Villa Karavaki - 3 bedroom family villa close to Xi beach and Lixouri town
Villa Karavaki is a three bedroom villa with ensuite bathrooms. It has an open plan lounge and fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine and full size fridge/freezer. Outside is a large patio area and private swimming pool of 4m x 7m, surrounded by a small picket fence. The views over the valley and the to sea in the distance are ever changing and fantastic to look our over during a relaxing evening by the pool. The location in one of the best on the island and the Xi resort around 2km away is ideal for water sports and entertainment with its red sandy beach. The area at Xi beach is a resort of it's own with a great variety of restaurants, bars and traditional taverns to choose from. A bus service runs from the beach to Lixouri town twice daily, once in the morning, once in the midday and passes by the villas. The beach at Xi is a 3km long stretch of fine red sand and is especially safe for children or non swimmers with its shallow water. At the far right end of Xi beach are the clay cliffs, from 20 to 30 meters high. The clay is used by the Greeks for face masks and is said to have healing properties. Kounopetra (Moving Stone) is located along the coast, it is a paradoxical natural phenomenon, a rock in the sea that moves rhythmically. New in 2012 was the water-park at Kounopetra, with four water slides and a bar/restaurant. The water slides are just around the corner about 10 minutes drive away. The Kipouria Monastery, which houses remarkable relics and post-Byzantine icons is perched on a cliff and has stunning views of the sea and the most beautiful sunset on the island and is located around the coastline from Xi beach. For the more adventurous swimmers, Petani about 20 minutes away is great for snorkelling and on some days the waters are calm and flat, whilst on other they roll in onto the shore. The nearest town is Lixouri (about 4 km away) is a modern town with a harbour, wide tree-lined streets and beautiful squares edged with flowers. It is where you will find all the facilities of a traditional working town, such as shops, restaurants and banks. Plus for those fish lovers, you can still purchase fresh fish in the traditional way from the local fishermen along the harbour midmorning. If you enjoy dining by the harbour, Lixouri is the perfect place. Lixouri is the second important town of Kefalonia, and boasts beautiful buildings, traditional small houses surrounded by flowers, beautiful squares with quaint cafes, and impressive churches. The small passenger/car ferry which takes about 20 minutes runs regularly every hour and will take you across the harbour to the capital Argostoli. Mantzavinata (just up the lane) from the villas has a mini market and coffee bar and also boasts a traditional olive press and a winery. Vatsa (2 km away) is where can find one of the most exotic fish taverns on the island (occasionally the resident ducks may come to visit). The moon shaped sandy beach is about 200 meters long and 12m wide. Near the beach a small river flows into the sea, and it's used by fishing vessels and sport boats as a small harbour. Flat access parking is immediately adjacent to the front entrance.
We stayed at the villa for 2 weeks, and loved every minute of it, the villa is in a peaceful spot with stunning views but only a short drive to all amenities, and lixouri. Frances was a great host, we arrived early hours of the morning to find the fridge full with all we would need until we could get to a shop. The villa itself is perfect for a family holiday, I particularly liked that it was designed for guests and we didnât feel like we were in someone elseâs home. We would definitely go back - thanks for a great stay :)
We had an amazing stay in this villa located closely to Lixouri town. The check in the was made super easy with the help of Frances. He gave us great directions to the villa as well as instructions of how to get on the ferry. Thereâs so much to do, highly recommend Xi beach which is only a 5 min drive from the villa. Thank you for our wonderful stay :)
Superb rental, very clean and very well equipped. The sleeping area is remarkable and well appointed. The swimming pool is superb. Shame it's visible from the road. Very well placed with a supermarket very close by and Petana beach is the most beautiful for me. Our hosts were extremely friendly and very responsive.
Villa Karavaki was the perfect base for our family holiday. The location was perfect, it felt rural with gorgeous mountain and sea view from the patio and pool area but still only a 5 minute drive to xi beach or 10 minute drive to Lixouri. The villa itself was lovely (the photos donât do it justice) it had lots of space, was really clean and well equipped with all we could need. Frances was great with communication, she answered all questions and gave us clear directions. A lovely welcome hamper was left with all we needed for the first day plus some lovely treats which removed the stress of finding a supermarket on arrival. We would definitely recommend and would love to come back and visit again.
