Near Argostoli there is a very unusual karstic phenomenon. The sea drains into sink-holes known as katavothres. The flow is quite substantial. It was even once user to generate electricity. But what's most peculiar is that the sea water appears, mixed with freshwater, 14 km away on the other side of the island in springs near Sami at Karavomilos, Frydi and the cave-lake of Melissani, and at Ayia Euphenia 4 km to the north. But these places are above sea level! So the salt water finds its way up!
The explenation given by M.D.Higgins & R.Higgins is as follows:
"The caves or fissures that connect the sink-holes with the outlets descend below sea-level, and were formed when the sea was far below its present level. The dense seawater descends into the cave, where it mixes with lighter fresh water. The brackish water is lighter than the seawater and, therefore, floats at a higher level, finally discharging about one metre above sea-level."
| | Public | Dutch
Select one of the most popular activities below or refine your search.
Discover the most beautiful and popular trails in the area, carefully bundled into appropriate selections.
Select one of the most popular categories below or be inspired by our selections.
Discover the most beautiful and popular attractions in the area, carefully bundled in appropriate selections.
With RouteYou, it's easy to create your own customised maps. Simply plot your route, add waypoints or nodes, add places of interest and places to eat and drink, and then easily share it with your family and friends.
Route planner
<iframe src="https://plugin.routeyou.com/poiviewer/free/?language=en&params.poi.id=8289651" width="100%" height="600" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
More than 10,100,000 routes
More than 15,000,000 users
More than 4,500,000 points of interest
Kerkstraat 108
9050 Gentbrugge, Belgium
© 2006-2026 RouteYou - www.routeyou.com
