The cristal clear Melissani lake is located inside a 3,5km cave in the Kefalonia island in Greece. On the outside, the surroundings are forest and green, but on the inside there's an opening that allows the entrance of sunlight, and actually has a strong connection to the Greek mythology: it's called the cave of the nymphs. According to the legend, a nymph called Melissanthi killed herself and fell into the lake, after a love, deception with Pan, the god of the woods. This cave was discovered by Giannis Petrocheilos in 1951, and there he discovered a draw of the god Pan and his nymphs.
I'm sure there are many places in the world you can see this type of caves, but not so many in Europe and definitely not so romanticized as this one. For me, one of the best things about this place is its history, its legend that makes it so unique and the feeling I will have when I'll be there.
How to visit:
You can go from Athens actually, and spend one or more days on the island. Flights run every morning on Olympic air, departing at 5:15 in the morning and taking just an hour you can spend the day on the island, exploring the cave and the coasts, and still be back in time for dinner in the city.
Or you can stay a little more and explore with a tour, departing to other islands after.
Here are some tours (starting from 35€) for you and accommodation on the island:
