What's the best time of day to photograph Melissani Cave?

Midday (11am-2pm) when sunlight directly enters the cave through the collapsed roof, creating the famous turquoise glow on the water.

What camera settings work best inside the cave?

Use a fast lens (f/2.8 or wider), ISO 800-1600, and shutter speed around 1/100s. A polarizing filter helps reduce water glare.

Are tripods allowed in Melissani Cave?

Small tripods are permitted but must not obstruct pathways. Monopods are a good alternative for stability.

What photography equipment is allowed in Melissani Cave?

Handheld cameras, smartphones, and tripods under 1m height are allowed. Flash photography and drones require special permits.

When is the best time to photograph the light beam effect?

Between 11 AM–1 PM in summer when sunlight creates the famous light beam effect through the 30m opening.

What camera settings work best in the cave?

Recommended settings: ISO 800-1600, fast lenses (f/2.8 or wider), 1/60s minimum shutter speed, and shooting in RAW format.

Media & Photos

Legend says the nymph Melissanthi still watches over these turquoise waters where she drowned from heartbreak. Today, sunlight pierces the collapsed roof between 11 AM–1 PM, transforming the cave into a photographer's paradise with its famous "light beam" effect—calcium carbonate particles in the brackish water refract sunlight into dazzling azure hues that change with the seasons.

Since its rediscovery in 1951, Melissani has captivated photographers worldwide. The 1963 National Geographic feature cemented its reputation, with modern visitors continuing this legacy through social media—over 50,000 images are tagged #MelissaniCave annually.

Visitor in a wooden boat on the turquoise underground lake of Melissani Cave — The signature shot that draws photographers worldwide: capturing visitors experiencing the magical blue waters

Key Geological Facts

Formation: 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age
Roof Collapse: ~4,000 years ago created the famous opening
Water Depth: 30m maximum, 10m average
Water Temperature: Constant 15°C year-round
Mineral Content: High calcium carbonate creates the turquoise color

Photography Guidelines

Capture the cave's ethereal beauty while respecting preservation rules and the site's sacred history:

Allowed Equipment: Handheld cameras, smartphones, tripods (under 1m height). Local shops in Sami rent specialized gear including waterproof housings and ultra-wide lenses.
Best Times: 11 AM–1 PM in summer when sunlight creates the famous "light beam" effect through the 30m opening. Winter offers softer, diffused lighting.
Technical Settings:
- ISO 800-1600 (cave lighting averages 5-10 lux)
- Fast lenses (f/2.8 or wider recommended)
- 1/60s minimum shutter speed for handheld
- Shoot RAW to capture the full dynamic range
Restrictions: No flash photography (disturbs boat tours and damages delicate mineral formations), no drones without permit from Sami Municipality.
Commercial Use: Requires written permission from Sami Municipality (contact below). Historical note: The first commercial shoot was a 1965 Greek tourism campaign.
Credits & Sharing: Tag photos with #MelissaniCave and credit "Melissani Cave, Kefalonia". Our team features exceptional visitor photos weekly.

Pro tip: When the boat pauses beneath the opening, shoot upward at 24mm (full-frame) to capture the full light beam. Bracket exposures (±2 stops) to preserve details in both the shimmering highlights and inky shadows.

Rowboat floating on the turquoise underground lake in Melissani Cave, Greece — Perfect example of the light beam effect - optimal timing and composition showcase the cave's natural beauty

Share Your Experience

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Annual Photo Contest

Submit your best Melissani Cave photos for a chance to:

Be featured in our official materials
Win a private guided tour
Receive professional photography gear

Deadline: December 31, 2025

Email entries to: contest@melissani-cave.com

Commercial Use Policy

For professional photography, filming, or commercial image use, we offer comprehensive support through our local partner network:

Application Process: Submit requests at least 14 days in advance to press@melissani-cave.com including:
- Detailed project description and storyboard
- Equipment list (local rentals available through Sami Photo Pros)
- Shooting schedule and crew details
Fee Structure:
- €50-200/day for student/academic projects
- €200-500/day for commercial/advertising
- 10% discount when booking local guides through our partner Kefalonia Eco-Tours
Local Partnerships: We prioritize projects that:
- Feature local businesses in production
- Hire Kefalonian crew members
- Showcase sustainable practices

"Our 2024 tourism campaign with Visit Greece generated 12% more winter visitors by showcasing Melissani's softer winter light." - Maria K., Sami Tourism Board

Commercial licenses grant usage rights for 1 year (renewable). All projects receive listing in our annual Creative Showcase publication.

Press Contact

Our media team supports journalists and content creators with tailored resources:

Purpose	Contact	Response Time
Press inquiries	press@melissani-cave.com	24-48 hours
Urgent requests	+30 26740 22997 (ask for Dimitra)	Immediate
Press kit	Download here (v3.2, 45MB)	N/A
Expert interviews	experts@melissani-cave.com	3 business days

"The Melissani media team provided exceptional access and context for our BBC Earth feature. Their geological insights transformed our piece." - James R., BBC Natural History Unit

"As a travel blogger, I appreciated the ready-to-use historical timelines and myth summaries in the press kit." - Sophia T., Wanderlust Greece

Our comprehensive press kit includes:

10 high-res images with full captions (300dpi TIFF)
Geological timeline and myth summaries
Approved descriptions in 5 languages
Sample social media posts
Recent media coverage highlights

Updated quarterly with new visitor statistics and research findings.

Image Gallery

Explore our visual archive of Melissani's magical moments:

July sunlight transforms Melissani's waters into liquid sapphire, with beams penetrating 30m to the lake floor - the iconic 'light beam' phenomenon that occurs daily between 11:13 AM and 1:37 PM during summer months — The famous light beam effect at Melissani Cave

Traditional caique boats handcrafted in Sami navigate the crystalline waters, their oars creating ripples that shimmer like scattered diamonds against the cave walls — Traditional boats on the cave lake

Midday sunbeam illuminates 20,000-year-old limestone formations, their blue reflections dancing across the water's surface like the nymph Melissanthi was said to dance for Pan — Ancient limestone formations

Close-up of stratified limestone revealing millennia of erosion - each layer tells a story of sea level changes and tectonic shifts that shaped this geological wonder — Geological layers of the cave

The lake's unique brackish ecosystem where freshwater springs meet Ionian seawater, creating swirling patterns visible from the viewing platform — Brackish water ecosystem

Visitors experience the cave's legendary acoustics - when guides sing traditional kantades, the sound carries perfectly across the water as it did for ancient worshippers — Acoustic experience in the cave

Share Your Melissani Story

We feature exceptional visitor photos in our monthly showcase and annual calendar. Submit your best shots for consideration:

Tag #MelissaniCave on Instagram/Twitter
Email high-res images to photos@melissani-cave.com
Include your name, visit date, and camera details

Winners receive professional prints and potential inclusion in official marketing materials (with compensation). Browse our archival collection spanning 60+ years of photography.