Lixouri, the second-largest town on Kefalonia Island, is a charming, laid-back destination on the western Paliki Peninsula. Known for its relaxed ambiance, vibrant town square, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Lixouri offers a quieter and more authentic Kefalonian experience compared to the island’s busier areas. With its scenic coastline, friendly locals, and fascinating attractions, Lixouri is ideal for travelers looking to unwind, explore, and immerse themselves in Kefalonian life. Here’s a detailed guide on what to see and do in Lixouri, Kefalonia.
What to See in Lixouri
Lixouri Town Square (Plateia Petritsi)
Description: The heart of Lixouri, Plateia Petritsi is a lively town square surrounded by cafes, tavernas, and shops. This area is popular with both locals and visitors who come to relax, socialize, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
What to Do: Spend some time in the square, have a coffee or a meal at one of the cafes, and watch the world go by. The square is particularly lively in the evenings, when locals gather to enjoy the mild Kefalonian nights, and street musicians or local events often add to the ambiance.
Iakovatios Library and Cultural Museum
Description: Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, the Iakovatios Library is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Lixouri. It was founded by the wealthy Iakovatos family and is known for its impressive collection of rare books, manuscripts, and historical artifacts.
What to Do: Explore the library’s extensive collection, including rare books and historic manuscripts. The mansion itself is a piece of history, with ornate wooden interiors, frescoes, and elegant furnishings. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the library’s history and the cultural heritage of Lixouri.
Monastery of Kipoureon
Description: Situated on a cliff with breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea, the Monastery of Kipoureon is one of Kefalonia’s most scenic and spiritual landmarks. Founded in the 17th century, the monastery is known for its serene atmosphere and spectacular sunset views.
What to Do: Visit the monastery to admire its beautiful architecture and enjoy the tranquil setting. Inside, you can see religious icons and relics, and the monks are often happy to share the monastery’s history. Be sure to time your visit for sunset, when the views over the sea are especially stunning.
Lepeda Beach
Description: Located just a few kilometers from Lixouri, Lepeda Beach is known for its unique reddish-orange sand and calm, shallow waters. The beach is family-friendly, with shallow water ideal for children and a relaxing atmosphere.
What to Do: Relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, or explore the rocky coves along the beach. The beach has a small taverna and is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, making it easy to spend an entire day here.
Xi Beach
Description: Xi Beach, located a short drive from Lixouri, is famous for its striking red sand and clay-rich cliffs. The mineral-rich clay is believed to have healing properties, and visitors often apply it to their skin as a natural spa treatment.
What to Do: Enjoy a swim in the clear blue waters, relax on the unique red sand, or try a “mud bath” by applying the clay to your skin. Xi Beach is well-organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. It’s particularly popular with families due to its shallow waters and sandy shoreline.
Petani Beach
Description: Often compared to the famous Myrtos Beach, Petani Beach is a breathtaking bay surrounded by lush green hills and dramatic cliffs. The beach has a mix of sand and pebbles and features incredibly clear, turquoise water.
What to Do: Swim in the refreshing waters, sunbathe on the beach, and enjoy the dramatic natural beauty. There are several tavernas nearby where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Petani is particularly stunning at sunset, when the cliffs and water are bathed in warm, golden light.
Museum of Natural History of Cephalonia and Ithaca
Description: Located just outside Lixouri in the village of Davgata, this small museum showcases the natural history of Kefalonia and neighboring Ithaca. It features exhibits on local flora, fauna, geology, and marine life.
What to Do: Learn about the island’s unique natural heritage through displays on the ecosystems, fossils, and wildlife of the Ionian Islands. It’s an interesting stop for nature lovers and a great educational outing for families with children.
Lixouri Port and Marina
Description: The port of Lixouri is a bustling area where fishing boats, yachts, and ferries come and go. The port provides direct ferry connections to Argostoli, making it a convenient spot for day trips.
What to Do: Walk along the port to see the boats and soak up the maritime atmosphere. The ferry ride to Argostoli takes around 20 minutes, offering beautiful views of the bay and surrounding mountains. A ferry trip also makes for an easy and scenic way to explore both sides of the island.
What to Do in Lixouri
Relax at Lixouri’s Beautiful Beaches
Lixouri is surrounded by some of Kefalonia’s best beaches, offering a variety of scenic spots for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Lepeda Beach and Xi Beach: These unique beaches are ideal for families and those looking for a fun beach day. Xi Beach’s clay cliffs are great for a natural spa treatment, while Lepeda’s red sands create a distinct and photogenic setting.
