My Honest Review

Areas of Paxos Highlights of Paxos Getting around Paxos Antipaxos My Honest Review

The Greek Islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are hidden jewels tucked away in the warm turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, off the west coast of Greece. On these small and relatively secluded islands you will find pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, adorable fishing villages along the coast, and luscious vineyards inland. They offer breathtaking beauty and tranquility, and are must-visit destinations for travellers seeking a calming and relaxing escape in Greece. 

Before jumping into it – I always like knowing the history of places I travel so I can honour and respect the land, culture and people that formed the area that I am exploring and enjoying. Be a traveller, not a tourist. Respect the land, respect the culture and respect the history. 

A Brief History of Paxos

Paxos, along with its smaller neighbouring island Antipaxos, was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic era. In ancient times, Paxos was known as Paxi and was often mentioned by ancient writers like Homer, who referred to it as a shelter for the ships of the Greek hero Odysseus.

Paxos was under the control of the Byzantine Empire throughout the Byzantine era, however, during the Middle Ages, like many other Greek islands, Paxos fell under the control of many powers, including the Venetians. As with Corfu, the Venetian rule on Paxos lasted for several centuries and left its mark on the island’s architecture and culture.

Like much of Greece, Paxos suffered pirate raids during the Ottoman rule and their expansion in the Balkans, forcing most of its inhabitants to seek refuge on the nearby mainland.

Following the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century, Paxos (and its neighbouring Ionian islands) united with Greece, and is now part of modern Greece. 

Areas of Paxos

Paxos is a small island, with a total land area of approximately 30 square kilometers, which makes it a very easy island to explore.

There are 3 main areas of Paxos:

Gaios – the main town and port of Paxos. It is situated on the eastern coast of the island and serves as the primary hub for transportation to and from Paxos. Gaios features colorful buildings, waterfront cafes, tavernas, and shops, making it a bustling center of activity.

Lakka – Located on the northern tip of Paxos, Lakka is a charming village nestled in a picturesque bay. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere, scenic harbour, and stunning sunsets. Lakka offers a range of tavernas, cafes, and watersports facilities for visitors to enjoy.

Loggos – Situated on the northeast coast of Paxos, Loggos is a small fishing village renowned for its relaxed ambiance and scenic beauty. The village features traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and a quaint harbour lined with tavernas and cafes.

Highlights of Paxos

Visit the beautiful beaches: Paxos and Antipaxos beaches are hands down the best beaches I’ve seen in Greece, and probably Europe as a whole. They are the postcard Greek beaches, with crystal-clear bright blue water and soft white sand, or pebbly, shorelines. I could not get enough of them, so spend your time exploring both of these islands beaches and coves. The best beaches in Paxos are Erimitis, Monodendri, Harami, and Levrechio, but I also loved Orkos and Marmari. 

The most popular beaches of Antipaxos are Voutoumi and Vrika so be sure to visit those as well. If you catch a ferry over from Paxos it should take you to Voutoumi beach. 

Boat Trips: I would highly recommend taking a boat tour around Paxos and Antipaxos to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and remote beaches that aren’t accessible by foot. During the tours you will be given the opportunity to swim, snorkel, explore the caves and beaches, and enjoy the island’s scenic coastline. 

Hiking and nature walks: Lace up your hiking boots and explore Paxos’s scenic trails and countryside. Walk through olive groves, vineyards, and lush green landscapes while enjoying panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and neighboring islands. One hike I would recommend is to The Tripitos Arch.

The Tripitos Arch: One of the island’s most famous geological formations and a popular destination for visitors seeking dramatic beauty and awe-inspiring views. The Tripitos Arch is a stunning natural landmark located on the western coast of Paxos, near the village of Ozias. 

The arch is made of natural limestone that has been carved by the erosive forces of wind and sea over thousands of years. It stands majestically above the turquoise waters, creating a breathtaking image against the backdrop of rugged cliffs and lush greenery.

