The Katavothres are an unusual geological feature.
The sea water enters sink holes and the flow thus created was sufficient to drive a water wheel which was used to power the mills.
The mystery has always been as to where the water goes, it has to go somewhere, not just to a cavern as that would fill up.

By injecting dyes it was discovered that the water that entered the sink holes came out two weeks later in the Melissani lake and thence flowed out to the sea at the village of Karavomilos, above sea level. The reason for the water to be apparently going up hill is due to the fact that the sea water entering at the mill site is diluted by rain water on its journey. This brackish water is less dense than raw sea water so in order to retain equilibrium, the level of the brackish water has to be higher than sea level.

In 1835, the phenomenon was rare enough that the English built some corn mills and while earthquakes broke the water wheel, amazingly nothing happened to alter this trend of water coming in and going under. One could well ask where the wheel was set up so as to work. They needed flowing water. This is where the rare geological formations came in to play.

It is a nice, peaceful place to be and if you’re looking for somewhere to go for a romantic evening meal then why not make the trip to Katavothres, have a look round and have something to eat in the local restaurant whilst taking in the spectacular views of the area.