Our family of four (kids aged 17 and 12) stayed for one week in July. Communication with owner from start to finish was fantastic, A lovely scenic drive from airport of just under an hour, took us to this spacious 3 bed villa all with en suite bathroom. Arrived to a nice welcome pack which avoided need to go to shops on day one. Villa Karavaki is set in a quiet spot, only a few mins drive from Xi beach and 7mins drive to Lixouri town for which we just used the great local taxi for getting to and from, ideally we would have walked to Xi beach if were any pavements.
The villa and pool were clean and had everything we needed, lovely view from pool area, and enjoyed sitting at the pool watching the sun rise over the hills in the morning. We easily visited Argostoli (20min ferry from Lixouri), and Petani Beach for dinner whilst watching the sun go down. Plenty of space for all, we had a great stay and would recommend if wanting a quiet and relaxing break, or to base yourself and explore further.
Would recommend
August 2022 - 2 adults and 2 teens (16/14). The Villa: 3 big bedrooms - all en-suite. Kitchen and living area well-stocked. The villa opens onto the infinity pool which has lovely views over the valley and sea onto Argostoli and the east of the island. Sun all day and into the evening. Itâs also a good for star-gazing at night and watching the planes come in and out in the distance. The only suggestion weâd have is for a screen to the southern side to block the view of the road (which isnât that big a deal and the road is quiet), and maybe some shade for the early mornings.
The Location: Perfect! 5 mins drive to Xi beach and all the watersports and beach bars, and 10 minutes to Lixouri and supermarkets/shops and lovely town square. Vatsa beach and boat hire 10 minutes away.
Activities: Lixouri in the evening - loads of great restaurants and bars. We had day-trips to Fiskardo (must-do!) where the kids went scuba-diving (and we had a look at Myrtos on the way), Antisamos (the beach!!!), the caves (kids loved them!) and Assos (beautiful).
Frances always on hand by phone and really helpful.
Amazing Villa like home from home. Highly recommend just perfect
Had the most amazing week in this beautiful villa. Frances was there to hand and so helpful and kind. The pool was kept so clean and the views were stunning. Loved all the little touches such as a welcome pack and the laundry bin. Just first class.
We enjoyed this very well equipped villa. Great welcome pack provided, and everything we needed. We did not hire a car and were able to walk to xi beach for restaurantsand get bus or taxi to Lixouri for supermarket and ferry. Had a great holiday thank you.
The property was ideal for us in a quite location but easy access to the rest of the island. The facilities were very comfortable and easy to use with a good outside and pool area where we could spend most of our time in the villa. The welcome pack of some essential items was a very nice touch and allowed us to settle in at our own pace. The island itself seems relatively 'under developed' compared to other mediterranean destinations but this makes it even more appealing to us. The local people are very welcoming and easy going and the villa provided the ideal base whether it was just hanging round the pool or venturing out to the many beautiful places to visit. A very relaxing and enjoyable 2 weeks was had by us all.
Great little villa. Nice little welcome package of basic foods, wine and beers to set us through the first day. Two twin rooms and one double, all ensuite. Living area a bit small for the evenings but outside space makes up for it. Great little pool with fantastic views. Good location, we had a car and explored the island. Beaches and a couple of restaurants down the road. Little farm with sheep, chickens etc and vineyard next door, the farmer although can speak no English was very nice and brought us free eggs!
Perfect for us and the price early June was great.
Great villa in a fab location itâs 5 mins from XI beach and 10 from Lixouri. The photos donât do it justice and I would never get bored of the view.
Ideally placed, mid way between Xi beach and Lixouri. You are only a few minutes drive from busier places, or just stay by the pool and enjoy the peace and fantastic view.
The villa and pool are clean and well looked after. The aircon in the bedrooms is fantastic, no hot and sticky sleepless nights.
The welcome pack gives you a great start to your holiday. Frances, Barry and their team are generous hosts. Very helpful, approachable and knowledgeable about the area.
