Top Attractions Near Melissani Cave, Kefalonia
While the mesmerizing blue waters of Melissani Cave are unforgettable, the surrounding Kefalonia region offers equally stunning cultural and natural attractions. This guide helps you plan the perfect itinerary combining underground wonders with scenic beaches, historic sites, and authentic Greek experiences.
Must-See Nearby Attractions
Drogarati Cave (5km away)
Combine your Melissani visit with its geological sibling, Drogarati Cave. Marvel at towering stalactites in the "Royal Balcony" chamber, renowned for its perfect acoustics. Pro tip: Visit Drogarati first (opens at 9am) to beat the tour groups, then head to Melissani for the magical 11am-1pm light show.
Antisamos Beach (3km)
After exploring underground wonders, cool off at this stunning pebble beach with turquoise waters. The scenic coastal road offers breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea. Beachside tavernas serve fresh seafood - try the grilled octopus at Captain Nikolas'.
Sami Town Highlights
Stroll Sami's colorful waterfront where fishing boats bob beside yachts. Don't miss:
Agrilia Monastery - Perched on a hilltop, this 18th-century sanctuary provides breathtaking panoramic views of Sami Bay, especially magical at sunset. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for reflection after exploring the caves.
Local Markets - Every Friday morning, Sami's waterfront comes alive with vendors selling fresh local produce, aromatic thyme honey, and handmade ceramics. It's an excellent opportunity to experience authentic Kefalonian culture and pick up unique souvenirs.
Kefalonia Film Locations - Movie buffs will enjoy spotting locations from the Hollywood film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" throughout Sami. The picturesque harbor and surrounding landscapes featured prominently in this adaptation of Louis de Bernières' novel.
Churches
Visit the church Cefalonia: Karavómylos (Καραβόμυλος),
just beside the lake in Karavomilos.
Acropolis of Sami
One of the oldest man made structures on the island, the Acropolis
of Sami is actually part of the old city wall and
defenses. Now entirely ruined it is still possible to make out the
outlines of the original structures. Visit as much for the hike and
the wonderful views over the city as anything else. Head east out of
Sami on foot headed towards Antisami and watch out for the signs on the
right pointing up the hill
https://www.greeka.com/ionian/kefalonia/sightseeing/sami-acropolis/
Recommended Itineraries
Half-Day Explorer
9am: Drogarati Cave → 10:30am: Melissani Cave → 12pm: Lunch in Sami → 2pm: Antisamos Beach
Full-Day Adventure
8am: Agrilia Monastery → 10am: Melissani Cave → 12pm: Sami waterfront lunch → 2pm: Antisamos Beach → 5pm: Sami market shopping
Transportation Options
Exploring Kefalonia's attractions is convenient with multiple transportation options:
Car Rental - Renting a car (€25-40/day) provides the most flexibility for visiting Melissani Cave and surrounding sites at your own pace. All major attractions have dedicated parking areas, and the coastal roads offer spectacular views.
Taxi Tours - Local drivers offer personalized 4-hour tours (€60-80) that can be customized to include Melissani Cave, Drogarati, and other highlights. This option combines local knowledge with door-to-door convenience.
Public Bus - An economical choice at €1.50 per ride, with hourly services connecting Sami to key attractions. While less flexible than a car, it's reliable for visiting major sites like Melissani and Drogarati Caves.
Bike Rental - For active travelers, electric bikes (€15/day) available in Sami make exploring coastal routes between attractions both eco-friendly and enjoyable, with charging stations at major sites.
Local Secrets
Beyond the well-known attractions, these local secrets will make your Kefalonia visit truly special:
Karavomilos Springs - Just minutes from Melissani Cave, these natural freshwater springs create a serene oasis. The crystal-clear waters emerge directly from the mountainside, offering a refreshing stop between cave visits.
Robola Wine - Kefalonia's signature white wine, made from grapes grown in the island's mountainous interior. Domaine Foivos winery, just 15 minutes from Melissani, offers tastings of this crisp, mineral-rich wine with views of the vineyards.
Evening Boat Tours - While most visitors see Melissani Cave during daylight hours, asking local operators about evening tours reveals the cave's mystical atmosphere as artificial lighting creates dramatic shadows on the water and rock formations.
Beyond the Area
Assos Village & Fortress
This Venetian-era fortress (35km north) offers spectacular sea views. The pastel-colored village below is perfect for a long lunch - try the stuffed tomatoes at Platanos Taverna.
Myrtos Beach
Voted Greece's best beach, this crescent of white pebbles (45 minutes west) dazzles with Caribbean-blue waters. Arrive before 11am to secure parking.
