Natural Art
Drogarati Cave was discovered 300 years ago and was opened to the public in 1963. It was discovered when a strong earthquake caused a collapse that revealed the cave’s entrance. It is close to Melissani Lake and belongs to the same geological region. Drogarati is an impressive cave with remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
It is located at an altitude of 120 meters in the area of Haliotata, just 3 kilometers from Sami. According to archaeologists, Drogarati cave is over 100 million years old and constitutes a rare geological phenomenon.
It is about 60m deep and has a constant temperature of 18 degrees. The humidity of the cave reaches 90%. Even though the cave has suffered much damage, mainly due to earthquakes, as well as human activity, the roof and floor of the cave are graced with countless stalagmites and stalactites, created by lime deposits in the water that filters through the bedrock above them. They are estimated to grow at a rate of 1 cm over 100 years and they offer an amazing sight for the visitor.
Drogarati Cave consists of two parts, the one accessible to tourists consists of a long corridor that leads to what they call the “Royal Balcony”, a natural platform of stalactites that beautifully reflect the light. From there, the visitor descends to the 900 sq. metre “Chamber of Exaltation” which has great acoustics. Drogarati Cave has hosted a number of concerts and cultural events (see video). It is also one of the few caves where relatively bright electric lighting has been permitted, enabling the visitor to fully admire this marvel of nature’s creation.
Scientists have discovered that Drogarati Cave has an extension that is not reachable and believes that it is connected to other sea caves. Drogarati Cave is therefore a natural masterpiece that has taken its present form after thousands of years, while it continually changes. It is visited by many tourists every year and can be found 5 km to the south of Sami village, on the eastern coast of Kefalonia and right on the main road that connects Sami to Argostoli.
For the summer season 2023, the cave will be open to the public every day from 10 am to 17 pm and the cost will be 5euros/per adult, 4euros/per person in a group of over 10 persons and 3euros/per child. There is a combined ticket for both caves that can be bought to save a few euros.
Avoid wearing slippery shoes when visiting the cave and remember that there are many stairs to go down and the temperature is relatively cold.