All in all, we had a fantastic holiday and will happily return for another.
We were very happy with our stay in Karavaki Villa. It is located in a peaceful area of the island close to Lixouri town and has a stunning view. The property is well maintained and very clean. If you are planning to stay in this part of the island I think it is essential to have a car with you to be able to go to Lixouri town were all the restaurants and shops are.
Good location.
The property is within 1 mile of safe beaches and free parking
We were a family of six and found the facilities to be adequate
The pool was cleaned twice on our stay, as was the linen.
Air con in the Bedrooms was a must at this time of the year and was inclusive of the price.
Would consider re-booking again
Parkins family
We were very impressed by how tastefully decorated everything was, so nice and welcoming, super clean and very friendly! I would recomend it to anyone!!! We LOVED our stay at the Karavaki Villa.Thanks! Cosmin & Iuliana
Enjoyed 2 weeks at Villa Karavaki. Substantial welcome pack on arrival meant we didn't need to go shopping on day of arrival. Villa was clean and well maintained with the bed linen changed every 3 / 4 days. Beds were very comfortable. Toiletries were lovely and a nice touch.
Views were amazing from poolside. Beaches a short drive away as well as plenty of tavernas within a 15 minute drive.
Ferry ride was a great start to the holiday after sitting in a plane for so long.
Any small issues we had were sorted out quickly. Frances was very helpful and always contactable.
Fabulous villa - the view from the terrace over the pool and across the valley is just amazing
On arrival found villa very clean and a very generous welcome pack provided which meant we did not have to do an immediate emergency dash to the nearest supermarket even for our three boys! Little touches like flowers on each bed and toiletries in the bathrooms were a lovely thought. Plenty of towels, bed linen, pillows (often found these wanting in other villas) and, for once plenty of coat hangers and, everything worked!!!!
The view from the terrace over the pool was simply amazing and it was wonderful to sit early evening, scrubbed of sand and sun tan cream, with a long G&T with plenty of ice and watch the swallows skim across the pool catching insects and listen to the chorus of cicadas and the gentle tinkle of bells from the sheep and goats.
Easy access to Xi beach, only a 10 minute drive maximum and there is plenty of parking- it is walkable but it would be uphill most of the way back so a bit of a chore at the end of the day with bags etc. Great sandy beach with sunbeds and fixed parasols and a choice of half a dozen of bars/taverners. Several other beaches in easy reach - we particularly liked Megas Lakkas Beach as quieter, not that Xi was crowded or noisy. For any fitness enthusiasts there are plenty of running options down the hill and along the beach and then back up the hill and around into the village! Likewise on the beach during the day easy to go for lovely walks in both directions.
Frances and Barry are great owner/managers - easy to contact and readily sorted out any queries. Also very helpful on local information - if you are visiting over the 16th August - going to see the Feast of St Gerasimos is a must. Pool was cleaned regularly during our stay and the villa was cleaned once a week with a towel and bed linen change.
Plenty of tavernas within easy reach by car; good supermarket on main road into Lixouri. Explored up as far as Assos but long drive and so many hairpin bends that our children were feeling quite queasy by the time we arrived so did not make it on to Fiskardo. Will definitely return to Kefalonia as lots of things we did not have time to do - it was just too easy to slip into "Greek Time" and let the day melt away with no rush to do anything particular!
I was at this villa back in June 2016 with my wife, mum and dad. Its a lovely villa with a great view. The villa has everything you need including a dish washer and washing machine. The pool is great too.
It was a great surprise that the towels and bedding are changed every 3ish days. To have a nice cold beer in the fridge on arrival was just what was needed after the journey.
Car is recommended if you wish to see the island but the beach is walking distance.
Had a great holiday and would defo book this villa again.
Frances is very helpful and was in contact all the time before arriving at the villa.
