A tiny gem of the Ionian Seas, the island of Paxos still lies unspoilt and covered in olive and pine trees- the perfect destination for holidaymakers looking for relaxation, peace and beauty. With no direct flights, visitors can reach this small idyllic island by boat or hydrofoil from the larger neighbouring island of Corfu. Before tourism, like many other Greek islands, olive trees were the source of wealth for Paxos.

The island has a small population of approximately 2,300 permanent residents and is around 12 kilometres long, enabling travelers to explore most of the island on foot. Full of charming harbours and undiscovered coves, the island is a very popular destination for yachting holidays, attracting yachts from many other Greek islands. Both coasts, the east and the west, are magnets for boats and yachts during the summer season. However, they are very different from each other. The east coast is home to rocky, shingle and pebbly coves with headlands and bays ideal for swimming but also easily accessible. On the other hand, the stunning west coast is not as easily accessible. Visitors can only get to it by different little footpaths. It offers white dramatic cliffs, that plunge straight into the translucent turquoise waters, off-the-beaten track bays and is also dotted with many hidden caves.

 

Antipaxos

Just off the coast of Paxos the minuscule island of Antipaxos is situated. An island of just 4 kilometres long and a population of 30-100 residents, Antipaxos is positively unspoilt and the perfect destination for those looking to get away from every day life. Nowadays the island is practically uninhabited in the winter, with residence moving back only for the summer season to tend to their vineyards.

The island has no shops, no real roads and only a few tavernas and a handful of houses. It is the ideal for those looking for peace and quiet. You can get to the island in 20 minutes by a water taxi from Paxos or by the morning boat from Gaios harbour. The beaches are totally idyllic, with white sand beaches and transparent waters that truly depict a scenery of paradise. Vrika and Voutoumi are two of the beaches that are a must. Over Voutoumi beach, the Bella Vista taverna has the most picturesque view on the island and also serves delicious local dishes and a great selection of fresh fish.

Popular Resorts in Paxos

The largest resort and also the capital of the island is Gaios. This picturesque harbour with bars and tavernas that stretch across the waterfront, is the main port of the island that draws in hundreds of boats, hydrofoils and yachts on a daily basis. A horseshoe shaped bay dotted with villas, small houses and yachts with a postcard looking background of olive groves and woodlands. Entering the port of Gaios, visitors will pass by the island of Virgin Mary, also known as Panayia. This tiny island has a magnificent white monastery, which gates open on the Assumption Day of the 15th of August and everyone travels across to pay homage. Gaios has a great selection of tavernas and bars with fantastic food and entertainment. This is also the only area in the island to have a nightclub. From here visitors can catch a boat or a sea taxi across to Antipaxos.

Loggos

The past commercial center of Paxos and the smallest resort on the island, Loggos is a tiny fishing village dotted with numerous stone houses with colourful windows. Probably best known for it’s delicious cuisine, Loggos is considered to have the best food standard on the island with it’s waterfront tavernas offering local specialities, fresh seafood and exquisite deserts every day. Despite the village being very small it has an adequate choice of amenities, from supermarkets and souvenir shops to jewellery and craft shops.

 

Lakka

On the north of the island we have the village of Lakka. A popular mooring harbour for yachts and sailing boats, Lakka is home to the island’s yachting club. It is also surrounded by charming beaches with crystal clear waters. Visitors will come upon two squares in the village, both of which have tavernas and bars scattered across them and other local amenities like bakeries, cake shops and tourist shops. The perfect resort for relaxing and getting to know the local traditions and culture. And for those who are looking for a bit of adrenaline, there are also water sports and scuba diving lessons available.

Popular Beaches in Antipaxos

A white pebbled beach that leads into the blue crystal clear water with beautiful white sand covering it’s seabed. Voutoumi beach is one of the two most popular beaches in Antipaxos, attracting tourists all summer long from the neighbouring islands of Paxos and of Corfu. The perfect beach for swimming, snorkeling, diving, sunbathing and relaxing, soaking up the hot sunrays and taking in the fresh air. Voutoumi is in a remote area with no shops surrounding it apart from a hilltop taverna with amazing views.

Vrika

The other most popular beach in Antipaxos is the incredible Vrika which attracts thousands of tourists every year. Approximately a 30 minute walk on a hidden footpath from Voutoumi beach. Smaller in size in comparison with Voutoumi but just as beautiful with turquoise waters that are just as clear on a cloudy day. Vrika has a few more facilities than Voutoumi, with two beachfront tavernas and a beach bar. The sea is shallow making it perfect for families with small children.

 

Mesovrika

For those who do not like big crowds and are not bothered by pebbly beaches, Mesovrika is the perfect choice. Hidden away between the more popular beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi, Mesovrika does not have any beach facilities making it one of the most undeveloped beaches on the island but one of the most beautiful. No sand makes it less approachable by tourists but thanks to the giant cliffs and the cove shape, the beach is protected by the wind which increases the presence of private yachts.