Things To Do in Lixouri

Lixouri’s seafront is dotted with tavernas where you can eat traditional Greek and Italian food. You’ll see lots of freshly caught calamari and snapper, while Kefalonian dishes to look out for include hearty rabbit stew and bourbourelia – a kind of mixed-bean soup. It all goes down well with a glass of the local Robola wine.

The square is home to a clutch of tavernas and bars that play traditional bouzouki music. Plus you’ll find more along the seafront prom. And in season you’ve got two discos just outside town where you can dance ‘til late. Argostoli lays on more choice – there you’ll find bars and clubs down by the harbour, plus a lively night-time atmosphere in the main square.

You’ll find a handful of boutiques and gift shops in town, where you can pick up locally made ceramics and jewellery, as well as handcrafted lace. There are also a couple of delicious patisseries. Argostoli, meanwhile, has more in store. The main street, Lithostrotos, is lined with boutiques and cafés, along with useful things like a post office and bank.

Just outside town is this grand 18^th-century mansion. Inside is a wood-panelled library, home to some 20,000 books, a good portion of which date back to the 16^th century. You can see antique furniture, portraits and icons originally owned by the wealthy Iakovatios family. There’s a landscaped garden to stroll around, too. It’s all free, though donations are encouraged.

Owners Spiros and Carole create the atmosphere at this open-air taverna overlooking the beach. Feel the sand between your toes as barefoot waitresses serve you beneath bamboo awnings. The menu changes depending on what’s been caught that day, but you’ll see people tucking into freshly grilled lobster and octopus, served with organic, home-grown vegetables.

This slick, contemporary bar in the 5-star Appolonion is a place to enjoy an expertly mixed cocktail. You can take a stool up at the steel bar or retire to the leather armchairs. Or, on a balmy evening, you can simply head out to the open-sided terrace overlooking the pool. The vibe is smart but relaxed, and if you get hungry, the hotel’s two restaurants are just a stroll away.

You can take your pick from the beaches around these parts, with each offering up something different. Petani, a beautiful white pebble bay, is the place to escape the crowds. Then you’ve got Vatsa Bay, known for its wide, golden sands and sceney taverna. Xi beach, meanwhile, is home to the watersports and boat hire. Again, they’re all just a few kilometres from town.