Paxos and Antipaxos: beaches, olive groves and vineyards

This post is also available in: Deutsch

The island of Paxos or Paxi, also called Paxoi (19 sq km; 3,000 inhabitants) is a small Greek island in the Ionian archipelago, located a few tens of km south of Corfu in front of the Greek coasts. The island of Antipaxos or Antipaxi (3 sq km; 64 inhabitants) is also part of the municipality of Paxos, which is located about 3 km south.

THE ISLAND OF PAXOS

The capital of the island is the small village of Gaios, located on the southern part of the east coast. Here ferries from Corfu and Igoumenitsa dock. In Gaios there is the interesting Museum of Culture which displays paintings, ceramics, coins, fossils and traditional objects. In front of the port of Gaios there are two islets: Agios Nikolaos, with the remains of a fortification, and Panagia with a monastery.

The western coast of Paxos is wild and falls steeply into the sea with walls of white rocks full of caves. The sea stack of Ortholithos is spectacular, while the east coast is more developed and inhabited.

Along the east coast in addition to the port of Gaios there is the port of Loggos and at the north end of the island at the bottom of a bay is the port of Lakka. The interior of the island is covered with olive groves. The highest hill in Paxos reaches 248 meters in height. The island thrives on tourism and agriculture, in particular olive oil and wine are produced, as well as fruit and citrus fruits.

Paxi is a paradise for lovers of tranquility and walks there are paths that run through the ancient mule tracks and that allow the visit of this small island only 10 km long and just 4 km wide. You can also rent a car, a scooter or if you want a small boat that will allow you to explore the coast of the island. The most beautiful beaches are those of Levrecchio, Monodendri and at the north end those of Harami and Kanoni.

THE ISLAND OF ANTIPAXOS

The island of Antipaxos or Antipaxi is largely covered with vineyards and olive groves. It boasts two of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Ionian islands: those of Vikra and Voutomi. The island is connected to Paxos by a taxi boat service which departs from the port of Gaios in Paxi and in 15 minutes transports tourists to the beaches of Vikra and Voutomi. Antipaxos has two small villages. Inland there is that of Vigla, while on the coast is the small port of Agrapidia.

HOW TO GET TO PAXOS

FERRIES: The port of Gaios in the island of Paxos is connected with frequent connections by fast ships with the island of Corfu (40 minutes) and by ferries with the port of Igoumenitsa (2 hours).

This post is also available in: Deutsch