Argostoli: Melissani & Drogarati Cave Tour with Wine Tasting

Experience the Best of Kefalonia with the Melissani & Drogarati Cave Tour and Wine Tasting

If you’re visiting Kefalonia by cruise, this guided shore excursion offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s natural beauty, history, and local flavors for just around $46 per person. Spanning about five hours, it takes you to the famous Melissani and Drogarati caves, along with a scenic stop at Myrtos Beach Viewpoint and a relaxing wine tasting at a traditional shop.

We especially appreciate how smoothly the tour operates — with comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a local guide who brings the stories behind each site to life. One highlight is the boat ride inside Melissani Cave, which makes the underground marvel feel even more surreal. Another standout is the expert wine tasting, where staff’s passion for Kefalonia’s wines makes the experience memorable.

That said, the tour isn’t suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchairs, given the nature of the caves and walking involved. It’s best suited for those who enjoy nature, history, and local food — perfect for curious explorers eager to see Kefalonia’s top sights in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Natural Wonders: Explore two stunning caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and myths.
• Comfort & Convenience: Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned bus with pick-up and drop-off from key locations.
• Authentic Experiences: Enjoy a boat ride inside Melissani Cave and a genuine wine tasting.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture breathtaking views at the Myrtos Beach viewpoint.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides help unravel the stories and geology behind each site.
• Time Balance: Well-paced stops allow for sightseeing, photos, and tasting without feeling rushed.

A Deep Dive into the Kefalonia Cave & Wine Tour

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Experience

Starting from your cruise ship, you’ll be picked up at one of the 41 convenient locations around Argostoli, including hotels, shops, and the cruise terminal. The bus ride to the caves takes about 45 minutes, giving you a chance to relax and get oriented with the landscape.

The first major stop is Drogarati Cave — a marvel of natural preservation. It’s known for its impressive acoustics and pristine stalagmites and stalactites. Walking through this century-old cavern feels like stepping into a different world. The guided tour here lasts about 100 minutes, allowing plenty of time to marvel at the formations and listen to your guide’s interesting commentary. Some reviews mention that guides are very knowledgeable and eager to share stories, making the visit both informative and engaging.

Next, it’s a short 10-minute bus ride to Melissani Cave — often called the Cave of the Nymphs. Here, you’ll board a traditional wooden boat for a cruise across the lake inside the cavern, a quiet, enchanting experience. The cave’s crystal-clear waters and the sunlight filtering through a natural opening create a magical atmosphere. Visitors often comment on how beautiful and surreal this site is, with one reviewer describing it as “one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.” The guided tour here takes about 105 minutes, giving plenty of time for photos, exploration, and even some free time to soak in the scenery.

Afterward, a quick 20-minute bus transfer takes you to the Myrtos Beach Viewpoint — a perfect spot for a quick 10-minute photo stop. The view of the iconic, sandy crescent beach below is postcard-perfect. It’s the kind of place that makes you reach for your camera — or just stand in awe.

The final highlight is a wine tasting experience at a traditional seaside shop, where the staff’s passion for Kefalonia’s wines shines through. You’ll get an in-depth look at local varieties, and sample some in a relaxed setting. This part lasts about an hour and is a favorite for many travelers who enjoy authentic, local flavors. The reviews mention that guides are very friendly and knowledgeable, making the wine tasting both educational and enjoyable.

The tour concludes with a 40-minute bus ride back to Argostoli, dropping you off at the same locations where you were picked up.

What We Love: Details That Make a Difference

One of the best aspects of this tour is the boat ride inside Melissani Cave. It’s a unique way to experience the cavern, and the calm waters combined with the natural light create a tranquil, almost mystical setting. It’s often described as “one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” which is high praise for a natural site.

Another highlight is the wine tasting. With knowledgeable staff and local wines, this part feels authentic and personal. It’s not just about drinking — it’s about understanding the island’s traditions and varieties, making it a memorable cultural touchpoint.

