Paxos Island
It is a charming island on the western coast of Greece. With jaw-dropping scenery and small villages, it’s a restful place to relax. White impressive rocks sit vertically along the whole western side of the island and amongst these are the famous blue caves! Ideal for anyone who loves beach life and translucent turquoise waters!
Paxos is the smallest island group of the Ionian Islands and is located to the south of Corfu.
The legend of Paxos
The story goes that Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, struck the tip of Corfu with his trident and chipped off an island. He dragged it south to create a private haven where he and his wife Amphitrite could get away from it all. And that paradise was, of course, Paxos.
Paxos is an island of endless olive groves and Antipaxos one large vineyard. The eastern coastlines of the island are smooth, while the west coasts are bold and abrupt with remarkable natural formations: caves, arches, dome-shaped forms, sheer cliffs etc.
Gaios, the port of Paxos is beautifully nestled between two green islands, Paxi and Agios Nikolaos, shaping a natural fjord.
Gaios invites you to wander around its streets and discover its secrets.
The Venetian-style buildings gathered around the harbor, painted in shades of pink, ochre and blue, hark back to the centuries when the Ionian islands were under the rule of the Republic of Venice.
From ancient fortresses and museums to cozy tavernas and shops, the capital of Paxos has something for everyone. Its beautiful landscape, combined with its traditional character, makes this little town the perfect spot to start your exploration!
On the northern side of the island is located Lakka and on the east coast the charming village port of Loggos.
Lakka
The traditional settlement of Lakka is located at the northernmost tip of the island, located at the bottom of a sheltered bay.
The village of Lakka is surrounded by a lush green landscape, whose dense vegetation reaches to the edge of the blue-green sea. The landscape is complemented by beautiful traditional houses, cafes, taverns and bars.
In the little port of the settlement, there is a sailing club, where many yachts and fishing boats find shelter. Near the village is also the stone Lighthouse, built in 1825 by the English, from where one can enjoy the wonderful sunset.
Loggos
This tiny fishing hamlet lies on Paxos’ east coast. The activity in this little village centers around its harbor where you can find people, tradesmen, fishermen and yachts making the scene very colorful at any time of the day.
It is worth visiting the church of Zoodochos Pigi where paintings are preserved from 1739.
Also very interesting is the old factory (olive mill, soap factories) of the Anemogiannis family, right next to the sea and the port.
Loggos is a cultural center of Paxos.
For art lovers, the International Music Festival and Spring Music Festival in the summer is a fortnight of music and arts events that attracts Greek and international performers and artists. If you happen to be in Paxos during these events, don’t miss to attend them!
The eastern coastlines of the island are gentle while the west coasts are bold and abrupt, with remarkable natural formations: caves, arches, dome-shaped forms, sheer cliffs...
The warm sun and emerald water make Paxos an idyllic place to start sailing or to introduce family and friends to the pastime.
Being so small, and such a gentle wooded country, Paxos is a paradise for walking – particularly in the spring or early summer when countless varieties of wildflowers bloom.
The little coves on the east coast of Paxos feature pale pebbly beaches, crystal-clear waters, and craggy rocks topped with cypress and olive trees. Some are hidden and best accessed by sea, others can be reached by car or on foot although they may lie at the bottom of precipitous tracks.
Blue Caves
On the western side of Paxos are the famous Blue Caves, hidden in steep, rocky cliffs that open up to create three beautiful caves that communicate with each other.
The caves are surrounded by blue, heavenly waters, hence the name “blue caves”. Brave swimmers can also see inside the caves by swimming down to the depths of the caves. Thеу саn bе rеасhеd оnly by sеа аnd in οrdеr tо sее thеm, уοu саn tаке аdvаntаgе оf thе οrgаnizеd dаily bоаt trips.
The beaches of Paxos are worldwide known for their beauty and uniqueness. Turquoise waters, unmatched beauty and unique experiences to treasure!
Plakes Beach: a small pebbly beach enclosed by low rocky cliffs, offering beautiful translucent waters.
Access: easy, by car and a short walk.
Mongonissi is a sheltered bay at the southern point of Paxos with a sandy beach. Once a little islet, it’s now connected to Paxos by a bridge. It is one of the more organized beaches on Paxos with a restaurant overlooking the sands, beach beds and kayaks, pedaloes and SUPs to hire.
Access: easy, by car.
Marmari is another exquisite beach of small pebbles, boasting natural shades from the olive groves. This beach is located within proximity to Levrechio Beach, an equally breathtaking option for you to consider for your dives.
Access: easy, by car and a short walk.
Levrechio Beach: Deep blue waters, white pebbles and a beautiful natural landscape make this beach one of the favorites on the island. Surrounded by olive trees that offer enough shade Levrechio is an ideal beach for families and children.
Access: easy, by car and a short walk.
Galazio Beach is situated on the rocky west coast of Paxos. Being next to the cliffs of Nerantou, Galazio gets its name from its trademark beautiful light blue waters, definitely the main attraction. Access: only by boat.
Erimitis Beach, accessible through a somewhat adventurous route involving a steep descent, rewards the intrepid with breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty. The dramatic cliffs that frame the beach and the crystal-clear waters create a stunning backdrop for snorkeling and relaxation. The best place to catch the sunset on Paxos Island is on the west coast at Erimitis Beach.
Access: by car followed by a steep walk down.