Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Combine both caves into one morning trip. Arrive prepared for high humidity underground and bright sunlight on the water.
Getting there
Driving is the fastest option, but local buses and coach tours are readily available.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car: Drive to Karavomylos near Sami. Ample free parking is available right outside both caves. | 35-40 mins from Argostoli | Free parking | Driving yourself allows you to arrive early or right at peak sunlight and skip the tour bus schedules. |
| Tour: Join a half-day or full-day coach excursion from Argostoli or cruise port that includes both caves. | 4-5 hours round trip | 40-60 EUR | Very popular for cruise ship passengers. Some include entry fees, others require you to pay at the door. |
| Bus: KTEL local bus from Argostoli to Sami. | 1 hour | Approx 4 EUR | Requires a 2km walk or short taxi ride from Sami to Melissani, and another 3km to Drogarati. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best months to visit are June through September. Visit Melissani between 11:30 and 14:00. This is when sunlight hits the water directly, creating the brightest blue colors.
What to bring
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Drogarati maintains a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius (64F).
Bring a light jacket or sweater.
How the day runs
Use these itineraries to schedule your cave exploration.
Drive yourself to beat the tour buses and time the sunlight perfectly.
- Arrive at Drogarati
Park free and walk down the 60-meter staircase.
- Explore the Chamber
Spend 20 minutes viewing the massive stalactites.
- Drive to Melissani
Make the 3-kilometer drive to the second cave.
- Rowboat Tour
Board a wooden boat during optimal sunlight hours.
A typical timeline if you book a guided shore excursion.
- Port Pickup
Meet your coach at the Argostoli Cruise Terminal.
- Drogarati Visit
Tour the dry cavern with your group.
- Melissani Lake
Queue for the mandatory rowboat tour.
- Return to Port
Arrive back at your cruise ship.
Practical Advice
Always bring Euro cash. Small vendors and ticket booths may not always accept cards. Wear non-slip walking shoes. The stairs in Drogarati Cave are often wet and slippery due to the 90% humidity.
Swimming is strictly prohibited in Melissani Lake to protect the brackish water ecosystem. Drones are also banned inside both cave systems.
Easiest way to do it
The Caves ....Drogarati Cave and Melissani Lake
4 h 4.5 (439)
- Entrance Fees
- Local guide
- Port / Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$74per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
What to wear to Drogarati cave?
Wear a light jacket for the 18°C temperature. Always wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. The damp stairs are slippery.
How long do you need at Drogarati Cave?
Most visitors spend about 30 to 45 minutes here. The main Chamber of Exaltation takes 20 minutes to explore.
How do you get from Argostoli to Melissani Cave?
Drive a rental car for 40 minutes. Alternatively, take the local KTEL bus to Sami, or book a guided coach tour.