More Great Tours Nearby

A Possible Consideration

The tour involves walking through caves and some uneven surfaces, so it might be less suitable for travelers with mobility issues or wheelchairs. Also, cave visits and boat rides can sometimes be affected by weather conditions, so flexibility might be necessary.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for caves and nature enthusiasts, as well as wine lovers eager to sample local flavors. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate well-organized, guided tours that include transportation, making it easy to see the highlights without the stress of navigating on your own.

Extensive Breakdown of the Experience

The Caves: Natural Masterpieces

Drogarati Cave is a true testament to Kefalonia’s geological history. Walking through it, you’ll see stalagmites and stalactites in various stages of growth, some over a hundred years old. The cave’s excellent acoustics are famous; in fact, it’s been used for concerts due to its natural sound properties. Your guide will probably share stories about its discovery and myths surrounding it, adding depth to your visit.

Melissani Cave feels like a scene from a fantasy film. The crystal-clear lake is illuminated by sunlight that filters through a large opening above, creating a shimmering effect. The wooden boat ride feels intimate and peaceful, allowing you to soak in the surreal beauty and perhaps snap a few postcards.

Scenic Viewpoint: Myrtos Beach

While you don’t get to walk down to this world-famous beach, the view from the lookout is stunning enough to satisfy your camera’s lens and your awe. It’s a quick stop, but one that captures the essence of Kefalonia’s rugged coastline.

The Wine Tasting Experience

This part is what makes the tour stand out for many travelers. The local producers’ passion for Kefalonia’s wines is contagious. You’ll taste a variety of local wines, learn about their production, and enjoy the relaxed setting of a traditional shop. It’s a chance to connect with Kefalonia’s culinary culture beyond just sightseeing.

Transportation & Group Size

Traveling in an air-conditioned bus ensures comfort, especially during the warm Greek sun. The group sizes are manageable, as this is a cruise-specific tour, but not so large that you feel lost in the crowd. Pick-up and drop-off from multiple convenient locations around Argostoli make logistics simple.

Pricing & Value

At just under $50, this tour offers a rundown of Kefalonia’s highlights—two caves, a scenic viewpoint, and wine tasting—without feeling rushed. The inclusion of transportation, guide services, and tasting means you’re paying for convenience, local knowledge, and authentic experiences.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour appeals to travelers who want to see Kefalonia’s top natural sights in a comfortable, guided setting. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy exploring caves, capturing scenic views, and tasting local wines. If you prefer a relaxed, well-organized day that balances sightseeing with tasting and photo opportunities, this tour fits the bill.

However, if you have mobility challenges or prefer to explore independently, you might want to consider other options or plan your own visit to these sites.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking an authentic and scenic experience, this Kefalonia tour delivers in spades. You’ll visit two impressive caves, enjoy a breathtaking viewpoint, and sample local wines in a friendly, informative setting. It’s a thoughtfully organized outing that balances history, nature, and culture, all at a fair price.

If you’re the type of traveler who loves beautiful landscapes, interesting geology, and local culinary delights, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and your palate. The knowledgeable guides, stunning sites, and relaxed pace make it a great choice for most cruise visitors wanting a memorable taste of Kefalonia.

In short, it’s an excellent way to see the highlights without the hassle, provided you’re comfortable with walking and cave environments. It’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers alike—anyone eager for a well-rounded day that combines nature, history, and local flavor.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including travel, site visits, and tasting.

What is included in the price?
It covers pick-up and drop-off, a guided tour, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the wine tasting.

Are entrance fees included?
No, you will need to pay entrance fees separately for the caves.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and cave environments, so children should be able to handle uneven surfaces and stairs. It’s best suited for older children and adults.

Can I request a guide in a different language?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish. Special requests for other languages are not mentioned, so check with the provider if needed.

Is there free time at the caves?
Yes, especially at Melissani Cave, where you’ll have some free time to take photos and explore after the guided boat ride.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through caves and uneven terrain. Bring sunscreen and water for the scenic stops, and a camera for photos.

This Kefalonia shore excursion offers a balanced mix of natural wonders and local culture, making it a practical, enjoyable choice for those eager to see the island’s highlights without hassle. Whether you’re a geology buff, a photo enthusiast, or a wine lover, the tour’s well-organized format ensures you’ll come away with great memories and a deeper appreciation for Kefalonia’s charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: