Paxos
Emerald olive groves and the Ionian's clearest water
Paxos is a tiny emerald island just south of Corfu — 19 km², 2,300 residents, blanketed in ancient olive groves that produce some of Greece's finest oil. The island has no airport, only ferries from Corfu, and just three tiny harbor villages. This is sailing-and-swimming Greece, with water so clear that boats appear to float on air. Offshore lies Antipaxos, home to the most translucent water in the Ionian.
2-day itinerary for Paxos
Day 1: Gaios & the East Coast
- 10:00 · Gaios (port)
Main village on the east coast. Sheltered natural harbor formed by two offshore islets. Pastel Venetian-style buildings ring the quay. - 11:30 · Agios Nikolaos islet
Tiny islet in the harbor with Venetian fort ruins and a chapel. 5-min rowboat from the quay. - 13:30 · Lunch — Volcano
Seafood taverna on Gaios' main square. Fresh catch of the day, excellent Ionian wines. - 16:00 · Mongonissi Beach
Sheltered sandy bay at the southern tip, 4 km from Gaios. Calmest swimming on Paxos. - 20:30 · Dinner — Taka Taka Mam
Tiny family-run spot, dining in a lemon grove. Grilled meats, garden-fresh vegetables.
Day 2: West Coast Cliffs & Antipaxos
- 10:00 · Lakka
Prettiest village on Paxos — tiny horseshoe harbor at the northern tip. Great for swimming right from the quay. - 11:30 · Erimitis Cliffs
Dramatic white cliffs on the west coast. Walk the cliff path from Lakka for panoramic views. - 13:30 · Longos
Tiny fishing village halfway down the east coast. Lunch at O Gios with bay views. - 15:30 · Antipaxos boat trip (Voutoumi)
Day boat from Gaios (15 min). Voutoumi and Vrika beaches have water so clear and blue you won't believe the photos.
Top beaches of Paxos
Voutoumi (Antipaxos)
Famous for the clearest water in the Ionian. Reached by boat from Gaios.
- Type
- White pebbles
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Moderate, crystal clear
- Facing
- Northeast — protected
- Facilities
- Two tavernas on cliff above
Vrika (Antipaxos)
Smaller sandy beach on Antipaxos. Gradual entry, family-friendly, stunning color.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Shallow
- Facing
- North — protected
- Facilities
- One taverna
Mongonissi
Paxos' only true sandy beach on the main island. Very calm, great for young kids.
- Type
- Sand
- Length
- 100 m
- Depth
- Very shallow
- Facing
- South — fully protected
- Facilities
- Beach bar, umbrellas