Petani Beach: For those who enjoy snorkeling, Petani’s clear waters and rocky formations provide a great underwater experience. The sunsets at Petani are also breathtaking and are a must-see for visitors to the area.
Dine at Traditional Taverns and Try Kefalonian Cuisine
Lixouri has a variety of tavernas, restaurants, and cafes serving authentic Kefalonian and Greek cuisine. Seafood is particularly popular, along with local dishes made with fresh, regional ingredients.
What to Try: Sample traditional dishes like Kefalonian meat pie, lamb kleftiko, and fresh seafood such as grilled octopus and fried calamari. Don’t miss out on the locally produced cheeses and olive oil, as well as local desserts like baklava and galaktoboureko (custard-filled pastry).
Dining Spots: Many tavernas are located around Lixouri’s main square, where you can dine outdoors and enjoy the lively ambiance. There are also some excellent waterfront restaurants with stunning views over the Ionian Sea.
Visit Local Wineries and Taste Kefalonian Wine
Kefalonia is known for its wines, particularly those made from the indigenous Robola grape. Several wineries around Lixouri offer tours and tastings, providing insight into the island’s wine heritage.
What to Do: Take a winery tour to learn about the winemaking process and taste a variety of local wines. Many wineries offer tastings of Robola, along with other varietals, and have lovely vineyards with scenic views. A wine tasting is a great way to sample the island’s flavors and bring home a bottle as a souvenir.
Attend Local Festivals and Events
Lixouri hosts several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, which provide a glimpse into Kefalonian traditions and culture.
Lixouri Carnival: Known for its lively parades, colorful costumes, and traditional music, the Lixouri Carnival is one of the biggest events in Kefalonia and is held during the Greek Carnival season. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that brings the whole town to life.
Religious Celebrations: Lixouri also celebrates the Feast of Saint Charalambos, the town’s patron saint, with a religious procession, music, and festivities. This is a unique opportunity to witness the island’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Take a Day Trip to Argostoli
Lixouri is connected to Argostoli by a frequent ferry service, making it easy to visit Kefalonia’s capital for a day.
What to Do in Argostoli: Explore Argostoli’s Lithostroto Street for shopping, visit the Archaeological Museum of Kefalonia, and walk across the De Bosset Bridge for scenic views. Argostoli’s bustling waterfront and central square are perfect for people-watching, and the town has many excellent tavernas and cafes.
Hike the Trails Around Lixouri
The Paliki Peninsula is known for its scenic landscapes, and several hiking trails around Lixouri offer beautiful views of the countryside and coastline.
What to Do: Take a hike along the coastal trails to explore secluded beaches, cliffs, and coves. The area around Kipoureon Monastery has some of the most scenic trails, with panoramic sea views and rugged landscapes.
Explore Lixouri’s Artisan Shops and Markets
Lixouri has a variety of shops selling local crafts, handmade jewelry, and Kefalonian products like olive oil, honey, and herbs.
What to Do: Visit the local shops around the main square to browse for unique souvenirs. Olive oil, local wines, and Kefalonian thyme honey make excellent gifts and mementos of your trip.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Lixouri
While Lixouri is generally more laid-back than Argostoli, it still has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, cafes, and occasional live music venues.
What to Do: Start with a relaxed evening at a cafe in the town square, then visit one of the local bars for cocktails or Greek wine. During summer, some venues feature live Greek music, creating a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for an enjoyable night out.
Practical Information for Visiting Lixouri
Getting Around: Lixouri is easy to explore on foot, but if you want to visit the surrounding beaches and attractions, renting a car or scooter is recommended.
Accommodation: Lixouri has a wide range of accommodations, from boutique hotels and guesthouses to villas and holiday rentals. Many accommodations are located near the town center or close to the beach.
Best Time to Visit: Lixouri is lively in the summer months, but if you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting in May, September, or October, when the weather is warm, and the crowds are thinner.
Summary
Lixouri is a delightful destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic charm of Kefalonia. With its scenic beaches, historic landmarks, friendly tavernas, and vibrant festivals, Lixouri is a perfect spot for those who wish to immerse themselves in local life and explore the beautiful Paliki Peninsula. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day at Lepeda or Xi, admiring the sunset from the Kipoureon Monastery, or indulging in local cuisine, Lixouri promises a memorable and fulfilling experience on the Ionian Sea.