The Lake Cavern of Melissani is a unique geological phenomenon located 2 km northwest of Sami. The natural entrance of the cave is vertical (measuring 40x50 m) and was created by the collapse of a section of roof. Nowadays there is also an artificial entrance with stairs, which allows visitors to entry the lake cave.

It was discovered by John Petrochilos in 1951. The lake is 20m below the surface, is about 160m long and the depth of the water ranges from 10-40 m. Stalactites with an age of 20.000 years and odd shapes adorn most of the cave. It’s unthinkable to visit the island and not do the boats trip into this spectacular geological wonder. The tour starts from the uncovered part of the cave where the light falls on the water and creates the most beautiful turquoise shades and continues in the part of the cave which is covered.

In the center of the lake is a small island on which artifacts were found; confirming the ritual function of the cave. In antiquity, prehistoric people worshiped the god Pana and the presence of female figures, known as nymphs. That is why the Lake Cave of Melissani is also called Cave of the Nymphs.

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