Paxos

Paxos (Παξοί) is a small, green island in the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu. Its hills are covered in olive groves, many planted under Venetian rule. The island has no airport and is reached by ferry from Corfu and Igoumenitsa. In summer, day boats also arrive from Corfu and Parga.

The harbour villages lie on the sheltered east coast. Gaios has a pastel waterfront protected by two islets, Agios Nikolaos with its Venetian fortress and Panagia with its church. Lakka sits on a horseshoe bay with a lighthouse, and Loggos is a small fishing harbour. The west coast drops away in limestone cliffs, with sea caves, the Tripitos arch and the Erimitis cliffs, a viewpoint at sunset. Show more

Just to the south, neighbouring Antipaxos has vineyards and the turquoise bays of Voutoumi and Vrika. Hired motorboats and sea kayaks are popular ways to explore the coast. Walking trails cross the interior between hamlets and old olive presses, and a museum in Magazia is devoted to olive pressing. Tavernas serve fresh fish, local olive oil and Antipaxos wine. In summer, yachts, villa guests and day visitors fill the harbours, while the island is quiet out of season.