Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos usually steal the spotlight with their bustling airports and sprawling resorts. But just south of Corfu, I stumbled across something different—a hidden gem most travelers simply miss.
Paxos isn’t huge; it stretches only about 10 kilometers north to south. No airport, just a handful of ferries, and that’s what keeps the crowds at bay.
This little Ionian island is the perfect escape. The water here? Unreal shades of turquoise. Cliffs tower over secret beaches, and the villages feel like they’re still living in another decade.
I’ve wandered through its three harbor towns, swum in those impossibly clear coves, and even hopped over to Antipaxos for a day, which is somehow even smaller and wilder.
What really hit me about Paxos is the way it delivers all the best parts of Greek island life—minus the chaos. The west side is all dramatic cliffs and hidden beaches. Over on the east, peaceful harbors and some surprisingly good restaurants await.
Getting here isn’t exactly straightforward; you have to catch a ferry from Corfu. That extra step? It weeds out the casual tourists and keeps the vibe chill.
What Makes Paxos a Hidden Gem in the Ionian Sea
Paxos just feels different from the usual Greek hotspots. There’s a peaceful vibe here and a sense that, somehow, mass tourism hasn’t managed to bulldoze through local traditions.
The villages are intimate. The water is ridiculously clear. I can’t help but think the bigger islands lost a bit of this magic somewhere along the way.
The Tranquil Atmosphere of Paxos
Paxos offers a kind of peace I rarely find on Greek islands these days. It’s tiny—just 10 kilometers long and 3 wide.
That size alone keeps things mellow. Beaches like Erimitis and Plani never feel crowded.
Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos—the three main villages—still look and feel like fishing towns. I can stroll through Lakka’s harbor without elbowing my way past tour groups.
Why it stays peaceful:
- No airport, so there’s no flood of day-trippers
- Not many ferry routes, so visitor numbers stay low
- Small tavernas instead of big restaurants
- Rocky coastline, which means plenty of private swimming spots
The western cliffs and caves are wild and dramatic. I’ve spent entire afternoons at Cave View and not seen another soul.
Even in summer, Paxos keeps its cool. The location alone seems to filter out anyone looking for a quick, easy getaway.
Comparing Paxos With Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu
I’ve bounced around plenty of Greek islands, and the differences are obvious. Santorini has those sunsets, sure, but you’ll be fighting for space.
Mykonos? A magnet for party crowds and luxury seekers. I’ve watched cruise ships unload thousands there in a single morning. Paxos, on the other hand, greets maybe a hundred or so at a time from Corfu.
Quick comparison:
| Island | Daily Visitors | Main Appeal | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santorini | 15,000+ | Volcanic views | Crowded |
| Mykonos | 10,000+ | Nightlife | Party scene |
| Corfu | 8,000+ | History/beaches | Busy |
| Paxos | 500-800 | Tranquility | Peaceful |
Corfu might be Paxos’s neighbor, but it feels like another world. I’ve waited in long lines for dinner in Corfu—never here.
And the prices? I pay a third for dinner in Lakka compared to Mykonos’s waterfront.
Paxos doesn’t have those famous blue-domed buildings or glitzy beach clubs. What it does have: old stone houses and family-run restaurants that haven’t changed much in decades.
Authentic Greek Island Ambiance
Paxos keeps things real. I’ve watched fishermen fix their nets in Loggos, not for show, but because that’s just life here.
Tavernas are family businesses. At Taverna Niosnios in Lakka, the same family has been cooking since World War II.
Some authentic touches:
- Shepherds tend goats on the hills
- Olive groves still produce oil for the locals
- Fishermen dock and sell their catch straight off the boat
- Village festivals celebrate saints, not the tourist season
Greek is the language you’ll hear most. The locals speak English when needed, but among themselves, it’s all Greek.
The architecture? Think Venetian influences, not modern hotels. The skyline remains charmingly untouched.
There’s even a mythological twist. Locals say Poseidon created Paxos as his own private retreat.
Life here runs on local rhythms, not tourist timetables. Shops close for siesta, and evenings start when people finish their work—not when the next cruise ship rolls in.
Getting to Paxos: The Journey From Corfu and Beyond
No airport here. To reach Paxos, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Corfu or the mainland port of Igoumenitsa.
I usually go through Corfu, but the mainland route is a solid option, especially if you have a car.
Ferry Routes and Travel Logistics
From Corfu (Kerkyra)
I fly into Corfu, grab a quick taxi to the New Port (about €15-20), and then jump on a ferry.
- Joy Cruises Hydrofoil: Fast—just 1 hour, but costs €35 one-way.
- Kamelia Lines: Slower (1.5-2 hours), but cheaper at €20-25.
Booking ahead is a good idea in summer. Joy Cruises is pricier but shaves off some travel time.
If I’m arriving late or traveling with friends, I sometimes split the cost of a private sea taxi. It’s not cheap—around €450 per boat—but it runs 24/7 and fits up to 10 people.
Bringing a car? You’re out of luck on the Corfu route. Only the mainland ferries take vehicles.
I use Ferryhopper to check times and book tickets. Makes life easier.
