🎭 Why Visit Lixouri, Kefalonia?

Lixouri is the "other" main town on Kefalonia – its the second biggest town (but we're talking about 3,000 people here, so don't expect urban chaos), sitting pretty on the Paliki Peninsula with tree-lined streets, elegant squares, and that laid-back vibe that comes from being a small town on a hot Greek island.

You can get here via the regular 30-minute ferry from Argostoli (which locals treat like a bus service), or drive the scenic hour-long route around the bay. Either way, you'll discover a town with genuine character and some seriously impressive beaches nearby, including the famous red sands of Xi Beach.

Top reasons to visit Lixouri:

• 🎵 Rich cultural heritage including Greece's second-oldest philharmonic orchestra

• 🏖️ Gateway to stunning beaches like Petani (Blue Flag) and unique red-sand Xi Beach

• 🏛️ Beautiful traditional architecture that survived the 1953 earthquake

• 🍷 Close to excellent wineries and the famous local Robola wine region

• 🚢 Easy ferry connections to Argostoli - feels like an adventure but takes 30 minutes

Where to Stay

Lixouri's accommodation is refreshingly uncommercial – think family-run hotels, boutique retreats and apartments rather than mega-resorts.

• Petani Bay is a stunning adults-only retreat in western Kefalonia, overlooking the Ionian Sea. The infinity pool stretches toward the horizon, the suites are gorgeous, and the restaurant serves up brilliant food. About 2km from beautiful Petani Beach and properly off the beaten track – perfect for couples wanting peace and spectacular views.

• Zest @ Xi Beach sits just 400m from the famous red sands of Xi Beach. One and two-bedroom apartments with modern amenities, a gorgeous pool area, and breakfast served with organic produce from the hotel's own garden. Only 6km from Lixouri town – ideal for families and couples who want beach access with space to spread out.

• The Summery Hotel has been family-run for over 30 years, set in beautiful gardens with palm trees and bougainvillea. There's a pool and children's playground, and it's an easy stroll to Lixouri's town centre for tavernas and shops. Proper Greek hospitality with Ionian Sea views.

• La Cite Hotel is a small, friendly hotel surrounded by private gardens, just a short walk from Lixouri's main square. Simple but comfortable rooms with balconies or terraces – great value for those who want to be close to the town's restaurants and bars.

🌊 Top Things to Do in Lixouri

Lixouri is about experiencing authentic Greek town life while having access to some of Kefalonia's most spectacular coastal scenery. It's the perfect base for beach lovers who want some culture with their coastline.

Cultural Experiences

• Lakovatios Library - impressive collection including rare 16th-century books and antique paintings on the first floor

• Philharmonic Orchestra - catch concerts and public parades by Greece's second-oldest orchestra

• Traditional squares - people-watch from café terraces on the main square surrounded by elegant architecture

• Church of Agios Charalampos - beautiful local church dedicated to the town's patron saint

Amazing Beach Access

• Xi Beach (7km) - famous red sand beach with healing clay cliffs and Blue Flag status

• Petani Beach - stunning Blue Flag beach that rivals Myrtos for dramatic beauty

• Lepeda Beach (3km) - small sandy stretch facing east, perfect for morning swims

• Kounopetra Beach - peaceful alternative to busier Xi, with clearer, less crowded waters

Nearby Adventures

• Sclavos Winery - wine tasting in scenic countryside settings with organic productions

• Ancient Pali ruins - explore remains of the historic Corinthian settlement

• Monastery visits - discover traditional religious sites in the surrounding hills

When to Visit Lixouri

🌸 Spring (April–May, 15–25°C)

Kefalonia bursts into life with wildflowers carpeting the hills and mild temperatures perfect for exploring. Sea temps warm through May (around 18-20°C) – some brave souls are swimming by late spring.

• 🥚 Orthodox Easter celebrations across Kefalonia with candlelit processions, midnight services and traditional feasting

• 🎵 Philharmonic parades through Lixouri and Argostoli – the orchestras come out to celebrate

• 🌸 Wildflower walks in the Paliki countryside and around Mount Ainos National Park

☀️ Summer (June–September, 28–32°C)

Peak season brings hot sunny days, warm seas (25-26°C) and a brilliant atmosphere. The peninsula stays quieter than the east coast resorts, but book ahead for August.

• 🎵 Varkarolla (Barcarolle) Festival (August 24) – Traditional Ionian serenades performed from boats in the harbour, creating magical summer evenings in Lixouri, Assos and Argostoli

• 🍷 Robola Wine Festival (third weekend of August) – Free wine, food, music and dancing at Fragata and Valsamata near the Saint Gerasimos Monastery

• 🐍 Snake Festival (August 15) – Miraculous snakes appear at the church in Markopoulo for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

• ⛪ Festival of Saint Gerasimos (August 16) – Major pilgrimage to the monastery of Kefalonia's patron saint

🍂 Autumn (September–October, 20–28°C)

Brilliant weather continues with fewer crowds, warm seas and harvest season in full swing. September's still proper beach weather; October's perfect for exploring.

• 🎭 KYMATA Film Festival (late August/early September) – International film screenings and cultural events in Argostoli

• ⛪ Birth of the Virgin Mary (September 8) – Local celebrations in Lixouri and Monopolata with food, dancing and traditional kantades

• 🍇 Grape harvest season – Visit the Robola wineries to see production in action

Nearby Resorts

Fancy exploring beyond Lixouri? Kefalonia's other resorts are all accessible via the ferry or the scenic drive around the bay:

• Argostoli (30-min ferry or 1-hour drive) – Kefalonia's capital with a buzzing waterfront, the famous De Bosset bridge, Katavothres sinkholes and turtles feeding in the harbour. Great for an evening out.

• Lassi (via Argostoli) – The main beach resort near the capital with gorgeous golden sands at Makris and Platis Gialos, water sports and the iconic Saint Theodore Lighthouse for sunset walks.

• Skala (1 hour 15 mins drive) – Purpose-built family resort on the southeast coast with a stunning 3km sandy beach, Blue Flag waters and fascinating Roman villa mosaics.

• Lourdas (1 hour drive) – Dramatic setting beneath Mount Ainos with one of Kefalonia's longest sandy beaches and excellent traditional tavernas.