Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking a tranquil escape. Just a short boat ride away from the bustling island of Paxos, Antipaxos offers a serene and untouched paradise for those looking to unwind on pristine beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Greece. Join us as we explore this idyllic destination and uncover all that Paxos to Antipaxos has to offer.
Where is the island of Paxos?
Paxos is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, located about 15 km from the southern tip of Corfu and about the same distance from the town of Parga on the mainland. As a group with the nearby island of Antipaxos and adjacent islets, it is also called in the plural Paxi (Paxi or Paxoi). The main city and seat of the municipality is Gaios. The smallest of the seven main Ionian islands, Paxos has an area of 25.3 square kilometers and a population of about 2,300. The island is hilly, and its highest point is 230 m above sea level.
How to get to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos?
The island of Paxos is connected by ferry lines from the port of Igoumenitsa on the Greek mainland to the main town of Gaios, which operate all year round. The trip lasts 1.5 hours. In the tourist season, popular means of transportation are passenger ferries and sea taxis that depart from Parga and Corfu.
Antipaxos, also called Antipaxi is the smallest of the Ionian Islands and is located 3 kilometres south of Paxos. Antipaxos covers an area of 5 square kilometres and is the southernmost of the Epirus group of islands in the Ionian Sea.
Paxos to Antipaxos – how to get?
If you are staying on Paxos, you can use the water taxis that leave from Gaios usually every hour. The journey takes about 15 minutes. The adventurous can reach the island of Antipaxos by kayak.
Where to Stay on Your Trip to Paxos and Antipaxos?
If you prefer you can stay in Parga or Corfu and make day trips to the islands.
A Guide to Visiting Paxos and Antipaxos: What You Need to Know
- According to mythology, Paxos appeared when Poseidon plunged his trident into Corfu to tear off a piece of land to make a love nest for him and his wife Amphitrite. The trident remains the official emblem of the island to this day.
- In reality, Paxos is a peaceful island with olive groves, crystal clear waters and coastal villages. The main settlements here are Gaios, Laka and Logos.
- Paxos has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and the Phoenicians were the first settlers on the island. Its name is believed to be derived from the Phoenician word “Pax”, meaning “trapezoid”.
- It is part of a European network called the Cultural Village of Europe. The annual festival is organized by the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and attracts some of the best young performers in Europe. These festival events are usually held between June and September in the disused Logos School.
Top Activities to Enjoy on Paxos and Antipaxos Islands
Sea sports
On the islands you can practice all sea sports – swimming, kayaking, diving, snorkeling.
Visit the villages of Logos and Lakka
From Gaios you can take a taxi or a bus (the line is not very regular) and visit Logos and Lakka. Corfu can be reached by ferry or Marco Polo motor ship, while sea taxis and kayaks will take you to Antipaxos or Mongonissi.
Explore the beaches of Paxos
On the eastern side of the island are the bays with rocky beaches and crystal blue waters, and on the west are the huge limestone cliffs, underwater labyrinths and the Blue Caves.
Visit the main port of Paxos – Gaios
The picturesque port of Gaios hosts ferries, sailboats and sea taxis. Every year a meeting of superyachts is organized here.
Explore Gaios
Gaios is the capital and largest city (rather village) of the island. It is small and old-fashioned with Venetian architecture, a maze of side streets and a pedestrian square on the seafront.
The production of olive oil, soap and fishing displaced tourism as the main industry in the mid-1960s. This leads to a building boom that significantly changes the coastline around Gaios.
In the town, around the promenade and in the alleys, there are cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops, where you can hide in the shade, because the temperatures on the island are quite high.
In conclusion I would say that this small group of islands in the Ionian Sea is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, snorkel in the turquoise waters, or hike through olive groves and vineyards, Paxos and Antipaxos have something for everyone. So pack your bags, set sail across the shimmering sea, and discover the magic of these enchanting Greek islands for yourself.
You might also like:
Is Parga Greece worth visiting? Pics and useful tips
Must see in Greece – Antipaxos beaches
How to spend 4 days in 10 villages and towns near Nice France
-This post contains affiliate links. For each purchase made through one of these links, I receive a small commission that goes towards maintaining this site at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting me! –