Posted by Paxos (also often called Paxi and Paxoi) is the smallest of the main Ionian islands. It has an area of only 19 km², but is densely populated with 3,500 inhabitants. Paxos is located a few kilometers south of the much larger island Corfu.
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Tourism on Paxos has been growing for years. Olives and wine are mainly grown on the island. The olives of Paxos are known throughout Greece for their excellent quality. In the capital Gaios there are a few guesthouses and private rooms that are quite cheap. There are also rooms to rent, taverns and cafes in some smaller towns such as Longos and Lakka. The clear, blue water around Paxos is ideal for swimming, surfing, diving and snorkeling.
Paxos is a small island, about 10 km long (from north to south) and a maximum of 2-3 km wide. Almost half of the inhabitants of the island of Paxos live in the main town of Gaisos.
Excursion from Corfu to Paxos
There are great excursions by boat from Corfu to Paxos and the small neighboring island of Antipaxos. Day tours for just over 30 euros. You can book these well-organized day trips online: More information and booking
Places and accommodation on Paxos
Gaios: The main town and ferry terminal on the east coast is called Gaios. Around 1,400 people live here. Life takes place mainly in the cafes and taverns around the harbor. There are several good accommodations (including many vacation apartments). If you have time, you should visit the small museum in Gaios. The local museum is open every morning and early evening and costs €2 to enter (as of 2014).
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A good choice for accommodation in Gaios, for example, is Vista Mare Faros, just under a kilometer from the harbor and beach, also in terms of price. More accommodation in Gaios and other places on Paxi can be found on Booking.com.
Loggos is a small fishing village which, like Gaios, is located on the east coast of Paxos facing the mainland. Here, too, you can rent apartments and rooms. It is much quieter and more tranquil here than in Gaios. In addition to a few taverns, there are also small supermarkets and a typical Greek bakery.
Lakka: The second largest town on the island of Paxos is in the north. As in Gaios, yachts dock here every day. There are some more expensive restaurants for wealthy yacht owners. The beaches around Lakka are also popular with windsurfers. There are also various holiday accommodations in Lakka, especially in the mid-price range. Vasiliki Apartments, for example, has good reviews. Friendly owners, nice rooms, centrally located in town.
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The Ipapanti cave in the west of the island is worth seeing. It can only be reached by sea. From Gaios there are excursion boats to the grotto.
Paxos beaches and hiking
All of the places described above have good beaches. However, the island of Paxos has mostly pebble beaches. The best sandy beach is in the very south and is called Mongonissi (taverns, toilets, showers, etc. available). Since most of the towns and beaches are on the sheltered east side, there are rarely high waves.
The island of Paxos is popular with hikers. Due to the small size of the island, many hiking trails are more like walks. The path from Lakka to the old British lighthouse is popular, for example. From Gaios you can go to the abandoned village of Geremonachos. Longer hikes are possible in the sparsely populated western part.
Antipaxos
Antipaxos (also Andipaxos or Antipaxi) can be reached by daily excursion boats from the port in Gaios (Paxos Island). There are some excellent beaches on Antipaxos. On Antipaxos, which is only 4-5 km² in size, there are taverns and a few simple private rooms in summer. However, most visitors are day trippers from Paxos. In winter, Antipaxos is now almost uninhabited and difficult to reach. Wine is grown on a large part of Antipaxos. There are only a few rooms to rent on Andipaxi. The majority of residents live in the main town of Vigla. In summer, around 100 people live on Andipaxos, but in winter there are only 20 to 30.
A day trip to Antipaxos is also worthwhile because of the beautiful beaches. Vrika Beach is in the north directly opposite Paxos. Voutoumi Beach a few hundred meters further south on the east coast is also popular. There are taverns on both beaches, although they are only open in summer. The Spiros tavern on Vrika beach is good and inexpensive, for example.
Some participants on day tours also hike on Andipaxos. There are hikes, for example, through the vineyards or across Antipaxi to a lighthouse.
Getting to Paxos Island
There is no airport on Paxos. Almost everyone travels by ferry. The only exception is connections with small seaplanes from the island of Corfu. The ferry runs twice a day between Igoumenitsa (mainland) and Gaios (Paxos). The fare is around 7-8 euros per person. In Igoumenitsa you can connect with another ferry to Corfu. In summer there are direct fast ferries between the island of Paxos and Corfu for around 15 euros per person.
Paxos buses
Buses run several times a day between the three towns of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka. Unfortunately, there are no bus connections to other towns. There are a few taxis on Paxos. Cars, mopeds and bicycles can be rented in Gaios. Cycling is not too strenuous on the inhabited east coast of Paxos, as the area is rather flat by Greek standards.
Islands of Paxos and Antipaxos Top 10
Gaios Port
The main town of Paxos, known for its Venetian-influenced architecture and charming alleyways. The port is lined with cafes and restaurants and is an ideal starting point for exploring.
Voutoumi Beach (Antipaxos)
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean with turquoise water and fine sand. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Loggos
A small, picturesque fishing village with traditional tavernas and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet afternoon.
Lakka
Another charming village in the north of Paxos, known for its protected natural harbor and great views.
Blue Caves
These spectacular sea caves can be explored by boat. The sunlight reflects the turquoise water in an impressive way.
Vrika Beach
An idyllic beach with fine sand and clear water, perfect for a relaxing beach day. Tavernas here offer local delicacies right by the sea.
Boat tour around the islands
A boat tour is a must to discover the inaccessible beaches, hidden coves and the impressive coastal formations of Paxos and Antipaxos.
Olive groves
Paxos is known for its olive oil production. A walk through the old olive groves gives you an idea of the traditional agriculture of the island.
Panagia Monastery
The monastery is located on the small island of Panagia near Gaios and offers great views of the surrounding area.
Snorkeling and diving
The waters around Paxos and Antipaxos are ideal for exploring the underwater world. There are many snorkeling and diving spots with clear water and rich marine flora and fauna.
Excursion from Corfu to Paxos
There are great excursions by boat from Corfu to Paxos and the small neighboring island of Antipaxos. Day tours for just over 30 euros. You can book these well-organized day trips online: More information and booking
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