Paxi or Paxoi is the smallest group of Ionian Islands (the Heptanese). The largest islands are Paxos and nearby Antipaxos. Antipaxos is famous for its wine and two of the finest sand beaches in the Ionian Sea. The main town of Paxoi, and the seat of the municipality, is Gaios. 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.
The island is approximately eight miles (13 km) 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 community. There are ferry and jetfoil connections daily with Corfu and with the mainland at Parga.
It is very difficult for us to sum up the things you can do in Paxoi. We will definitely come up with a specific travel guide but for now keep in mind that those two islands were extremely mainstream during the 90’s. As for nowadays it is still a unique destination among Greece.
Paxos is known for its beautiful traditional villages with picturesque coves, seaside taverns and outdoor cafes. Very popular is the cosmopolitan Gaios, also the capital of the island, Lakka and Longos, two of the most beautiful areas of the island. To get around you will need a car or a motorbike. Most people prefer to rent a boat so they can easily enjoy the magnificent west side of Paxos and Antipaxos. Beaches are covered mainly with pebbles except the infamous beach in Antipaxos Voutoumi. In our top list is Monodendri beach, with a nice tavern and bar (Ben’s). Other beaches are Kloni,Kamini, Kipos and several other all with clear water. In Antipaxos you may also like Vrika beach.
If you dive do not miss the chance to book a dive with one of the two dive centers operating in Paxos. Diving in the area is a unique experience you will not forget.
During the evening Gaios offers great atmosphere. Walk around the dock or have an early drink in one of the many cafes.Gastronomy in Paxoi is similar to Corfu. Local foods like ‘Pastitsada’, ‘Mpourdeto’ and ‘Sofrito’ are also found here as in Corfu. You will find ‘Mpiros’ in Mpogdanitika exceptional but also ‘Vasilis’ and ‘Gios’ in Logos offer great quality and atmosphere. For a more gourmet approach with mediterannean elements try ‘Erimitis’ in Magazia.In Gaios you can try ‘Kouzini’ and ‘Paximadi’ In Magazia visit the ‘kafenio’ of ‘Mpournao’ and ‘Capriccio’ for crepes in Gaios. For drinks there are several options like ‘Roxy’ and ‘Taksidi’ in Logos,, ‘Romantica’ in Lakka and ‘Mouragio’ or ‘Remego’ in Gaios.
As usual late Spring until early Autumn is the operating season for the tourism industry in Greece. We prefer to be there late June or beginning of September.
