Where to stay in Lixouri: The best areas and 16 accommodations

Lixouri is the second-largest town in Kefalonia and the capital of the Paliki peninsula, built opposite the city of Argostoli, on the other side of Argostoli Bay. It has a more relaxed pace compared to Argostoli and is the base for some of the island’s most famous beaches, such as Xi with its red sand and Petani.

The town retains neoclassical buildings around its central square, constructed after the devastating earthquake of 1953 which flattened most of the old settlement. Surrounding the centre are districts with more accommodation options, while the villages of Paliki, such as Xi and Manzavinata, offer accommodation closer to the sea.

In this article, you will find a detailed overview of the areas of Lixouri, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as specific accommodation suggestions to confidently plan your stay.

What to see and do in Lixouri

Lixouri is approximately 38 kilometres from Argostoli via the road network around the bay, a journey that takes about 50 minutes by car. Alternatively, there is a small ferry connecting the two towns directly across the bay, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes, a much quicker solution than by road. Kefalonia Airport is about 45 kilometres from Lixouri, with transfers taking around 55 minutes.

The 1953 earthquake almost completely destroyed old Lixouri, as it did much of Kefalonia, meaning the present-day town was largely built after that period. Nevertheless, neoclassical buildings are preserved around the central square, reminiscent of the town's old urban character before the earthquake.

Xi beach, approximately 4 kilometres from Lixouri town centre, is known for its red sand, a result of the area's red clay cliffs, and is organised with sunbeds and beach bars. Petani, on the western side of the peninsula, about 12 kilometres away, is considered by many to be one of Greece's most beautiful beaches, with white pebbles and deep blue waters, although access is via a downhill road with steep turns.

Regarding food, Lixouri has several traditional tavernas around the waterfront and town centre, serving dishes such as Kefalonian meat pie, cod with skordalia (garlic dip), and 'artzenta' (a local fish dish). The town is also famous for Lixouri pancakes, a traditional sweet with fried dough and honey, characteristic of local cuisine.

Seasonality in Lixouri is pronounced but less extreme compared to smaller resorts, as the town also functions as a local service centre for the peninsula, with shops and services open all year round. However, many accommodations and restaurants near the beaches operate mainly from May to October, with peak season in July and August.

Getting around Lixouri town centre is easy on foot, as it is compact around the square and waterfront, but for the beaches and surrounding villages of Paliki, a car or motorbike is needed, as distances are considerable and public transport is limited. The small ferry to Argostoli operates daily all year round and is a popular choice for both residents and visitors.

To the west of the peninsula are also the Drogarati Caves and Lake Melissani; although closer to Argostoli, they are a common day trip destination for those staying in Lixouri, approximately 45 minutes by car. In Paliki itself, it is worth a visit to the village of Mantzavinata, known for its old windmills on the coast, and to the wooded cape of Atros, on the northwestern tip of the peninsula.

Lixouri has a calmer evening atmosphere compared to Argostoli, with life centring around the cafes and bars of the waterfront and central square, but without the intense nightlife of other tourist resorts on the island.

South of Petani, on the same coastline, lies Vatsa beach, less known and quieter, accessible via a dirt road, while to the north of the peninsula, a stop at the rock formation known as Kounopetra is worthwhile, a rock that used to sway slightly with the waves before stabilising after the 1953 earthquake. Both points are about 20 to 25 minutes by car from Lixouri town centre.

Renting a car or scooter is almost essential if you want to explore most of the peninsula, as public transport is limited and services are infrequent, especially outside of summer. Several rental agencies operate in the town centre, and it's advisable to book a vehicle early during peak months, as demand on the island is high.

The best areas to stay in Lixouri

Lixouri Centre

Lixouri town centre gathers most of the town's shops, restaurants, and cafes, around the central square and the waterfront where the ferry terminal to Argostoli is located.

A good choice for those who want to stay in an urban environment with direct access to services, without necessarily needing a car for their daily needs.

Advantages:

• Direct access to restaurants and shops
• Easy access to the ferry to Argostoli
• Good choice for those without a car

Disadvantages:

• Distance by car to the organised beaches
• Less peaceful compared to the surrounding villages

Recommended accommodations:

1. Palatino Hotel
A hotel in the town centre, close to the square and waterfront, with good ratings for its location.

• Average cost: approx. 85€ per night

2. Hotel Summery
A hotel with a simple layout and good value, a few minutes' walk from the waterfront.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

3. Pagonis Studios
Studios with a kitchen, suitable for those who want independence while staying close to the centre.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

4. Dionisis Apartments
Well-rated apartments in a quiet spot near the town centre.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

Xi Beach

The area around Xi beach has developed around the tourist activity of the beach, with its red sand being its most distinctive feature.

It suits those who want to stay close to the sea and have direct access to an organised beach with sunbeds and a beach bar.

