Hop on a ferry to Paxi, one of the most beautiful islands in Greece and spend your vacations on this exotic destination that remains untouched and unexplored!
Paxoi or Paxi is the smallest group of islands within the Ionian islands. The first inhabitants of Paxos were the Phoenicians and the name derives from the word Pax which means trapezoidal in their language. Historically, the island is noted for the Battle of Paxos, between the ancient Greek and Illyrian fleets during the First Illyrian War. According to the mythology, it is believed that the Greek god Poseidon struck the island Corfu with his trident to create Paxi, where he could live with his wife the Nereid Amphitrite alone with some peace and quiet. Ruled by the Romans, the Phoenicians and the Byzantine Empire however the Venetians left the most significant mark on the island.
The island is approximately 13 km in length and has only three small seaside villages, Lakka, Logos and Gaios where most of the tourist facilities are located. The west coast of the island is covered by steep white, chalky cliffs and olive groves. Whatever Paxi might lack in size, it replenishes in colors and beautiful landscapes that welcome each visitor in the most delightful way. Amazing beaches, underwater caves, smally bays, green hills and picturesque villages create a magical setting waiting to be explored. The exotic finesse of Paxi does not derive only by its landscapes. The hospitable locals are the true soul and spirit of the island with incredible stories to tell that come from Venice.
Book your ferry tickets in advance to the island that welcomes many returning visitors every summer and be amazed by the sceneries of captivating beauty and the atmosphere of ultimate tranquility.
Reaching Paxi by ferry
Paxi is becoming a really popular destination especially for those who want to detoxify from the hectic everyday rhythms. Paxi as well as the other Ionian islands are connected to the port of Igoumenitsa.
Igoumenitsa to Paxoi Ferry
Igoumenitsa is the chief port of Epirus and Thesprotia and the largest port in western Greece (approximately a 5 hours drive from Athens and 3.5 from Thessaloniki) and serves more than 1.5 million passengers per year. There are more than 4 routes available per week with a conventional ferry that has a garage for passengers that want to travel with their vehicles and the duration of the sailing is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Paxi ferry port
The main port of Paxos is in Gaios on the east side of the island. Gaios is the capital of the island, named after the Apostle Gaios who preached on the island the first years after the death of Christ. Most ferries operate from the new port of the village which is located 10 minutes from the center of Gaios on foot. The village is surrounded by a magnificent landscape with lush green olive trees and picturesque buildings from the 19th century. The majority of the population of the island is in Gaios as most traveler amenities, such as hotels, grocery stores, restaurants and car rentals.
Public Transportation
Ferries from Igoumenitsa to Paxoi have vehicle garages so that passengers can travel with their cars. Alternatively, you can get around Paxos by local buses, taxis or car rentals.
Bus
Public buses carry out routes between the villages of Loggos, Gaios and Lakka. Timetables and itineraries can be found on every bus stop.
Taxi
There is an excellent taxi service on Paxos Island. The names and numbers of the taxi drivers are displayed on bus timetables in the main towns of Lakka, Gaios and Loggos and at popular spots on the island. Otherwise, you can give a call to the numbers: Mr. Tasos Mourikis: +30 697 664 8486, Mr. Nikos Mourikis: +30 698 422 0011, Mr. Kostas Antiohos: +30 697 400 2236, Mr. Christos Argyros: +30 697 747 2747, Mr. Haris Bogdanos: +30 697 413 5660.
Sights and attractions of Paxi
The island is relatively small, with an area of 19 square kilometers and it can be easily explored. Paxoi is graced with amazing natural landscapes with olive groves and other tree crops, stunning beaches, picturesque villages with colorful villages, attractions and churches. Returning visitors prove that this island is magical, a place with character and tradition, a real paradise with turquoise waters floating in the Ionian Sea.
Get ready to create unforgettable memories in Paxi and let us help you organize your to-do list!
- Visit the villages of Lakka, Ozias and Loggos, hidden between olive and pine trees
- Enjoy the thermal springs of Yana, Ozias and Glyfada that offer an alternative treatment for multiple health conditions
- Visit the Folklore Museum, located in the old British Government House at the port of Gaios with exhibitions of traditional clothes, kitchen tools, furniture and weapons
- Find out how an original stone olive press works in the Olive Press Museum located in Lakka, dating from 1865
- Take a walk through the hiking trails from Gaios to Loggos, Bogdanitika and Tripitos
- Admire the Castle of Agios Nikolaos that shelters the port of Gaios and was built by the Venetians in accordance with the designs of Leonardo da Vinci
- Take a walk through the settlement of Gaios, one of the most beautiful harbors of the Ionian sea and admire the traditional houses built according to the Ionian architecture, the narrow alleys and the Church of Agioi Apostoloi
- Visit Ostries for the view of Avlaki at sunset
- Attend the International Classical Music Festival that hosts classical music events with native and foreign musicians
Hotels in Paxi
The settlement of Gaios is the most convenient place to stay in Paxi as in the village there are many tourist facilities. Some accommodation options are also available in the villages of Lakka and Loggos and if you are looking for villas with luxurious facilities you will find them on the hill slopes of Paxoi.
Please find below some of the best rated hotels and accommodation in Paxoi:
- Paxoi Resort
- Paxos Beach Gaios
- Torri e Merli
- Purple Apricot
- Adamantia
- Paxos Fairytales
- Palatino
- Paxos Club Resort
- Villa Contessina
Beaches in Paxi Islands
Located primarily along the eastern coast, beaches in Paxi are usually small coves with crystal, blue green waters and picturesque surroundings. The majority of the beaches are secluded, ideal for relaxation, covered in golden sand and white pebbles.
Please find below a list with the best rated beaches of the island:
- Plakes: located 2km south of Gaios.One of the most remote and serene beaches of the island, covered with small pebbles and dense olive groves
- Agios Nikolaos: located in front of Gaios. Agios Nikolaos is a tiny green islet and the views to the harbour of Gaios are breathtaking
- Kipiadi: located 4km north of Gaios. A sandy and pebbled beach with turquoise waters distinguished for its lush vegetation and rocky hills
- Marmari: located 5km north of Gaios. A beach with white pebbles, green waters and olive trees that provide a natural shade
- Mesovrika: located on Antipaxi island. A secluded, sandy and pebble beach with turquoise waters ideal for tranquility and panoramic views of Paxos
- Voutoumi: located on Antipaxi island. Popular for its tropical sceneries ideal for snorkeling
- Logos: located 8km north of Gaios. A sandy and pebbled beach with emerald green waters
- Monodendri: located 9km north of Gaios. A partly organized beach with many lovely covers around the beach
- Levrechio: located 7km north of Gaios. A pebbled and sandy beach with blue waters ideal for swimming