Tips for Arrivals via Igoumenitsa
The mainland route through Igoumenitsa has its perks.
What to expect:
- Ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours
- You can bring your car
- Usually cheaper than going through Corfu
It’s easy to drive from Athens or catch a bus here. I like this option if I’m road-tripping through Greece or want to haul more luggage.
Kerkyra Seaways and Ionion Lines both run car ferries. I always book car spaces early—those fill up fast.
Traveling through the mainland saves me the hassle of airport transfers and gives more flexibility.
Choosing the Right Time to Travel
Summer (June-September) is when ferries run most often. I see several departures a day then.
Shoulder season (April-May, October) is quieter, but there are fewer boats. Always double-check the schedule.
Winter (November-March)? Services are sparse or sometimes stop altogether. I avoid winter travel here unless I have no choice.
May through September is my sweet spot—reliable weather, regular ferries, and everything’s open.
Picture-Perfect Villages: Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos
Three villages shape life on Paxos, each with its own vibe. Gaios is the lively capital, Lakka hugs a horseshoe bay, and Loggos feels like a time capsule of fishing life.
Exploring the Scenic Harbor of Gaios
Every trip to Paxos starts for me in Gaios. It’s the main port and has this dramatic entrance—two tiny islands guard the harbor, and St. Nicholas Island even has a Venetian fortress from 1423 perched on top.
The waterfront is pure Venetian charm. Brightly colored buildings house shops, cafes, and some pretty great tavernas. I love people-watching from a harborside table as the ferries pull in.
What you’ll find in Gaios:
- Banks and medical care
- The island’s main shopping street
- Church of the Ascension (built in 1853)
- A bit of a crowd when day-trippers arrive
It gets busy when ferries from Corfu and Parga show up. I prefer wandering early or late, when the village calms down. There’s more choice and better prices for food here than in the other villages.
Charming Life in Lakka
Lakka wraps around a bay so pretty it almost doesn’t look real. Sailboats from all over the Med drop anchor here, giving the place a lively, nautical energy.
White pebble beaches line both sides of the bay. Swimming spots are just a quick walk from the village center, and the water is always clear—perfect for snorkeling.
Lakka has two main squares. One is lively with locals, the other is lined with waterfront tavernas that serve up epic sunset views. I’ve caught some of my favorite sunsets right here.
Lakka has:
- Water sports rentals
- Diving schools
- Family-run places to stay
- Beaches you can walk to in minutes
Even with some tourist development, Lakka hasn’t lost its traditional Greek character. Fishing boats and yachts share the harbor, and it just works.
Why Loggos Captures the Heart
Loggos is tiny—fewer than 100 people live here year-round. It’s the most authentic of the three and feels a bit like stepping into the past.
Stone houses tumble down to the harbor. Fishing boats and yachts bob side by side, making for postcard-perfect photos. The village stays real and unpolished, but never feels stuck in time.
I think Loggos has the best waterfront tavernas on the island. Fishermen pull up and deliver their catch straight to the kitchen, so every meal feels fresh and personal.
Beaches near Loggos:
- Levrechio
- Marmari
- Kipos
- Kipiadi (my top pick nearby)
Despite its size, Loggos covers the basics—a bakery, a couple of markets, and tourist info. It’s the best base if you want to walk to beaches and skip the boat rides.
Breathtaking Beaches and Secluded Coves
Paxos might be small, but the beaches are next-level. The water is so clear it almost glows, and with the island’s size, I can hit several swimming spots and sea caves in a single afternoon.
Top Beaches for Swimming and Relaxation
Monodendri Beach is my pick for easy access and facilities. It’s a long pebble stretch about 9km north of Gaios, with three beach bars and plenty of parking.
Swimming here is always a treat, though I recommend beach shoes—the pebbles are no joke.
Harami Beach near Lakka has the calmest waters I’ve found. The bay is protected and shallow, so it’s perfect for a long, lazy swim.
It’s only a five-minute walk from Lakka. There’s even a beach bar for drinks right on the sand.
Levrechio Beach near Loggos is great for snorkeling. The rocks hide little fish and the water is crystal clear.
There’s a traditional taverna right on the beach. I usually swim, then grab lunch—can’t beat that combo.
Sea Caves and Coastal Adventures
The island’s west side is all about drama—cliffs, caves, and beaches you reach by foot or boat. Erimitis Beach appeared after a 2007 cliff collapse, so it’s got wild rock formations you won’t find anywhere else.
I hike the short trail down for sunset. The cliffs here make everything feel raw and untouched.
Sea caves near Gaios are best explored by kayak or boat, especially in the morning when the water is calm.
These caves are cool, literally and figuratively, and you’ll almost always have them to yourself. Plani Beach up on the northwest coast takes some off-road driving, but the reward is total solitude.
These hidden spots are why I keep coming back—Paxos just feels more private than anywhere else in the Med.
A Taste of Paxos: The Local Flavors and Culture
Food here centers on fresh seafood and olive oil that locals have been making for centuries. Waterfront tavernas serve up dishes with ingredients pulled from the sea or grown right on the island.
