Shaped like the letter B, the cave is 40 metres wide and 36 metres high and 3.5 metres long. The subterranean lake has water from 20 to 30 metres in depth due to the collapse of a part of the roof.
A tunnel has been made and small boats carry visitors to admire the spectacular sight of the stalactites and the changing colours of the water. The sun's rays create exquisite colour combinations in the transparent waters of the Lake. Below the calm surface of the lake gushing springs replenish the supply of water.
There is a flight of steps before the tunnel and a few steps down to the waiting rowing boats. Even if you don't want to take the tour of the lake by rowing boat and perhaps just want to take photographs, an entry ticket has to be purchased before entering the tunnel down to Melisani lake.
Some ancient artifacts have been found in the cave which date back to the post classical and early Hellenistic periods (3rd and 4th century BC). The remnants of holy rituals from a period when faith was linked to Mother Earth, such as horns, tiles and slates can be found in the Argostoli museum.
Visiting Melisani Lake
Melisani Lake is open from Easter to the end of October. There is a small cafe and gift shop and entry tickets can be purchased at the gates to the tunnel. Visitors can use this as a 'comfort stop' as there are wc facilities housed in a separate building.
Entry fees 2005 were 5 euro adult, 2.50 euro child
Wearing flat, non-slip shoes is recommended as it can be quite slippery walking along the tunnel to the platform from where you descend into the rowing boats.
Telephone enquiries 26740 22997
