo potential, and for wine lovers eager to learn about Kefalonia’s local varieties. If you’re traveling with limited mobility, keep in mind the steps at Drogarati Cave, but otherwise, it’s accessible for most.

This experience isn’t suited for travelers who want an active adventure or those with tight schedules, but if you’re after a well-rounded, memorable glimpse of Kefalonia, it’s a solid pick.

FAQs

Do I need to pay for the caves separately?
Yes, the entrance fees for the caves (roughly 13 Euros) are not included in the tour price. You’ll need to pay this fee locally when visiting.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Absolutely. Pickup is arranged at the Argostoli Port, where staff holding a ‘Kefalonia Sightseeing’ sign will meet you. The schedule is designed to accommodate cruise timing.

How long is the wine tasting session?
The tasting lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving plenty of time to enjoy and learn about the local wines.

Are the stops brief or rushed?
Most reviews say the pace is comfortable, with enough time to explore each site without feeling hurried. The tour is well-organized to maximize enjoyment.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially for walking and stairs. Sunscreen and a hat can be helpful, particularly at viewpoints.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly advertised as family-specific, most stops are suitable for older children and teens who can handle walking and boat rides. Keep in mind, some physical activity at Drogarati Cave may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What’s the main highlight?
Many travelers mention the boat cruise into Melissani Lake and the stunning views of Myrtos Beach as the top experiences. The wine tasting also receives high praise for its authenticity and relaxed vibe.

If you’re visiting Kefalonia and want a well-rounded introduction to its natural wonders, history, and flavors, this tour offers quite a bit in just a few hours. It combines scenic beauty with cultural insight, guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts who aim to make your experience memorable. Just remember to bring some cash for the cave entry fees and be prepared for some stairs—after all, part of the adventure is exploring these incredible caves firsthand.

You can check availability for your dates here: