Paxos Overview

Population: 2,500 (2001) - Capital: Gaios.

Distinguished by dramatic contrasts in scenery, Paxos a small island only 8km long and 4km wide has remained surprisingly unspoilt. Some may say its rather inconvenient to reach but we feel that this is what retains the island's natural charm. 

The whole island is one huge olive grove, dramatised here and there by the bright green of pine trees and offset by the startlingly vivid hues of the sea. The gentle hills and sparkling bays of the east coast are in sharp contrast to the wild drama of the west coast cliffs. 

The three coastal villages, Gaios, Loggos and Lakka, have each one its own character and its own devotees.

Explore the area on foot and you will discover tiny forgotten villages, lost in the olive groves, ending up at Agios Charalambos with its marvellous sunsets. The network of trails linking the villages of Gaios, Magazia, Loggos and Lakka.

Antipaxos is the little verdant island just two miles off the tip of Paxos, with less than 100 permanent residents, mainly occupied with viticulture. Antipaxos can be reached either by your own craft or by caique. The island's three beaches (Voutoumi, Vrika and Messovrika), with their amazing turquoise water and fine white sand, are listed among the best ten sandy beaches of the Mediterranean. Anchor for a swim in the emerald waters early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the usual crowds are not there.

Getting To Paxos

From Corfu: Daily ship service in summer, less routes in winter.
From Igoumenitsa: Daily service in summer, three times a week in winter. (Monday – Wednesday – Friday).
From Parga: Daily ship service in summer morning and evening, all summer long.
From Athens: Bus service to and from Athens via Igoumenitsa, with service twice a week in winter and three times a week in the summer.

In addition, there are small high-speed boats, which cover periods when no service is available in case of emergency.

Health care:

There is a Medical Center open 24h in the village of Bogdanatika, 2km from Gaios. There are also pharmacies, private doctors and dentists.

Useful telephones:

Paxos Port Authority: (+30) 26620 32259
Igoumenitsa Port Authority: (+30) 26650 99460-99400-23094
Corfu Port Authority: (+30) 26613 65200

Parga Port Authority: (+30) 26480 31227.

Not to be missed...

- The best swimming of your life in Anti-Paxos, the absolute paradise on earth.

- The great rock formations of 'ortholithos' rock, 'tripitos arch' and the caribbean blue caves of the West coast.

- The grandeur of the sun set over the 'Erimitis' cliffs.

- A guided walk to the inland.

- A classical or contemporary concert or festival, that take place on the island every year (May, July and September).