The Fascinating Blue Light of Melisani Lake

One of the most visited geological sites is the Melisani Lake/cave. It is located in the village of Karavomylos, 2 km from the town of Sami, and was discovered in 1951. The natural opening of the cave is vertical and was created when a part of the wall dried out. Another entrance, this one man-made, leads up the stairs and an underground corridor to the interior of the cave, where small boats await visitors to take them on a tour. The sight of salty-sweet water that changes colors as rays of the sun pass through the opening is breathtaking and takes you to another, mythical world. According to legend, the cave was named after one of the
nymphs who drowned here because of her unrequited love for the god of the forest, Pan. The water in the cave comes from the other side of the island. It sinks near Kathavotres, in the vicinity of Argostoli, and, collecting rainwater and underground
water, springs up forming a lake. The lake is located 20 m below ground level, while the depth of the water itself varies from 10 to 30m. The cave is divided into two chambers: one is illuminated by light, while the other is dark and full of stalagmites. In 1962, objects such as lamps, plates, and figurines dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries BC were found during excavation. They depict motifs of the god Pan and nymphs, which is why the cave is often called the Cave of the Nymphs.