In Paxos, you’ll find yourself in a picturesque and tranquil setting, as if stepping into a painting, a world where time slows down. The images of sparkling water and lush greenery fill the senses, and you can feel the gentle caress of the Mediterranean breeze on your face.
This is a destination for those who wish to escape the clamour and embrace the serene, a place that has captivated many and continues to promise the allure of the undiscovered. Whether by land or by sea, the journey to Paxos is part of the adventure, a prelude to the enchantment that awaits.
Italians arrive here by catamaran in just four hours, while the vessels of Greece’s showbiz crowd have visited the island for years. Beyond the pristine, deserted beaches and the essential sojourn to Antipaxos, the tranquility in the evenings and strolls through the coastal villages render Paxos a haven for alternative and discreet visitors.
Diving into the glassy waters of Sarakiniko beach on Antipaxos, exploring the caves at Mongonissi, an islet to the south connected by a small bridge to Paxos, sunbathing on the exotic beach of Voutoumi on Antipaxos, and an afternoon saunter through the cobbled streets of the capital, Gaios, constitute the absolute must-dos.
Paxos is located seven nautical miles south of Corfu and eight from Epirus. From Athens, you will arrive by driving approximately five hours to Igoumenitsa, and from there by taking one of the two daily ferry boats (around 1.5 hours away).
If you are already on one of the Ionian Islands such as Corfu, you can reach Paxos in roughly one hour. From Lefkada and Zakynthos, there are routes three times per week, and the journey takes approximately five and 10 hours, respectively. Finally, from Kefalonia, you can arrive in Paxos after a seven-hour journey, with a route available three times a week.
Picturesque Villages and Dreamlike Beaches
Your tour will commence in Gaios, the cosmopolitan capital of the island, resplendent with its two islets of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos and their enchanting beaches.
The Castle of Agios Nikolaos, a construction that began in 1423, only to be reconstructed by the Venetians in 1510, is an absolute must-see. Declared a preserved monument, this castle retains a majestic charm. Gaios also serves as the launching pad for an exploration of the island or a jaunt to neighbouring Antipaxos.
Lakka, a settlement nestled within a sheltered bay in the north of Paxos, deserves a sojourn. Meanwhile, picturesque Longos, with its delightful beach, offers a splendid backdrop for enjoying your meal and the island’s pleasing ambience.
As for swimming, the exotic beaches of the Ionian Sea will linger in your memory as unforgettable experiences. Plunge into the transparent waters at Orkos in Paxos or at Vrika and Voutoumi in Antipaxos. Navigating the islands by caique, you’ll encounter numerous additional bays and welcoming spots where you can truly feel the generosity of this blessed land.
Trypitos: The Famous Stone Arch
Trypitos in Paxos is nature’s impressive creation and ranks among the most popular spots on this tranquil island, instilling awe in anyone who beholds it up close and passes beneath its distinctive stone arch.
Trypitos, also known as Kamara, near the village of Ozias, is essentially a natural rock arch standing 20 meters high. It was formed when part of a sea cave collapsed, giving birth to a structure that captures both the imagination and the essence of this captivating place.
Every bay and beach is a whispered invitation to explore, every village a reminder of a time when life moved at a slower, more considered pace. This is Paxos, a serene oasis where one can find both repose and revelation. The islands await, generous and stunning, eager to share its secrets with those intrepid enough to discover them.
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