If you’d like to spend all your time sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand looking out on an electric blue sea, with a book propped on your lap, Paxos is the island for you. Starting dreaming about your perfect trip to Paxos with a little help from Epicure Greece. And please get in touch if you have any questions.
In Greek mythology, Poseidon created Paxos by striking Corfu with his trident to create a secret island paradise for him and his wife Amphitrite. And the paradise of the gods is more than enough for mere mortals! Most who visit find the quiet beaches and idyllic settling to be the quintessential desert-island holiday they’ve always dreamed of. Any interested in a trip to Paxos might also like Epicure Greece to create a full itinerary that includes a Trip to Corfu and perhaps an entire Holiday in the Ionian Islands. Below, we have outlined some of the highlights of a Paxos trip, but there are so many more incredible experiences packed into this small but mighty island.
Paxos is not easy to get to (there is no airport and irregular ferries that change year by year) but it is the definition of a hidden gem. It is one of the greenest of the Greek islands and it boasts numerous wonderful secluded coves that can only be explored by boat. If you spend all year dreaming of sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand looking out on an electric blue sea, with a book propped on your lap, Paxos is the island for you.
Measuring a mere three miles wide by seven miles long, Paxos has three main port villages: Gaios, Lakka, and Longos – each with their own charms. Wherever you base yourself on the island, Paxos is awash with beautiful landscapes and welcoming people. Paxos is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets and we love it!
Gaios is the main port of Paxos, where most of the larger commercial boats are moored and where the hydrofoil and ferry from Corfu dock; and the bulk of the island’s restaurants and shops are concentrated here.
At the northern tip of Paxos lies Lakka. Small but compact, Lakka has two main beaches where water skiing and scuba diving are available, as well as a few ‘hidden’ smaller beaches reachable by foot. Two main squares are where most local services are clustered, along with the town’s restaurants and cafes.
The smallest of the three villages of Paxos is Longos, which as well as gorgeous beaches and some of the best restaurants on the island, has romantic twinkly lights that illuminate the village at night.
Erimitis Restaurant, located on the West coast of Paxos, is a definite must-visit while on your Paxos holiday. You can watch the sun set into the water and see the stunning cliffs of Erimitis while enjoying beautiful cocktails and eating delicious food while enjoying the magnificent views.
A 15-minute boat ride from the pier in Gaios will transport you to an idyllic, tiny island called Antipaxos. Here, you’ll find sandy white beaches and turquoise water so clear you can see your toes. There are a myriad of ways you can visit the blissful Greek island of Antipaxos – with an organised boat trip, a water taxi, or by hiring your own boat. Whichever way you choose, make sure you devote at least one day to visiting this slice of paradise.
Monodendri Beach is the only ‘organised’ beach on Paxos – meaning there are free sunbeds, and watersports. Monodendri is also home to the famous Ben’s Bar. Ben’s Bar is a whole day destination with sunbeds, a DJ, excellent swimming, massages, and cracking food served all day. If you’re there during brunch time, definitely try the delicious pancakes!
Levrechio Beach (a 5-minute walk from the center of Longos) is the perfect place to chill out and watch every shade of blue and green from the shore. There is a small beachside restaurant called ‘Taverna Bouloukos’, which is one of the loveliest beachfront tavernas on the island, complete with tasty fresh food, a shady garden, and free showers available to guests. This is a must for anyone looking for maximum chill during their Paxos holiday.
The regional specialities local to Paxos are similar to those of Corfu. Most widespread are sofrito (beef in wine sauce with garlic and parsley), pastitsada (chicken or veal stew with tomatoes, cinnamon and onions, served with pasta) and bourdeto (a fiery fish stew, usually made with scorpionfish and spiced with paprika). However, Paxos also has a few unique items up its sleeve. It is the smallest olive oil-producing Greek island, and you must try the deep-golden olive oil made from the island’s exquisite lianolia olives. Another, if you can track a bottle down, is the rare but celebrated wines of vine-clad Antipaxos, Paxos’s even-more-miniature neighbour.
Tripitos Arch (also known as Kamara) is a natural rock arch over 20 metres high at its peak located on the south-west coast of Paxos. Remember there was the arch on Gozo in Malta that was very ‘insta-famous’ and unfortunately collapsed? Well, we think Tripitos is far more spectacular and one of the highlights for anyone travelling Greece. There are two ways to view the arch – either by boat or by renting a car and navigating the island’s windy backstreets.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.