Visit Melissani Lake Cave by Boat with Myrtos View Point

Exploring Kefalonia: A Practical Look at the Melissani Lake Cave & Myrtos Viewpoint Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Kefalonia and looking for a way to see some of its most iconic sights without the fuss of planning every detail, a guided tour like this one might catch your eye. It promises a smooth way to experience the island’s natural beauty, with stops at the famous Melissani Lake Cave, the breathtaking Myrtos Beach Viewpoint, and a scenic pass by Koutavos Lagoon.

What we particularly like about this experience are two main points: first, the emphasis on comfort and ease—thanks to air-conditioned buses, pickup service, and live commentary—making it accessible and informative for most travelers. Second, the chance to capture beautiful photos with the help of the friendly driver and guide, which can make your trip all the more memorable.

However, a key consideration is the tour’s somewhat brief activities at each stop. One review mentioned that the caves felt rushed, with waiting and boat rides that didn’t last long. If you’re craving a deep dive into local sights or more time on each location, this tour might feel a bit limited.

This experience suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, guided overview of Kefalonia’s top spots—especially those who want reliable transportation and insightful commentary without the hassle of self-driving or extensive planning. It’s also ideal if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the island’s highlights.

Key Points

• Comfort and Convenience: Air-conditioned vehicle, pickup, and drop-off make for a stress-free day.
• Beautiful Locations: Stops at Melissani Lake Cave and Myrtos Viewpoint provide fantastic photo opportunities.
• Guide and Commentary: The live guide adds value, sharing details and making the trip more engaging.
• Limited Cave Time: Boat rides and cave visits are quick, which might leave some wishing for longer exploration.
• Additional Costs: Entrance fees for Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave are separate, around $10 each.
• Tour Length & Group Size: About 4 hours with a maximum of 45 travelers, balancing intimacy and social atmosphere.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

If you’re considering this tour, you’ll start with a convenient pickup at the cruise ship terminal in Argostoli, which sets a relaxed tone from the beginning. The air-conditioned bus ensures you stay comfortable as you make your way around the island, with the guide providing a steady flow of commentary that adds context to each stop.

The first highlight is the Melissani Lake Cave—a true highlight of Kefalonia. Situated just outside Sami, this cave is praised for its dramatic setting. Inside, you’ll find a lake surrounded by lush greenery and interesting rock formations. Visitors usually enjoy a boat ride that takes you through the cave’s interior, though this part lasts only about 5 minutes according to the tour description. One reviewer noted that the wait time in high season can be about 30 minutes, which might feel a little long if you’re eager to get inside. The cave fee is not included in the tour price, adding roughly $10 per person to your costs.

Next, you’ll head to the Myrtos Beach Viewpoint, one of Kefalonia’s most photographed spots. From here, you’ll get stunning views of the sweeping, turquoise bay and towering cliffs—perfect for snapping memorable photos. The stop lasts around 35 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the scenery and perhaps take some selfies or just marvel at the landscape. The beach itself is not part of this tour, so if you’re hoping to swim or relax on the sands, you’ll need to plan a separate visit.

The final pass-by is the Koutavos Lagoon in Argostoli, home to swimming turtles and beautiful views of the old bridge. If time permits, the guide might stop here, offering a quick look at the natural habitat and a chance to watch turtles in their environment.

Throughout the tour, the driver and guide are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. One review specifically highlighted Giorgio’s professionalism and suggestions for local eateries, making the experience more personalized and enjoyable.

At $78.25 per person, the tour is reasonably priced given the included transportation, commentary, bottled water, and the access to iconic sights. Still, it’s worth noting that the admission fees for Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave are separate, so extra costs should be anticipated if you plan to explore deeper.

What You Can Expect: Practical Insights

The tour’s duration of about 4 hours means you’ll get a snapshot of Kefalonia’s highlights without feeling rushed. Keep in mind that transportation time is included, so the actual sightseeing is condensed, which means a short but sweet experience at each location.

Group size maxes out at around 45 travelers, striking a balance between intimacy and social atmosphere, though it still feels like a busier, organized experience rather than a personalized private tour. If you’re someone who prefers a more leisurely pace or more in-depth exploration, this setup might not satisfy that desire.

The boat ride inside Melissani Cave is a highlight, but as one review pointed out, it’s quite brief—less than 5 minutes. Still, the scenery inside the cave is quite striking, especially if you enjoy natural formations and a bit of adventure. The viewpoint at Myrtos is more about the view than the beach itself, so it’s best suited for photos and admiration rather than lounging.

The guide’s assistance in taking photos adds value, especially if you’re traveling alone or with a small group. Plus, the bottled water is a small but appreciated touch, helping keep everyone refreshed.

Balancing the Pros and Cons

While many travelers find this tour offers great value, it’s fair to say some aspects could be improved. Waiting times at Melissani Cave during high season might be longer than expected, which can be frustrating if you’re eager to explore. The short boat ride and quick stops mean you’ll see the main sights, but not necessarily get an in-depth experience of each.

On the upside, the scenery—such as the stunning views from Myrtos Viewpoint and the natural beauty of the lagoon—is genuinely impressive. The guide’s friendly approach makes the journey more engaging, and the overall organization is reliable. The tour is especially suitable for those who prefer a structured experience and want to hit the top sights efficiently.

Pricing-wise, it’s a decent value given the transportation and guided commentary, but take into account the extra fees for cave entrances if you plan to explore further.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a straightforward, guided overview of Kefalonia’s highlights without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. It’s particularly good if you’re short on time but still want a taste of the island’s natural beauty, especially if you enjoy scenic viewpoints and brief cave visits.

If you’re traveling with a group that values comfort and informative guidance or are simply looking for a day that combines sightseeing with ease, this tour offers a solid option. Just keep in mind that it’s not designed for those seeking extensive exploration or longer activities at each stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from the cruise ship terminal in Argostoli, all in an air-conditioned vehicle.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, including transportation and sightseeing.

Are the cave entrance fees included?
No, the fees for Melissani Cave and Drogarati Cave are not included; expect to pay around $10 per person for each if you choose to visit them.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellation is free if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations within 24 hours will not be refunded.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 45 travelers, which allows for a lively but organized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally accessible to most travelers, it’s not specifically tailored for children. If your family enjoys scenic views and brief visits, it could work, but keep transport comfort and pacing in mind.

In the end, this Kefalonia tour offers a good balance of scenic highlights, guided insights, and overall convenience. It’s suitable for travelers who want to see the island’s most photogenic spots without spending too much time or effort on logistics. Just be prepared for a quick visit rather than a deep exploration, and you’ll find it a useful, reliable way to enjoy Kefalonia’s natural beauty.