Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
The two sit minutes apart and are almost always visited together. If you actually like caves, this is the better one.
What the visit involves
You enter on foot down a long staircase into the main chamber. It is a real descent, and the same stairs bring you back up, which is the part to consider if stairs are difficult.
Inside: formations rising and hanging in a large chamber, lit for visitors, with railed paths through it. The air is cool and damp year-round, which makes it a relief in August and slightly chilly in spring.
The acoustics
The main chamber has hosted concerts, and its acoustics are the thing guides mention first. Whether anything is scheduled while you are on the island is a matter for local listings rather than a travel page, but the space itself is impressive even empty.
Practical notes
- Footwear matters. The steps and paths are damp and can be slippery.
- Take a layer. It is noticeably cooler underground than on the coast.
- It is short. Twenty to thirty minutes covers the visit, which is why pairing it with Melissani makes the drive worth it.
- Photography is difficult in low light; expect grain rather than the images on the posters.
Where it fits
Drogarati and Melissani sit near Sami, on the island’s east coast, a drive of roughly half an hour from Argostoli. The natural day: Melissani near midday when the light drops through its opening, Drogarati either side of it, and a swim at Antisamos over the headland afterwards.
Last checked August 2026. Hours, tickets and any concert schedule change - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
What is Drogarati cave?
A deep limestone cave near Sami on Kefalonia, entered on foot down a staircase, with a large chamber of stalactites and stalagmites.
How long does Drogarati cave take?
Twenty to thirty minutes for most visitors, which is why it is usually combined with Melissani nearby.
Is Drogarati or Melissani better?
Drogarati is the better cave if you like caves: it is deeper, darker and full of formations. Melissani is the more unusual sight, because its roof collapsed and it is visited by boat.
Is Drogarati accessible?
Access is down and back up a long flight of stairs, with damp and sometimes slippery surfaces, so it is demanding for anyone with limited mobility.
Where is Drogarati cave?
Near Sami on the east coast of Kefalonia, roughly half an hour from Argostoli and minutes from Melissani.
Next
Read things to do in Kefalonia, Melissani, or Antisamos beach.