Paxoi - Antipaxoi

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-General information-

Paxos and Antipaxos are islands of the Ionian Sea in the Ionian Sea. They are 7 miles from Corfu and 8 miles from Igoumenitsa.

Paxos can be reached by ferry from Igoumenitsa, Corfu and Lefkimmi. For those who choose to go to Corfu by air and go by boat to Paxos, the Kerkyra Lines company operates daily routes. For those traveling from Igoumenitsa, the same company operates the routes Igoumenitsa - Paxos and respectively. In both cases the duration of the trip lasts about an hour and you can also transport your vehicle as the routes are carried out by closed type ferries. [ https://kerkyralines.com/route/ ]. From Lefkimmi the routes are operated by the Kamelia Lines company with a dolphin-type ship and the duration of the trip is only 40 minutes. [ www.kamelialines.gr ]

As for Antipaxos, access is only through small boats, which are located in the old port of Gaios in Paxos. Paxos and especially Antipaxos are known for their clear blue waters and white sand beaches.

-Paxos-

The capital and main port of Paxos is Gaios. Gaios is the largest settlement and is located in the southern part of the island. The port of Gaios is well hidden behind the two small islands of Panagia and Ai Nikola. Due to its location it is a refuge for many boats such as fishing, tourist and pleasure boats. The settlement is built next to the sea and is a typical example of the traditional architecture of the Ionian Islands. The houses in colors such as salmon, burgundy and ocher make up an enchanting setting.

  -What to visit-

1. Folklore museum

The folklore museum of Paxos was founded in 1966 and is housed in a neoclassical building from 1905. It includes exhibits dating from the prehistoric era and the classical years, up to the period of the Balkan Wars and the Epic of 1940. Some of the most important exhibits are the Resolution of the Ionian Parliament for the annexation of the Ionian Islands to the Greek State in 1864 and the book of the Austrian Archduke Ludovicos Salvator. It operates daily morning and afternoon hours.

[ http://iivw.di.ionio.gr/museio-paxon/ ]

2. Venetian castle

The Venetian castle of Paxos or otherwise the castle of Ai Nikolas is built on the top of the island of the same name and is located directly opposite the port of Gaios. It was built in the 15th century by the Venetians to protect the island from Ottoman attacks. Most importantly, it was built based on Leonardo Da Vinci's plans preserved in Venetian libraries. Access to the Venetian castle is from Gaios, with a small boat.

3. Monastery of Panagia of Vellianites

The monastery of Panagia ton Vellianito is built on the islet of the same name, which is located in front of the islet of Agios Nikolaos. According to Professor Vokotopoulos, the original Temple dates back to 550-600 AD. and with his care it was classified as a preserved monument. Next to the monastery there is a 7.8m high lighthouse. while there is also a lighthouse keeper's residence. It first operated in 1825. On the fifteenth of August, a large number of believers visit the monastery as one of the biggest festivals in the entire Ionian Islands takes place.

4. Walking among Venetian olive trees

In addition to pine, oak and cypress forests, the island also has large areas with towering Venetian olive trees, which the Venetians brought to Paxos during the period of the Venetian occupation. Due to the small area of the island, only 12 km. length and 4 km. wide, Paxos is the ideal destination for those who love hiking. The routes are easy and can be followed by children. You can either alone or accompanied by an experienced guide to wander the paths of the island and discover its beauties. The Unlimited adrenaline company offers organized hiking tours for adults and children always accompanied by a certified guide. [ https://www.unlimited-adrenaline.gr ]

4. Traditional Settlements

Apart from Gaios, Paxos has three large traditional settlements, Lakka, Logos and Magazia.

Lakka is located at the northernmost tip of the island and is only 7.9 km away. from Gaius. The settlement is by the sea, has a natural harbor and due to its location is a favorite place for sailing enthusiasts. Throughout the summer one will see many sailing boats anchored in the port of Lakka. The settlement is traditional with houses that follow the traditional architecture of the Heptani people. It is worth taking a stroll through the narrow streets of the village and the central picturesque square. In addition, visit the Church of Ypapanti, built in 1774. In its decoration you will see elements of the Renaissance period.

Logos is located very close to Gaios, just 5 km away. It is a traditional settlement built next to a picturesque port. In the settlement is the old soap factory of Anemoyiannis, an imposing stone building which today hosts art exhibitions and other artistic activities. In Logos you will also find many excellent tavernas with fresh fish, while daily boats depart from the port for the impressive sea caves and beaches of the island. Finally, every day in the summer there are daily cruises from Corfu to Lakka.

Magazia is one of the oldest settlements and is located in the center of the island, it is only 4km from Gaios, while in the past the settlement was the capital of the island. The Shops are on the road to Lakka, you can stop there there are traditional taverns as well as an excellent bakery with traditional concoctions. Here you will find anise toasts, oil rolls, but you can still get organic honey and spoon sweets. The family bakery "Choriatiko" has been operating since 1820.