Nice villa with plenty of room. The property was well looked after and had a good pool. The welcome pack was very good. Owner very responsive and helpful. A couple of local restaurants were excellent. In particular we liked Captain Nicolas, a traditional and authentic greek taverna which had superb views towards the sea at Vatsa, was family run with excellent food cooked by 'Grandma'. Also, Spaggios, just down the lane from Captain Nicolas and on the beach was very good with an excellent choice of fresh fish
Arrived to villa to find it stocked with essentials, bread, ham, milk juices and wine!! Villa itself was very clean with good size bedrooms, each with its own shower room, so no queuing for the shower. Plenty of towels and spares in the wardrobes! It has all the amenities you need in the kitchen, and an iron and hairdryer in the bedrooms. Lounge area was big enough for 4 of us, we didn't spend much time inside anyway. The pool was great and has the most amazing outlook, I could sit by the pool all day and night with that view. Kids loved the pool too. Maid came midweek to change beds and towels.
It's only a short drive to Xi beach which has beach bars, sunbeds and clear waters, very shallow so great for young ones. The opposite direction a supermarket and 5 mins drive is Lixouri town with plenty of restaurants and the boat to Argostoli, lots of shops and places to eat there. We also drove out to Petani beach which is about 30 mins drive and well worth it, totally beautiful. All in all we had a great stay at this villa, it's was in a perfect location and suited our family of four, two adults, two kids. Would recommend it and hope to stay again in future!!
We made in September, 2014 three-week vacation in the villa Karavakis in XI. The bedrooms are air-conditioned, the kitchen(cuisine) functionally and the undeveloped outskirt area with pool very nicely. 2x the week there came the pool bell-boy and the cleaning lady(cleaner). Antonelos pub on the beach(seashore) of XI, Spyros Fish Tavern in Vatsa and Il Palazzino at the Central Square of Argostoli are to be recommended. All in all, a great vacation. Only two small remarks: It would be great if it would also give German programmes on televisionin the future. Moreover, a view protection would be nice to the pool area, so that not each can look from the street at the outside arrangement. Gerhild and JĂŒrgen MĂŒller from Dreieich
Wir machten im September 2014 drei Wochen Urlaub in der Villa Karavakis in XI. Die Schlafzimmer sind klimatisiert, die KĂŒche funktional und der AuĂenbereich mit Pool sehr schön. 2x die Woche kam der Poolboy und die Putzfrau. Antonelos Pub am Strand von XI, Spyros Fish Tavern in Vatsa und Il Pallazino am Central Square von Argostoli sind zu empfehlen. Alles in allem ein toller Urlaub. Nur zwei kleine Anmerkungen: Es wĂ€re toll wenn es zukĂŒnfitg auch deutsche Programme im Fernsehen geben wĂŒrde. AuĂerdem wĂ€re ein Sichtschutz zum Poolbereich hin schön, damit nicht jeder von der StraĂe aus auf die AuĂenanlage schauen kann. Gerhild und JĂŒrgen MĂŒller aus Dreieich
If you like laid back Greek islands this area of Kefalonia is ideal. The villa was spotless, modern and all was well kept especially the pool. All you need although a little away from things but that's the beauty of this villa. The crazy golf down the road is a must even for adults!! Xi beach is good although can be crowded so explore the peninsular and your sure to find a good beach within 10 mins. Water park nearby was excellent too. Supermarket not far and the little taverna/shop in the village 200 metres away is excellent and the people there were fantastic. Takes a bit to find this villa especially in the dark as we had to but still fun so don't let that put you off. The directions are spot on. Best villa we have stayed at so far will be returning soon but there are a few more islands to explore first but this villa is a great place to start on kefalonia.
Kefalonia is our favourite Greek island. Our daughter and her husband to be decided to get married in Lixouri so we the family group (3 couples) chose the Karavaki villa to be near the wedding venue which was at the fabulous Xi beach. The villa had everything we needed and particularly important was having the 3 en-suites. The views are spectacular and the pool adequate. A couple of things needed attention but were quickly sorted by the owners. With many excellent restaurants nearby we avoided cooking at home. The beach is only a 20 min walk and about 30 min to walk into Lixouri. However, to enjoy Kefalonia you really need a car. Easy to recommend this villa for those who prefer seclusion comfort and wonderful scenery.