Melissani, Meze & Ouzo

Travel by small boat across the serene, blue-green waters of an underground lake, and then savor traditional Greek meze at a waterfront restaurant.

Depart from the pier and enjoy a lovely ride across Cephalonia, an island long known for its unusual geological formations. In particular, there's Melissani Lake, an underground body of water that was created thousands of years ago. You'll enter the lake by small boat, paddled in so it hardly disturbs the surface of the water, which is a brackish mix of saltwater from the Ionia Sea and freshwater that originated back in Argostoli and then flowed across the island.

The jagged walls of the underground lake rise steeply, causing every sound to echo eerily. Stalactites hang from the ceiling, parts of which collapsed decades ago. The only light comes from 100 feet above, imbuing the cavern-like interior with a soft glow that's absolutely magical. Also known as the Cave of Nymphs, Melissani Lake was named for Melissanthi, a nymph from Greek mythology who drowned herself because the God Pan didn't reciprocate her love.

After touring the underground lake, you'll drive to a delightful waterfront restaurant in the village of Sami for traditional meze, a selection of small dishes that may include kalamari, cheese pie and meatballs. Of course, there's also ouzo, the classic licorice-flavored Greek liqueur. It can be served straight or mixed with water, which will turn the ouzo cloudy white. Afterwards, you'll transfer back to the pier in Argostoli.