Reasons Why You Should Visit Paxos, Greece

You’ll be immediately struck by the greenery of Paxos, an island covered in luscious olive trees. If you thought the olives were good on other islands, get yourself to a traditional Greek taverna here and sample a bowl of local olives. Meaty, salty, fresh and a little sweet, there’s nothing better. Pair with a Mythos beer and a great view (always easy to come by here) and you’ve found the perfect way to spend an hour in Greece.

Speaking of perfect eating, wait until you get your taste buds around the seafood here. The port town Gaios, where your ferry will pull into, is still a working fishing port. That means your fish dish of fresh octopus or grilled dorado will have just been pulled from the waters that lap your table legs at any of the delightful seaside tavernas. While you’re in Gaios, visit the main square to see the memorial to the Greek War of Independence.

There’s nothing quite like a small Greek harbour, where fishing boats bob in the serene waters and a handful of tavernas and cafes cluster at the shores. In Paxos, find tree-bathed Lakka and Loggos (sometimes called Longos) in the north; both are most charming at night when lit up against the sea. And as they’re away from the ferry port, both are authentic, and truly lovely.

Hop on a water taxi and 10 minutes of joyful sailing later you’ll be on neighbouring Antipaxos. The beaches here are picturesque – white with green-topped cliffs and dazzling sandy beaches surrounded by sea as blue as the sky – while the vineyard-lined hills produce wine that’s supplied to restaurants here and at nearby islands. Grab a table by the beach and sip crisp krasi (local wine) in the sunshine, knowing it came from the trees that surround you. Sail back to Paxos with a happy glow after a day well spent.

Each part of Paxos provides a different kind of beach experience. Head east for gentle pebble beaches, perfect for a day of swimming in the crystal-clear sea. Go west and you’ll find picturesque caves and limestone cliffs, including the rocky Tripitos Arch (a former sea cave). Water taxis run between beaches in Paxos, so it’s easy and fun to hop between them all.

Paxos is a small island situated just off the much larger Corfu. How did it come into being, you ask? According to Greek myth, Poseidon plunged his trident into Corfu and pieces of land broke off. These became Paxos and Antipaxos. Poseidon wanted to create an island to share with his mistress, Amphitrite – and the pair stayed on Paxos.

The sea around Paxos is too perfect to simply look at. Board a boat tour and jump straight into the dazzlingly blue Ionian Sea to swim between mysterious caves. For an even bigger adventure, check in at Paxos Oasi Sub certified dive centre, which offers magical tours of colourful reefs and even a shipwreck. You can also take a snorkelling safari, and lessons are even available for beginners and children.

Sailing into Paxos, you’ll notice a tiny, abundantly green islet just off the harbour. This is the mysterious Agios Nikolaos. Take a water taxi over and uncover the secrets nestling amongst its trees, from beautiful little chapels to the impressive ruins of an abandoned Venetian castle.

Across the green landscape of Paxos you’ll find old mule tracks that snake through the hills and olive groves. Follow them for fabulous hiking in nature, the dazzling Ionian Sea stretching out around you. Expect postcard views of towns, beaches and harbours. Stop at villages along the way for an insight into rural Greek life, stocking up on tiropita (cheese pie in filo pastry) or melomakarona (spiced honey biscuits topped with nuts).

For the last 30 years, 2020 aside, Paxos has been taken over each summer by the sophisticated Paxos Music Festival. The extravaganza, unfolding over several weeks, celebrates classical music with concerts across the island from both famous and upcoming Greek musicians. Soak up traditional music and culture in wonderful settings, with flowing wine and that beloved Greek hospitality.