Explore coastal villages: Wander through charming coastal villages of Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos. Enjoy the traditional tavernas along the waterfront promenades, where you can indulge in the island’s delicious Mediterranean cuisine, such as regional specialties like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava, and soak up the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. 

The island’s west coast offers a particularly stunning sunset over the Ionian Sea, so be sure to head to Lakka village for a sunset viewing. 

Visit historical sites: Paxos has a rich history, and you can explore this by visiting a few of its historical landmarks scattered across the island, such as the Venetian fortress in Gaios, ancient olive presses, and some Byzantine churches around the island.

Wine tasting: Paxos has an expanding wine scene on the island, and you can discover all about it when visiting its many local wineries and vineyards around the island. Here you’ll be able to taste a variety of locally produced wines, such as Robola and Verdea, while learning all about the island’s winemaking traditions.

Getting around Paxos

Here are some options for getting around Paxos:

• Rent a car (safest option, most expensive)
• Rent a scooter (least safe option, be careful)
• Rent an ATV (safer than a scooter, more affordable than a car)
• Taxi (super expensive depending on the trip and time)
• Local bus (most affordable, Paxos has a great bus system, but make sure you plan the bus times properly)

Out of all these options we opted to stick to the local buses to get around, and when we needed it we would call a taxi or walk if we were feeling up to it. The island is quite small so it is not that difficult to walk, in fact one evening we walked from Loggos to Lakka for sunset and dinner, and walked all the way back in the crisp summer evening air under the stars. It goes down as one of my most memorable nights in Greece.

However when we were not that brave, we relied on the public buses which worked perfectly between the 3 villages, and were very affordable. The bus stop is located in the centre of each village, and the timetables are displayed at each.

Antipaxos

Antipaxos is much smaller than Paxos, and only covers an area of 5 square kilometres. The island can only be accessed by boat from Paxos or Corfu, and is mostly uninhabited, with only a handful of residents and a few tavernas catering to visitors during the busy summer season. 

Antipaxos is known for its pristine beaches, which boast some of the clearest and most azure waters in the Mediterranean. Voutoumi and Vrika are the two main beaches on the island, both defined by their soft white sandy beaches and inviting turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

If you happen to wander further inland, you’ll find it covered with vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees, which adds to its charming allure.

When visiting Antipaxos, make sure to visit Bella Vista restaurant, which is situated up on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the beautiful Voutoumi Beach and turquoise waters of the Med below. Also try Beach Bar and Restaurant Voutoumi for more of the relaxing beach bar and cocktail experience.

Antipaxos offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds due to its small size and seclusion. This is the perfect location for you to fully relax and unwind as you immerse yourself in the island’s untouched natural beauty. 

My Honest Review

Paxos and Antipaxos were some of my all time favourite destinations, and in my opinion, the perfect postcard for a serene Greek summer holiday. 

We spent our summer days soaking up the European sun on gorgeous white sandy beaches, jumping off jetties and boats into the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Med, swimming through underwater caves, sipping cocktails at beach bars and exploring the cliffs and natural terrain of the island. 

In the hot summer evenings we would lose ourselves wandering the villages and indulging in traditional Greek cuisine at one of the many lively tavernas. We would stroll home on the dim lit streets, bellies more than satisfied, and attempt to point out constellations while we gazed at the stars above. 

I adored the days I spent visiting Paxos and Antipaxos, and if someone were to hand me a ticket back to anywhere I’ve travelled in the last few years, without a doubt it would be back to Paxos, with a day boat trip to Antipaxos. 

I can’t express how much I loved these islands, and how I would recommend this destination to everyone looking for the perfect Greek summer escape.

My time in Paxos was made even more memorable by the incredible people I experienced it with, and so to the family that adopted me and my backpack for the week and made this trip so special – a big thank you once again!

Read My Honest Reviews of the other Greek Islands here.