Lixouri
Lixouri locals call it Piccolo Paris, is the main town on the peninsula Palliki and the second largest town of Kefalonia after Argostoli.
Characteristic of the region is diverse territory. The lush hills alternate with beautiful beaches and landscapes create unique aesthetic that enchant every lover.
There are several beaches in the area that meet the requirements of all swimmers. You'll find cosmopolitan, crowded beaches, and small secluded beaches. Among the most famous are the Platia Ammos, Lagadakia, Agia Eleni, Petanoi which are located northwest of Lixouri and further north we meet Porto Athera. South of Lixouri we meet famous beaches with the characteristic red sand, such as Lepeda, Megas Lakos, Xi and in near distance are Vatsa and Kounopetra. Kounopetra is one of the most famous areas as it took its name in Greek from the rock that was moving rhythmically through the sea - this phenomenon stopped after the earthquake of 1953.
In the bay of Livadi, there is a wetland, one of the most important in Kefalonia with an area of 500 acres. In its waters flow into more than 100 streams. Many species of birds find refuge in this area. As white herons, swans, fasonetes, mallards, etc.
Lixouri is distinguished for its infrastructure. You can try taverns and restaurants with delicacies Kefalonian cuisine and you may also listen to local serenade singers. The opportunities for nightlife will not be missed. Bars and clubs with music, satisfy all music preferences of visitors.
During your stay in Lixouri do not forget to visit the monastery and abbey Koronatou Kipouraion. These two Byzantine monasteries keep rare ecclesiastical monuments.
You should not also miss the Iakovateios Library ,which is a characteristic sample of neoclasssical architecture. During summertime many various cultural happening are located in the yard of the Iakovateios Library.
History, culture and education
The ancient city Pali is mentioned by Pausanias. Just a few meters south of it, in the Middle Ages, Lixouri is established and it's first mentioned in a letter to the senate of Venice in 1534. Around 1800 it was an important administrative center with various services and secular life. The author Andreas Laskaratos described and satirized different, provocative for its time, social phenomena and behaviors in the town of Lixouri. In 1867 and 1953 the Lixouri destroyed by earthquakes. The historic buildings since it is now minimal, and samples of a wealthy small town in the 18th and 19th century. Lixouri changed radically after 1800 when built roads, churches and several public buildings. During the British rule of the Ionian Islands, Lixouri was the seat of the Club Omonoia, which played an important role in the union between the islands and the rest of Greece.
What characterizes Lixouri is remarkable career in the arts and letters. Lixouri founded the first philharmonic orchestra of the island, which is one of the oldest in Greece, after that of Corfu. Philharmonic School Pallis was founded in 1836 by composer Lixurian teacher Peter Skarlatos and other music aficionados of the era. It is one of the oldest orchestras in Greece and one of the creative components Eptanesian Musical Culture.
The Technical Vocational School of Lixouri has its roots in 19o century while the Carnival is being organized in the city, gathering every time a lot of people and is the most important event that is held annually with great success with nationwide impact.
Finally, you can visit -every summer- the popular wine festival of Mantzavinata.