Villa Varkoula is a two-bedroom villa with ensuite bathrooms. It has an open-plan lounge and a fully fitted kitchen with a dishwasher, 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 sea in the distance are ever-changing and fantastic to look over during a relaxing evening by the pool. The location is 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 its 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, and 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. The water park at Kounopetra, with four water slides and a bar/restaurant is a great way to entertain the family on hot summer days. 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 others they roll in onto the shore. The nearest town is Lixouri (about 4 km away) a modern town with a harbor, 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 harbor, Lixouri is the perfect place. Lixouri is the second most 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. Flat access parking is immediately adjacent to the front entrance.