Paxos enchanted us! This small Ionian island to the south of Corfu is not lacking in charm. We only stayed a few days, but made the most of its beaches, coastline and islets, hiking trails among ancient olive trees and picturesque villages. Here we give you the top 5 things to do in Paxos (also called Paxi or Paxoi) and all our top tips.
Paxos, the sea and olives
According to mythology, the island of Paxos was created by Poseidon who planted his trident on Corfu. Small chunks of it would be the lovely islands of Paxos and Antipaxos.
Later, the island’s destiny was largely linked to that of its larger neighbor Corfu. The Italian influence can be seen not only in the architecture, but also in the vegetation. In fact, the Republic of Venice transformed the island of Paxos into a vast olive grove to supply it with olive oil. Even today, olive groves populate the center of the island, which is surprisingly “green” for a Greek island.
Today, the island is a popular destination for luxury yachts and sailing boats, which come to anchor in the port of Gaios. A pleasure that’s all yours thanks to Click and Boat and its range of boats of different sizes (motorboats, no-license boats, kaiki, sailboats…). The island is also home to some beautiful villas and distinguished residents. In Lakka, unfortunately, day trips from Corfu take over the peaceful village and nearby beaches. So avoid the high season and the port of Lakka if, like us, you enjoy a vacation away from the crowds.
Before going there, we suggest you watch the series : “Maestro”. Indeed, this Greek series on Netflix majestically reflects the island’s beauty. What’s more, you’ll be immersed in Greek culture, that famous in-between of tragedy and comedy!
1. Stroll along the Gaios marina and fall under its spell
Gaios is a superb little port, reached after following a footpath along a cove bordering the islet of Agios Nikolaos. The main square, with its soft Italian colors, comes alive in the evening as the cooler weather sets in. Take a stroll along the harbor, browse the souvenir stores, olive oil, clothing and home decor stores and, of course, sit down for a drink or dinner on the terrace.
Discover our best addresses here
2. Tour the island by boat and dive
Paxos is best discovered by sea, as many beaches are not accessible by land. Departures are from one of the three main ports: Gaios, Loggos or Lakka. Boats can be booked with or without a license. It’s also possible to book organized yacht tours from Gaios or Lakka and go diving .
If you’re not a seasoned captain, you’ll prefer the less turbulent east coast. If you’re on a day trip, you can push on to the superb beaches of Antipaxos. You can also decide to stop off at the islet of Mongonisi, which you can sail around to discover its crystal-clear waters and small port, lined with a taverna.
On the west coast, the sea is rougher. You’ll discover a rugged coastline and cliffs. Also not to be missed is the Blue Grotto, where you can snorkel in turquoise waters that then give way to a very deep sea.
- ⛵ To book and hire a boat, you can visit the Click and Boat website, with many options available.
- To discover the blue caves and secluded beaches of Paxos, book your guided kayaking and snorkeling trip.
3. Take a stroll through the olive groves and discover small coves
The island is criss-crossed by numerous shady paths. It’s very pleasant to walk around because it’s so small. Here are a few ideas for excursions:
- From the village of Lakka, you can discover beautiful beaches on foot, with paradise-like waters and few crowds. Between 2 and 3 km of pretty trails give access to the rocky, exposed west coast: very close by are the wild Plani and Meattie Buir’s beaches, ideal for snorkeling.
- Also from Lakka, you can explore the beaches on the west coast (3-4km), shaded by olive trees and made up of beautiful white pebbles. We recommend you go to Orkos beach via Arkoydaki beach and the coastal path at the end of Lakka harbor. Another excursion is to the wild beach of Glyfada, then on to the picturesque port of Loggos. Return by bus possible.
- Erimitis beach can also be reached from the central village of Magazia. If you want a great view, head high above the cliffs to the terrace of the Erimitis Bar & Restaurant.
4. Discover Antipaxos
Just a stone’s throw from Paxos, its twin Antipaxos will also delight lovers of turquoise beaches. The block includes a few apartments and restaurants. So you can decide to settle in for the vacations.
Not a lot of accommodation on AntiPaxos, but some popular listings on Booking (to see them, on the map, look south of Paxos).
5. Paxi’ most beautiful beaches
Despite its small size, Paxos has many beaches. Avoid those that are too close to ports, which are often more densely populated, and opt for those that are more inaccessible. Our favourites include :
- Orkos beach: clear water, white pebbles, very paradisiacal
- Glyfada: small shaded pebble beach
- Plani beach: nice for snorkeling on the west coast, but little shade
- Kipiada: very large white pebble sand, absolutely superb.
- Levrechio beach: less isolated, but with two tavernas. Great for lunch or dinner.
- Monodendri: trendy beach with beach bar and sunbed
- Plakes beach: south of Gaios, large stone slabs provide access to the sea. Conveniently located within walking distance of the village.
- Mongonissi beach: the only sandy beach on the island. Very popular in summer.
- Vikra beach in Antipaxos, fabulous.
⛱ Feel free to visit the website Visit Paxi which presents the beaches with more detail.
And to help you make up your mind, here’s the trailer for Maestro, the new Greek series filmed on Paxos. This series has all the makings of a Greek tragedy and comedy!
Practical information
- Where to stay in Paxos: Our selection of hotels, villas and B&Bs
- Transportation: Here’s how to get to Paxos by boat, and how to get around the island.
- Best addresses: good restaurants, taverns and bars
Sophie B.
Updated May 14, 2024
