MELISSANI CAVE - FACT SHEET

BASIC INFORMATION:
Name: Melissani Cave (Melissani Lake Cave)
Location: Near Sami, Kefalonia, Greece
Coordinates: 38.2625°N, 20.6614°E
Type: Underground lake cave system

GEOLOGICAL DATA:
Formation age: Approximately 20,000 years ago
Roof collapse: ~4,000 years ago
Cave length: 150 meters
Lake length: 100 meters  
Maximum depth: 30 meters (98 feet)
Average depth: 10 meters (33 feet)
Water temperature: Constant 15°C (59°F)
Air temperature: 18°C (64°F) year-round
Water type: Brackish (mix of fresh and sea water)

VISITOR STATISTICS:
Annual visitors: 200,000+
Peak season: June - August
Tour duration: 15 minutes
Tour capacity: 8-12 people per boat
Daily tours: 50-80 (depending on season)

OPENING HOURS:
May - October: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
November - April: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: December 25, January 1

TICKET PRICES (2025):
Adults: €7
Children (6-12): €4
Children under 6: Free
Group rates available for 15+ people

BEST VISITING TIMES:
Optimal lighting: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Less crowded: Early morning (8:30-10:00 AM)
Photography: Midday for dramatic light effects

ACCESSIBILITY:
- 100 steps down to cave entrance
- Life jackets provided for all visitors
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Children must be supervised

HISTORICAL MILESTONES:
1951: Rediscovered by speleologist Giannis Petrocheilos
1963: Opened to public
1963: Featured in National Geographic
1974: Safety improvements completed
2010: Modern visitor facilities added

MYTHOLOGY:
Named after the nymph Melissanthi from Greek mythology, who allegedly drowned herself in the lake after being rejected by the god Pan.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:
- UNESCO consideration for World Heritage status
- Natura 2000 protected site
- Strict visitor guidelines
- No swimming permitted
- Flash photography prohibited
- Regular water quality monitoring

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS:
- Drogarati Cave (5 km)
- Antisamos Beach (8 km)
- Sami town center (3 km)
- Myrtos Beach (25 km)

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Website: www.melissani-cave.com
Email: info@melissani-cave.com
Phone: +30 26740 22997
Address: Melissani Cave, 28080 Sami, Kefalonia, Greece

MEDIA CONTACT:
Email: press@melissani-cave.com
Phone: +30 26740 22997

Last Updated: January 2025