Area Focus Island Overview The Greek Island of Paxos
The Greek Island of Paxos
Where is it? The island of Paxos covers an area of 19 sq km, and is located amongst a group of relatively small islands in the Ionian Sea. Its larger, more popular neighbour Corfu is some 14 km south of the island of Paxos, and the mainland is 20 km to the east. The island has no airport and can only be reached by ferry boat, so it has been able to refrain from the mass tourism that has taken over larger well known islands in Greece. Paxos has a population of about 2,300, and still offers visitors a relaxed and charming atmosphere.
History
The origin of the island according to Greek mythology was that the Greek god Poseidon and his wife wanted peace and quiet, so he struck Corfu with his spear and this was believed to have created Paxos.
Features
Life here is still very laidback and unrushed, and gives tourists the opportunity to sample the charming, relaxing, friendly Greek hospitality. The Greek island of Paxos has not been spoilt from uncouth behaviour of mass tourism and still remains a quiet, small and unspoilt retreat.
The island has a diverse terrain with stunning cliff top scenery and has a wide range of inland landscape to explore. The breathtaking beauty of the island of Paxos caters mostly for the traveller, who enjoys a get-away- from- it- all holiday. Inland has a rural feel amongst amazing scenic landscape with trails and coves that surround the island and can be explored on foot or by bike. By exploring the island on foot you will discover the rich history of empty villages with old houses, churches and abandoned olive presses. Many walks lead to a quiet beach or great cliff top views of the sea below. The island is easily walked as it is just 10 km long by 4 km. It is also a photographer’s paradise with not only the fabulous unspoilt landscape but fantastic flora and fauna to catch, especially in the spring.
Beaches
The east coastline has many small pebble only beaches, and to the rocky west coast a scenic display of tall cliffs. Clear blue sea surrounds the island of Paxos where you can swim and snorkel and the richer clientele may participate in the luxury lifestyle of yachting in and around these waters. The island has only a few sandy beaches in the north. However, the neighbouring island of Anti Paxos is easily reached and has fabulous sandy beaches and is also well known for its vineyards and famous wine produced there.
Don`t be surprised to see naked flesh here because of the island`s numerous quaint, remote beaches, nudist sunbathing is common.
Places to visit
Gaios is the capital and the largest town on the island of Paxos; it has a delightful harbour which during the summer season is crowded with local`s busy working, fishing boats and rich clientele visiting with mooring grand yachts. The pretty harbour is lined by an array of colourful buildings displaying a mix of British and Venetian architecture. A great atmosphere can be found in Gioas, and there are plenty of bars and eateries to select from for refreshments, plus a collection of boutiques and quaint shops to browse around.
Logos is a small attractive unspoilt fishing village and has a warm and friendly feel. Tavernas serve the catch of the day on their menus along with other excellent Greek food and drink to enjoy. Shops sell basic food supplies of fresh bread, fruit and vegetables and there is a daily delivery from the mainland.
Lakka is a beautiful small fishing harbour north of the island of Paxos, with trees lining and sheltering the bay protecting it from sever gales. It attracts sailors with a variety of boats and yachts, and flotilla boats with all sorts of goods. Lakka has some excellent sandy beaches (most of Paxos has pebble) to enjoy water skiing and sunbathing. A short boat ride will take you to more beaches and rock sculptures and west of Lakka on the cliff is the Plani lighthouse. The little village has narrow streets to explore with shops, bars and restaurants serving excellent traditional food.
Getting around
One bus serves the whole island and runs four times a day, and links Gaios, Lakka and Loggos on the island of Paxos. A handful of taxis operate and most speak English, so it is worth checking the cost beforehand. A great way to explore the coast of the island of Paxos is by hiring a motorboat, or if you prefer someone else to be in charge there are daily excursions to Anti Paxos and other neighbouring islands.
Best time to visit
The summers are hot here from July to September and can be busy; June offers warm to hot temperatures and cooler nights, October and November are still warm but may have a chance of rain, but suits sightseers. But whenever you decide to visit the Greek island of Paxos it will give you the chance to enjoy a laid back, peaceful summer break where you will want to return again and again.