Paxos Island

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Located seven nautical miles south of Corfu’s southernmost tip and 10 miles to the west of Parga on the mainland, the small island of Paxos is a real hidden gem of the Ionian Sea that seems to be untouched by time.

Gaios, the main port and capital town of Paxos is a token of Ionian charm and cosmopolitanism in miniature. The port is nestled in a fjord-like strait, created by the lush Agios Nikolas islet just across. Agios Nikolaos bears the ruins of a Venetian fortress built between 1423 and 1510. An exciting fact is that the almighty Leonardo Da Vinci drafted the plans upon which the construction was based. They are still preserved in the town’s archives.

The settlement of Gaios has kept its Venetian architecture and layout. Stroll around the narrow alleys and admire the beautifully preserved stone houses and mansions. The old shops and cafés have a genuine quaintness and give the impression that they have remained unchanged since they opened up for business a century ago.

The other main villages of the island are Logos, Lakka, and Ozias, surrounded by pine and olive trees. If you decide to let the beach life aside for a while and take a hike inland, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking natural landscape blanketed with vast olive groves and grapevines. When passing through the settlements, look out for the elaborate cisterns carved on the rocks to collect rainwater.

The east coast of Paxos is a haven of tranquil coves and bays, with dense vegetation spilling down to the water’s edge. The west coast is more spectacular, as it has cliffs, sea caves, and secluded beaches that are only accessible by boat.

The Best Beaches of Paxos Island

Beaches in Paxos are Caribbean-like. The island boasts stunning shores of sand or pebbles, lapped by glittering, electric blue water.

Monodendri

Mododendri is the most famous and cosmopolitan beach of Paxos. It is situated on the east coast, about 8km north of Gaios. It is pebbly with deep, crystal clear waters. Monodendri is organized with all necessary amenities and watersport facilities.

Marmari

Marmari is located on the east coast, 5km north of Gaios. It is a peaceful and secluded pebbly beach with blue-green waters. It is not organized. The sea reflects the green of the trees that reach the shore.

Erimitis

For many people, Erimitis is the best beach on the island. It is located on the west coast, and access is made by a steep 10-minute descending path or by boat.

Erimitis equals pristine nature at its finest. It is not organized. The shiny white pebbles spill down to the azure waters, creating a scenery that will be engraved in your memory forever. Seeing the sunset from here is a must.

Mongonissi

Mongonissi lies on the south side of the island, and it is the only sandy beach. The shallow waters of this shore, reflecting the green of the surrounding vegetation, are particularly attractive to families with small children. The beach is organized with sunbeds and watersport facilities. There is a taverna where you can enjoy a delicious meal after your swim.

Things to do and see in Paxos Island

The Folklore Museum of Paxos

Based on the island’s Cultural Association initiative, the Historical and Folklore Museum of Paxos was inaugurated in 1996.

The museum displays exhibits from ancient times until the mid-20^th century. There are fossils, pottery fragments, and more items from Prehistoric, Classical, and Roman times. As far as more recent centuries are concerned, you will see weapons dating from the times of the Venetian rule and the Decree declaring the annexation of the Ionian Islands to the Greek State in 1864.

Last, there is a particular room containing utensils, costumes, and traditional furniture donated to the museum by the locals.

A daily boat trip to Antipaxos

If you have an extra day during your holiday on Paxos, don’t hesitate for a second to book a trip to the tiny neighboring island of Antipaxos.

Antipaxos is hands-down the definition of Eden for anyone lucky enough to set foot on its shores. The island’s two beaches, Vrika and Voutoumi, are a piece of the Caribbean moved to the Ionian Sea. Fine sand is lapped by azure waters you’ve never seen before, creating a paradise for snorkeling and lazy relaxation on the beach all day long.

Antipaxos is also known for its grapevines. Though of a small scale, the wine produced here is a sweet and dark pleasure you must try.

Accommodation in Paxos Island

Though small, Paxos boasts a large selection of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. You can stay in hotels, luxury apartments, villas, and traditional houses.