Lixouri


While Kefalonia certainly has its share of hustle and bustle, Lixouri offers a place to unwind, relax, and explore the beaches during the day.

Reaching Lixouri is quite simple. One can take one of the morning ferries from the capital city of Argostoli, and within thirty minutes, arrive at the port in Lixouri. From there, it is easy to set off on foot and explore a bit. The harbor area is quite pleasant, with several cafes and restaurants to grab a bite in. A notable difference between Argostoli and Lixouri is immediately apparent. While Argostoli is hectic and fast-paced, Lixouri exudes a more relaxed atmosphere. Even in the harbor area, things seem to move at a slower, more deliberate pace, which is exactly what many visitors are seeking.

With the harbor behind and the sea on the right, continuing the walk leads to Plateia Petritsi. This is a great spot to spend a couple of hours relaxing. Surrounded by restaurants and traditional Greek cafes, this seems to be a gathering place for locals to discuss the day's events. After enjoying a coffee, taking in the surroundings with the sun shining, mothers chit-chatting, and children playing is a perfect way to spend the day in Greece.

From Plateia Petritsi, wandering around and exploring the town is a must. Although Lixouri doesn't offer ancient buildings to marvel at, due to a devastating earthquake in 1953, there is a certain charm to the architecture and layout of the town. For a meal, there are several family-run restaurants in town where the owners and their families greet customers and make them feel like part of their own family. A leisurely lunch may consist of a great bottle of local white wine, assorted olives dressed with local olive oil, a small salad, and a delicious chicken dish stuffed with feta and braised in a spicy tomato sauce.

Feeling full and content, one can walk for about twenty minutes to the Iakovatios Library. This location looks less like a library and more like the inside of a wealthy family home with an impressive book collection. Little bookshelves scattered around the inside of the library are filled with books dating back to the 16th century. In addition to the books on the first floor, there's also a small museum upstairs displaying paintings, furniture, and other treasures belonging to the Tipaldos family.

After a full day, heading back to the room for a shower and some rest is ideal. Lixouri boasts a number of beautiful beaches, and it's worth planning to get up early the next morning to check them out.