5. Enchanting Beaches

Paxos is full of beaches where you can enjoy the transparent and clear blue waters of the Ionian Sea. Most of them are unorganized with pebbles and easily accessible while others are hidden and you will need a small boat or sailboat to visit them.

In the northern part of the island is Harami beach, which is organized and is only 1.1 km away. from Lakka. It has crystal clear and shallow waters and is suitable for families with children. The dense vegetation reaches the edge of the sea and the blue-green waters of the Ionian create a beautiful landscape. You can also moor your sailing boat at this beach.

While right next to Harami beach is Kanoni beach, a tiny cove with large white pebbles. Located between Harami beach and the center of the village, it is unorganized and accessible through a small path.

At a distance of 1.2 km. from Lakka is Orkos beach, it is an unorganized beach, easily accessible through a path with dense vegetation. White pebbles, dense vegetation and clear blue waters make up a wonderful setting. But the waters here are deeper compared to the two previous beaches.

Near Logos you will find two well-known beaches, Monodentri beach and Glyfada beach.

Monodentri beach is 3.5 km away. from Logos and is one of the most famous as it is the only organized beach on the island with free sunbeds and water sports. There is also a beach bar and restaurant. With easy access by road and also has a parking lot.

The beach of Glyfada is at a distance of 2.5 km. far from Logos, but it is only accessible by boat. A beach with pebbles, dense vegetation of pines and cypresses that reach the sea and blue-green waters.

For those who love long dives and dives next to Gaios is Plakes beach. Easily accessible on foot for those staying in Gaios, as it is only 900m away. from the center of the settlement. Spread your towel on the rocks and enjoy the sun with a dip in the deep blue waters.

6. Antipaxes

Antipaxos is famous for its exotic beaches and clear blue waters. They are only 3 nautical miles from the port of Gaios. There are two main beaches that you can visit by boat, while if you choose to rent a boat yourself you have the possibility to explore other beaches of the island. The company Water escape based in Paxos offers organized tours in Paxos and Antipaxos but also offers a wide variety of boats for rent. [ https://waterescape.gr/ ]

Voutumi beach you consider one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, many major news media have written about this beach like CNN. The fine white sand and clear blue waters that look like a swimming pool will transport you to exotic places. From July you can find sunbeds which cost a fortune, otherwise you can come in the morning with your own towel and umbrella, the beach is free. Above the beach, following a path with steps you will find yourself in a tavern. Bella Vista Tavern, as its name suggests, has a wonderful view of the beach and the Ionian Sea.

For those who would like an organized beach, Antipaxos has Vrika beach to offer. A beach with fine sand, blue waters and dense vegetation. The crystal blue waters are ideal for snorkeling. There is a small cave on the north side of the beach that you should not miss visiting. The beach has shallow waters and has 2 taverns and a beach bar

  -Where to eat-

In Paxos you will find excellent dining options. The gastronomy of Paxos is similar to that of Corfu. Dishes such as pastitsada, burdeto and sofrito are particularly beloved and belong to their local cuisine.

Undoubtedly, the Thymari restaurant belongs to the top choices. Beautiful place just 1.8 km. from Gaios you will find excellent dishes. You will find dishes with fresh fish, fresh sourdough bread and they use olive oil of their own production.

[ https://www.facebook.com/ThymariRestaurantPaxos ]

For the more romantic there is the atmospheric Erimitis restaurant located at the top of Erimitis. Here you will enjoy your dishes while watching the sun sink into the vast Ionian Sea. It is worth trying the sea bass Carpaccio and the couscous with crab. You will need to make a reservation. [ https://erimitis.com/el/ ]

The tavern Burnaos in Magazia is worth a stop, it is located on the road to Lakka. It has a hidden courtyard with a view of the sunset and the Ionian Sea. A traditional shop where in the morning you can enjoy your coffee while in the evening enjoy your meze with tsipouro. [ https://small-plates-restaurant-715.business.site/ ]

The Tsipoudadiko Paxoimadi in Lakka under the coolness of the vine, in a beautiful alley next to the sea you will relax and enjoy the unique dishes. In addition to fresh fish and meat, you will also find several vegetarian dishes on the menu.

[ https://www.facebook.com/p/Paxoimadi-Lakka ]

  -Where to stay-

In Gaios, the Paxos Beach Hotel is a residential complex on a verdant slope that ends at the sea. There is a swimming pool, restaurant, bar and tennis court. Here you will enjoy your vacation with all the comforts and privacy you need.

[ https://paxosbeachhotel.com ]

Also, Anasa Mare, which is located in Gaios near Kamini beach, is an excellent choice for your stay on the island. A complex of villas, which overlook the Ionian Sea and are surrounded by olive and cypress trees. The complex also has a private swimming pool.

Finally, the Glyfada Beach Villas housing complex belongs to the value for money category. The accommodation is located in a beautiful olive grove of over 17 acres, right in front of the sea, while the picturesque village of Logos is only a 15-minute walk away. All villas have their own terrace or balcony, thus offering a wonderful view of the sea and the green hills of Glyfada. [ https://www.paxosglyfada.com ]