Advantages:

• Direct access to the red sand beach
• Organised beach with sunbeds and beach bar
• Good choice for families

Disadvantages:

• Distance from the town centre, a car is needed
• More crowded during the summer months

Recommended accommodations:

5. Zest at Xi Beach
Accommodation near Xi beach, with good ratings for its location and comfort.

• Average cost: approx. 95€ per night

6. Kymata Bohemian Villas
Villas with unique aesthetics, near the beach, popular with couples.

• Average cost: approx. 140€ per night

7. Nemo 1
An apartment with a kitchen, suitable for small families near Xi beach.

• Average cost: approx. 75€ per night

8. Alekos Beach Houses
Houses near the sea, with a simple layout and good value for families.

• Average cost: approx. 80€ per night

Petani and western Paliki

The area around Petani is located on the western side of the Paliki peninsula, with the eponymous beach considered one of the most stunning on the island.

It suits those who have a car and want to stay near one of Kefalonia's best beaches, accepting the greater distance from Lixouri town centre.

Advantages:

• Close to one of the island's most beautiful beaches
• Very peaceful environment
• Stunning nature and peninsula views

Disadvantages:

• Considerable distance from Lixouri town centre
• Steep and narrow access road to the beach

Recommended accommodations:

9. Petani Beachside Accommodation
Accommodation near Petani beach, with good ratings for its views and tranquillity.

• Average cost: approx. 90€ per night

10. Argile Resort
An organised complex with a pool and sea views, on the western side of Paliki.

• Average cost: approx. 130€ per night

11. The Leaf House Kefalonia
A small accommodation with unique design, popular with couples seeking peace.

• Average cost: approx. 110€ per night

Surrounding villages of Paliki

In the villages around Lixouri, such as Mantzavinata and the surrounding areas, you will find accommodations with a more rural character, usually at lower prices than in the centre.

A good choice for those who have a car and want a quieter stay, close to olive groves and old windmills, with a short commute to Lixouri town centre.

Advantages:

• Lower accommodation prices
• Quiet and rural environment
• Close to attractions such as the coastal windmills

Disadvantages:

• A car is essential for transportation
• Fewer dining options in the immediate area

Recommended accommodations:

12. Costa Rossa Boutique Hotel
A well-rated boutique hotel in a quiet location near Lixouri.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

13. Olive Trees Garden
Accommodation set in an olive grove, with a peaceful environment and good value for families.

• Average cost: approx. 75€ per night

14. Sea and Olives House
A house with a kitchen, suitable for families who want independence in a quiet location.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

15. Alkestis Studios
Studios with a simple layout and affordable price, a few minutes from Lixouri town centre.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

16. Villa Hara
A villa with private space, suitable for families or groups who want more room.

• Average cost: approx. 120€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Use the small ferry to Argostoli. The ferry across the bay takes about 25 minutes, much quicker than by road, and is a pleasant alternative for a day trip to Argostoli.
• Book a car if you want to see Petani. The beach is about 12 kilometres from the centre and access without a car is difficult, so it's worth arranging a rental in advance.
• Choose accommodation near the beach if travelling with children. The areas around Xi offer easier access to an organised beach, which is useful if you don't want daily commutes with small children.
• Ask about air conditioning during the summer months. In July and August, temperatures are high, so it's good to confirm that the accommodation has air conditioning throughout.
• Try Lixouri pancakes. This is a local sweet with fried dough and honey, characteristic of the town, which you'll find in patisseries and cafes in the centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Lixouri from Argostoli?

Approximately 38 kilometres by road, about 50 minutes by car, or about 25 minutes by the small ferry across the bay.

Do I need a car in Lixouri?

Not within the town itself, but for Xi and Petani beaches and the surrounding villages of Paliki, a car or motorbike is necessary.

Which is the most famous beach near Lixouri?

Xi, with its red sand, approximately 4 kilometres away, and Petani, about 12 kilometres away, which is considered one of the most beautiful on the island.

How far is Kefalonia Airport from Lixouri?

Approximately 45 kilometres, with the journey taking about 55 minutes by car.

What is the best time to stay in Lixouri?

May, June, and September offer good weather with fewer crowds compared to July and August.

Is Lixouri open all year round or only in summer?

The town centre operates all year round as Paliki's local hub, while many accommodations and restaurants near the beaches operate mainly from May to October.

The conclusion

Lixouri combines the relaxed atmosphere of a small town with access to some of Kefalonia's best beaches, such as Xi and Petani. The centre suits those who want easy access to restaurants and services, while the areas near the beaches offer more direct contact with the sea.

Before booking your accommodation, consider if you will need a car to reach beaches like Petani and choose your area based on whether you prefer urban convenience or a more secluded, peaceful stay close to nature.

See also our guides on where to stay in Platis Gialos, Mykonos and where to stay in Sidari.