Journey to discover Paxos, one of the smallest and most evocative islands of the Ionian archipelago, which legend has it was created by Poseidon himself.

Photo by Danielle Suijkerbuijk

The island of Paxos, or Paxi, as it is called by the locals, about 12 kilometers south of the famous and splendid island of Corfu, is a true jewel of Greece and in the heart of the Ionian Sea.

This island was called in ancient times “island of Poseidon”, who in Greek mythology was considered the god of the sea, earthquakes and tidal waves, and is the smallest of the inhabited islands found in this part of the Mediterranean and where it is possible still breathe an authentic air of Greek tradition.

Paxos is the ideal destination for those looking for a place to spend their holidays away from the tourist crowds and for those who want to live traditional and local experiences. Visiting this island will help create unique memories of your holidays.

Photo by Danielle Suijkerbuijk

What to do in Paxos?

Discovering the capital Gaios
As a starting point for a tour to discover the island of Paxos, one can only start from its capital: Gaios. This village is located along a natural area, protected by Panagia and Agios Nikolaos, two islets that transform the port into one of the most fascinating places in Greece and the entire Ionian Sea.

Agios Nikolaos itself, which protects the port, is a destination that allows you to visit the ruins of an ancient fortress from the medieval era, from whose walls it is possible to enjoy a unique view of the village of Gaios and the turquoise waters that bathe the island of Paxos.

Then there is the historic center of Gaios, made up of small, narrow and winding streets, which are surrounded by buildings in traditional Ionic style, enriched by colored shutters. Here it is possible to find several boutiques in which to purchase and admire local handicraft products, but also numerous taverns and places where you can savor the typical flavors of Greece.

Photo by Dimitris Kiriakakis

Dream beaches: a dive into paradise

As already mentioned previously, the island of Paxos is a real pearl of the Ionian Sea.

A small corner of paradise where you can immerse yourself in Greek culture, but above all discover unique landscapes and enjoy an equally unique and incomparable sea. To do this, you need to set out to discover the most famous and beautiful beaches of Paxos:

The first is Mongonissi Beach. It is a small bay on the southern coast of the island, where you can find calm and shallow waters, which make this an ideal destination for families with children or for those who want to spend a relaxing day.
There are various services, including the beach bar near the bay, for a quick lunch or a drink to best enjoy the Greek sun of the Ionian Sea;

The second beach is an almost obligatory stop for anyone visiting the island of Paxos. This is Erimitis Beach, a beach reachable via a small path, at the end of which high white cliffs rise surrounding the sand, in contrast with the emerald sea which creates a decidedly fascinating effect.

Photo By Dimitris Kiriakakis

Daily excursion to Antipaxos
An excursion not to be missed on a trip to Paxos is a visit to the island of Antipaxos, inhabited by just 100 people in the village of Agrapidia, which is practically its sister island. We are talking about a fascinating island, famous for its white beaches which create unforgettable natural landscapes.

Among the most beautiful beaches on the island is Voutoumi Beach, characterized by fine white sand and bathed by a splendid, turquoise sea, which makes it one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in the whole of Greece. Furthermore, the seabed of Voutoumi Beach is ideal for those who are passionate about snorkelling. Furthermore, it is possible to spend a relaxing day by reaching Vrika beach, a place where you will feel like you are immersed in a postcard and where you can taste delicious local recipes with a sea view.

You can also rent a boat or kayak to explore the hidden bays and quieter corners of Antipaxos island.

Photo by Johnny Africa

The sea caves of Paxos
For those who love the sea and, above all, want to have truly unique experiences in contact with nature, from Paxos it is possible to take part in various tours that leave for various sea caves dug into the limestone rock. Among these is the Ypapanti cave, accessible only by sea and one of the largest and most impressive on the island, also known as the cave of the Greek god Poseidon, inside which the colors of the sea and the sunlight create effects unique.

Another cave is that of Papanikolis, famous for being the hiding place of a Greek navy submarine during the Second World War.

Hiking and breathtaking views
For those who, however, like to stay “down to earth” and prefer walks immersed in nature rather than boat excursions, the island of Paxos has a lot to offer. In fact, there are several hiking trails. There is the olive tree path, which crosses the hinterland of the island and passes ancient olive groves and small traditional churches, for a journey back in time.

Another excursion not to be missed is the one that leads to one of the most beautiful and surprising natural formations on the island of Paxos: the Tripitos Arch. This natural rock arch, which overlooks the sea, can be easily reached on foot and the view from above it is unique. The ideal destination for those who want to take unique shots with their camera or smartphone.

Despite its extreme proximity to more tourist and famous destinations such as, for example, the beautiful island of Corfu, the island of Paxos is something decidedly unique.

A small island capable of preserving and keeping intact that authentic, traditional and fascinating atmosphere, as well as its natural beauty. From beaches to sea caves, passing through hiking trails capable of giving unforgettable landscapes and indelible memories of a holiday in the heart of the Ionian Sea.

The island of Paxos, in Greece, represents the ideal destination for those looking for a destination in which to enjoy a unique mix of relaxation, nature and fun, far from mass tourism and the chaos of the most important tourist destinations. There is only one choice: let yourself be enchanted by the fascinating island of Poseidon!

Photo by Vlad Smolyakov