Melissani Cave

The cave of Melissani is located near Karavomilos on the island of Kefalonia. It is a lacustrine cave of unique beauty and fully developed cave, which is 3.5 km long, 40m wide and 36m high. Melissani cave constitutes a unique geological phenomenon. It was created by a mechanical and chemical process called karstikopoiisi (dissolution of rocks) during which water enters the calcareous rocks, erodes them and creates hollows.

The underground Melissani lake was discovered in 1951 by cave archaeologist Giannis Petrochilos. A big part of its roof has fallen down revealing an amazing sight. During antiquity the lake was a place of worship dedicated to Pan. Its name is thought to come from the Nymph Melissanthi that drowned herself in the lake over her unfulfilled love for god Pan. According to another myth, a shepherdess named Melissanthi was looking for one of her sheep, stumbled and fell into the lake.

The lake includes also an islet on which archeologist S. Marinatos discovered Pan’s sanctuary. The findings are at present in the Archeological Museum of Argostoli. These findings include a clay figure of Pan, a clay disc depicting dancing nymphs, a clay plate depicting the procession of nymphs and a small plate with a woman figure relief.
Visitors reach the lake by an underground tunnel and have the opportunity to explore it with a boat and a guide. Therefore, they can admire this unique natural work of sculpture created by the stalactites and the crystal blue-green color of the waters.

Mt. Ainos National Park

You will find it on Kefalonia Island in the Ionian Sea! The park stretches over 3,000 hectares and its highest peak is Megas Soros that reaches 1,628 m. What is so special about this Park is that a single species of fir called Abies cephalonica grows at altitudes of 600 – 1,600 metres and covers ⅔ of the park’s area. This endemic species was classified by British JW Loudon in 1838. As impressive as this forest might be you will also be amazed by your encounter with the small semi-wild horses (Equus caballus) which you’ll see mostly at the SE side of the mountain.

Mt. Ainos was first declared as a National Park in 1962 and houses the heart of Kefalonia’s biodiversity. Visitors and environmentalists flock to Mt. Ainos as it is the island’s most precious reserve. Hop into your car and head towards the mountain where you can explore nature by hiking.

Enjoy the following trails

The Environmental Centre of Ainos – Chionistra is an ideal fairly easy, circular hiking path of 6,184m. You will enjoy a hike in nature and a wonderful view along the way, starting and finishing at the Environmental Centre of Ainos that you can reach by car on a paved road. This pleasurable walk will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes if you don’t make any stops at the recreation areas you will meet along the way.
The Vlachata – Environmental Centre of Ainos trail has a moderate level of difficulty and reaches 2,065m. length. Start your excursion near Arias peak and enjoy your walk through the fir trees as well as the breathtaking views towards the S & SW part of the Ionian Sea. Your walk will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and will end at the Environmental Centre of Ainos.

The Digaleto – Megas Soros path is 6,595m. long, it begins north of the Digaleto community and ends at Mt. Ainos’ highest peak. It’s a fairly easy to moderate level of difficulty hiking trail and you will need approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes to cross it. Enjoy your walk in nature as well as the wonderful view towards the Ionian Sea and the Peloponnese.

The Epano Eza – Melissi trail is of moderate difficulty and reaches 2,596m. in length. Your hiking experience will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes in a dense forest of Abies Cephalonica fir trees from Epano Eza to Melissi locations.

The Kissos – Petasi – (Nyfi) – Megas Soros – Kissos trail has parts of easy to moderate level of difficulty although considerable hiking experience is required at some locations due to steep slopes. This circular hiking path has a length of 8,640m. and you will need about 4½ hours. On your way you can visit the Petasi and Nyfi caves. When you reach the peak of Megas Soros you will be overwhelmed by the panoramic view of the neighbouring mountaintops Kroukoumpia and Chionistra as well as the islands in the south Ionian Sea and the western part of the Peloponnese. You will access the trail by dirt road.
Some historic pointers about Megas Soros.

Source: www.visitgreece.gr