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I Katavothres — Argostoli
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Pristine Nature 📍 Argostoli, Greece 180 views

I Katavothres

Katavothres are a unique geological phenomenon that can be observed only on the island of Kefalonia, near the town of Argostoli. This phenomenon consists of the swallowing of sea water into the rocks and its disappearance underground. The phenomenon attracted the attention of the...

Photo · Rania F.

I Katavothres — Argostoli, Greece.

Location
Argostoli
Type
Pristine Nature
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About I Katavothres

I Katavothres - Argostoli | Secret World Trip Planner

Katavothres are a unique geological phenomenon that can be observed only on the island of Kefalonia, near the town of Argostoli. This phenomenon consists of the swallowing of sea water into the rocks and its disappearance underground. The phenomenon attracted the attention of the first Englishman, Stevens, who decided to build a watermill to harness the energy of the Katavothres.Later, the famous Greek geologist Miliaresis studied the effect of earthquakes on the phenomenon, finding that even violent earthquakes did not cause changes in it. In 1963, a team of Austrian geologists discovered that the sea water that is swallowed by the Katavothres follows an underground path through the island and then escapes back into the sea.The Katavothres are a popular tourist attraction in Kefalonia and offer a unique opportunity to observe an amazing and fascinating natural phenomenon. Their underground path through the island and their reappearance in Lake Melissani and Lake Karavomilos are also a testament to the wonders of nature surrounding the island.

I Katavothres - Argostoli | Secret World Trip Planner
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Frequently Asked Questions

The Katavothres are a unique geological phenomenon found only on the island of Kefalonia, near the town of Argostoli, where sea water is swallowed into the rocks and disappears underground. This remarkable natural feature creates a spectacular sight as the ocean water vanishes into the earth, making it one of the most fascinating geological wonders in Greece.
In 1963, a team of Austrian geologists made the groundbreaking discovery that the sea water swallowed by the Katavothres follows an underground path through the island before escaping back into the sea. This discovery revealed that the water reappears in Lake Melissani and Lake Karavomilos, solving the mystery of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
The Katavothres first caught international attention when an Englishman named Stevens decided to build a watermill to harness its energy, recognizing the power of this natural phenomenon. Later, famous Greek geologist Miliaresis studied how earthquakes affected the Katavothres, discovering that even violent earthquakes did not cause any changes to this stable geological feature.
According to research by Greek geologist Miliaresis, even violent earthquakes do not cause changes to the Katavothres phenomenon, demonstrating the remarkable stability of this geological feature. This resilience makes the Katavothres an even more fascinating natural wonder that has remained consistent throughout Kefalonia's seismic history.
Yes, visitors can witness the remarkable journey of the water as it reappears in two connected lakes: Lake Melissani and Lake Karavomilos, which are also popular tourist attractions on Kefalonia. This underground connection between the Katavothres and these lakes offers a unique opportunity to observe and understand one of nature's most amazing hydrological wonders.

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