The Best Bars in Paxos, Greece

At the northern end of stylish Monodendri beach, between Loggos and Lakka, Ben’s is something of an island institution. It’s the kind of place where you can laze away the day on the sun deck (with cocktail service); go snorkelling, paddleboarding and swimming off the pebble-dusted cove; pop in for a seaside breakfast; and even book a massage under the olive trees. There are regular DJ nights, fine local wines and, on the terrace above, a Mediterranean menu of caesar salads, homemade ravioli and fresh seafood.

For the most dazzling sunsets in Paxos, head to this terrace restaurant gazing out on the limestone cliffs framing pebbly Erimitis beach, on the west coast. The rustic-chic setting, with its dramatic natural backdrop, is perfect for sipping an Ionian sling or a glass of Santorini assyrtiko white as the sun drops over the Ionian Sea, followed by a modern Greek dinner. The upscale menu takes in sea-urchin pappardelle, Cycladic fava with octopus and burrata salad with noumboulo (a traditional charcuterie from Corfu).

Perched right by the waves on lovely Mongonissi bay, off the southern tip of Paxos, this is an intimate, feel-good lounge bar-restaurant with a wonderful Greek-Italian kitchen. Sit on the seaside deck, where the yachtie crowd pulls up, with a fresh mojito or a glass of mainland rosé, and you’ll inevitably end up settling in for a leisurely lunch – lobster tagliatelle, glammed-up Greek salads, octopus souvlaki and superb pizzas.

Hugging the harbour in pretty Loggos, on the northeast coast, Taxidi was born in the 1980s and is known for having a vibey waterfront terrace where musicians strike up traditional beats in the evenings. Seasonal fresh fruit juices are blended into super cocktails, best enjoyed while lazing in a deck chair and ogling the views across the turquoise waves and olive-covered hillside. You can also pop in for breakfasts of homemade granola with Greek yoghurt and local honey, or eggs sourced straight from the island.

On a jetty-type terrace that juts out into the sparkling Loggos waterfront, Roxi has a location that couldn’t feel more idyllic. The atmosphere here is both lively and laid-back, with the welcoming team serving Aperol spritzes, minty mojitos and fresh peach daiquiris while you chat away and gaze at the boats coming and going. Or drop by early for coffee, just-squeezed juices and fresh pastries (from the next-door bakery) with the sea at your feet – there’s no better way to start the day on Paxos.

Wandering bougainvillea, cosy cushioned seating, marble-top terrace tables and sky-blue windows with sun-yellow trim set the scene at this favourite all-day cafe-style bar, on a cobbled alley just off the main plaza and harbour in Gaios. It’s just as locally popular for morning iced coffees as for after-dark cocktails and beers, when people crowd into the street and there’s more of a party scene.

Seriani is an intimate pub-bar down a dinky alleyway near Lakka Harbour. It was opened in 1984 by Sharon and Toolis, and is now the only pub on the island where you can get a glass of draught beer brewed by the Corfu microbrewery. Inside you’ll find a TV on the wall, for when the football’s on, while outside is seating in the alley.