Holidays in Paxos

Paxoi or Paxos (Greek: Παξοί) is the name given to the smallest group of the Ionian Islands (the Heptanese). In Greek it is a plural form and it refers to a complex of islands, the largest of which are Paxos and Antipaxos (a smaller nearby island famous for its wine, and two of the finest sandy beaches in the Ionian Sea). In Greek mythology, Poseidon created the island by striking Corfu with his trident, so that he and wife Amphitrite could have some peace and quiet.

Paxos Geography

The island is approximately 8 miles in length and tipped up towards the west. The west coast is dominated by steep white, chalky cliffs that are greatly eroded at sea level, and harbour many "blue caves" which can be explored on launches departing from Gaios. Much of the attractive landscape is still covered in olive groves. These stretch from Lakka, the harbour community in the north, through Magazia to Gaios, the capital. Olive oil making, soap manufacture and fishing were supplanted by tourism as the main industry in the mid sixties, resulting in a construction boom which has greatly altered the coastline around Gaios, the "capital" of the Paxiot demos (community). There are ferry and jetfoil connections daily with Kerkyra (Corfu) and with the mainland at Parga, as well as a regular seaplane service to Corfu Town in the tourist season. Excursions to Albania (the resort of Saranda and the magnificent Greco-Roman settlement of Butrint) can also be arranged with the local jetfoil operators.

Paxos Sights

Beautiful sights around the island of Paxos are reminiscent of past eras maintaining the local spirit and giving visitors the chance to get acquainted to the historical past of Paxos.

While on Paxos Island in Greece you should take a visit at:
The Museum of Paxos in Gaios.
The stone built light-house in Lakka, from where you can gaze at the enchanting sunset views.
The old soap factory and the windmill, in Loggos.
Zoodochos Pigi Church with its very old murals.
Agii Apostoli Church in Magazia from where you can admire lovely sunset views.
The sea-cave of Hypapante, which you can visit by boat.

Paxos Beaches

There are approximately thirty beaches on Paxos, the majority of which are located on the east coast of the island. Most beaches are either stone or shale, though there are a couple of sandy beaches to be found, one in Lakka, the other in Mongonisi. The water around Paxos is extremely clear, clean and warm, with a fantastic turquoise hue.
All beaches are considered safe for swimming, though none of the beaches have life guards on duty. The exposed west coast of Paxos is much more rugged, and does not have any beaches that are accessible from land. The west coast does, however, have a series of caves called the Blue Caves that are simply spectacular and it is well worth a boat trip to see these. Below is a summary of the beaches that can be found on Paxos and Anti-Paxos.

Gaios Beaches: North of Gaios, there is a sheltered beach called Kaki Langada. This beach is comprised mainly of pebbles. During the main holiday season there is a small 'Kantina' open serving snacks and cool drinks. There are also several coves to be found south of Gaios, towards Mongonisi.

Lakka Beaches: There are two beaches in the bay at Lakka: Harami and Kanoni. Of these, Harami is the sandiest beach and is popular with young families. Around Planos headland to the north, a few more beaches can be found: Planos and Achai. Heading south from Lakka, towards Loggos, there are two more beaches: Monodendri and Glyfada. Monodendri, which means single tree, is the most popular of these two beaches, as it is nearest to Lakka and is the most accessible. Glyfada is closer to Loggos, but can only be accessed via a steep and rough footpath or from the sea via boat. As such, Glyfada beach is much quieter than Monodendri.

Loggos Beaches: The beach of Levrecchio is roughly a five minute walk south of Loggos. This beach can become very busy during the peak holiday season due to its ease of access. There is a taverna nearby from which you can buy meals and cool drinks. Also near Loggos, further south than Levrecchio, are the beaches of Kipos and Marami. These two beaches are only accessible by foot or by boat and so are quieter than Levrecchio. There is some welcome shade to be found on these beaches, as the olive groves grow right down to the edge of the beach. A popular beach with yachts and motor cruisers is Kipiadi. This beach can be reached from the track that also leads to the beach of Pounda, though the track is steep in places. Both of these beaches are further south from Loggos, roughly half way to Gaios.

Mongonisi Beaches: There is a single, man made beach at Mongonisi. This is the sandiest beach on the island and is popular with young families. Mongonisi is also a popular mooring point for yachts and motor cruisers. It benefits from a taverna at the back of the beach. There are water sports available at the beach in Mongonisi, including windsurfing and peddlos.

Antipaxos Beaches: There are several beaches on Antipaxos, with the most popular two being Vrika and Voutoumi. Both of these beaches are sandy (Voutoumi is only sandy underfoot once in the water) and both have beach bars open during the main holiday season. Both of these beaches can also be busy during the peak holiday period and are usually frequented by yachts and motor cruisers. Other, more secluded beaches and coves can be accessed on Antipaxos by boat. There are numerous organised trips to Antipaxos available from the three main villages of Gaios, Lakka and Loggos.

Paxos Nightlife

Paxos is not the place to go for a wild nightlife. It hosts only a few beach bars that stay open all night long and most of them are found in Gaios village, the capital of Paxos island. Nevertheless, the island has many excellent taverns with fresh fish and a lot of lovely, seaside cafes.