Seafood Specialties and Village Restaurants
Honestly, the best meals I’ve had in Paxos have always been at tiny tavernas right by the water in Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos. These are the kind of family-run places where the fish on your plate was swimming just a few hours ago.
Bourdeto is the island’s standout dish. It’s a spicy fish stew, and you can really taste that Venetian twist in the flavors. The red sauce packs just enough heat to make things interesting.
You’ll spot fresh octopus, grilled simply with olive oil and lemon, on just about every menu. I’ve watched fishermen haul them in at dawn, and by dinner, they’re right there on my plate.
Sofrito gives you a break from seafood—tender veal, slow-cooked with white wine and garlic. It’s proof that Paxos cooking isn’t just about what comes from the sea.
Don’t expect anything fancy when you walk into these tavernas. Most have plastic chairs and no-frills tables. But honestly, the food here beats anything I’ve tasted on the bigger islands.
Olive Oil and Traditional Produce
Paxos has some of the best olive oil in Greece, thanks to 250,000 ancient trees planted back in Venetian times. Some of these trees are over 500 years old and still going strong.
The difference hits you right away. The oil is golden, peppery, and just bursting with flavor. Locals put it on everything—salads, grilled fish, you name it.
Fava is a staple side dish. This yellow split pea puree gets a drizzle of local olive oil, and it’s the perfect creamy contrast to the island’s grilled seafood.
Small farms dotting the island grow tomatoes, herbs, and veggies without a single chemical. The mix of soil and salty air makes the flavors pop in a way supermarket produce just can’t match.
Local cheeses come from goats grazing on wild herbs. The cheese has a tangy kick and tastes incredible with that fresh bread and olive oil.
Antipaxos: The Paradise Next Door
Just 2 kilometers south of Paxos, you’ll find Antipaxos—a tiny island with beaches that honestly look unreal. The island is only 3 kilometers long, but you can get there by rental boat or ferry for a perfect day trip and world-class snorkeling.
How to Experience Antipaxos on a Day Trip
If you ask me, rent your own boat from Lakka. Forget the organized tours. You don’t need a boating license—rental companies show you the basics before you go.
The ride from Lakka takes about an hour. Along the way, you’ll cruise past Paxos’s wild western coast, full of caves and arches.
Rental Options:
- Small motorboats run €50-80 per day
- No license needed
- Quick lesson before you set out
- Fuel isn’t included
You can also hop on a taxi boat from Gaios port. These run often in summer but not as much in spring or fall.
If you’re visiting in October or later, pack your own lunch. The island’s handful of restaurants close up shop after summer.
Crystal Clear Waters for Snorkeling
Voutoumi Beach has the clearest water I’ve ever seen in Greece. The turquoise is so bright, it almost doesn’t look real.
The bay is shallow and protected, so it’s perfect for beginners who want to try snorkeling. There are rocky patches with little fish and sea creatures all around.
What to Bring:
- Your own snorkel gear (there’s nowhere to rent)
- An underwater camera
- Water shoes for the rocky spots
The water usually stays calm because the bay is sheltered. You can anchor your boat right there and jump straight in.
I spent hours just floating, watching sunlight bounce off the white sand below. It felt like I’d stumbled into a tropical lagoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paxos draws curious travelers who want to know about its beaches, how to get around, and that famously chill vibe. The island has unique spots like Tripitos Arch and water so clear you’ll want to bottle it. Plus, boat rides to Antipaxos make island hopping a breeze.
What are the top attractions to visit on Paxos island?
Tripitos Arch is Paxos’s showstopper. This huge rock bridge rises more than 20 meters above the sea and stretches right out over turquoise water.
Erimitis Beach is the most dramatic spot on the coast. White cliffs tower over a rocky shore, and the color of the water is just unreal.
Plani Beach, close to Lakka, is my favorite place to watch the sunset. If you climb the cliffs, you’ll get some of the best sea photos you’ll ever take.
The Cave View viewpoint sits between Plani Beach and Erimitis. It’s a bit hidden, but it looks out over wild rock formations and endless blue.
How can one travel between Paxos and its neighboring island Antipaxos?
Renting a boat is the most flexible way to get from Paxos to Antipaxos. You don’t need a license, and the rental folks show you how everything works.
It takes about an hour from Lakka to Antipaxos by boat. You get to see Paxos’s dramatic cliffs and caves on the way.
During tourist season, you’ll find day trip operators who run boats between the islands. These tours handle all the details, so you can just relax.
Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos is a must. You can anchor right there and jump into some of the clearest water in Greece.
Is Paxos a suitable destination for travelers seeking a quiet getaway?
Paxos is tiny—just 10 kilometers long and 3 wide. That alone keeps the crowds down compared to the big Greek islands.
There’s no airport here. Everyone arrives by ferry from Corfu, so you never get that overwhelming tourist rush.
If you want real peace and quiet, come in October. The weather can be a bit unpredictable, but the calm makes up for a little rain.
Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos are the three main villages. They’ve held onto their old fishing village charm, and even in summer, life moves at a relaxed pace.
What are the best transportation options when exploring Paxos without a car?
Scooters are the easiest way to get around and find hidden beaches or viewpoints. The island’s size makes them perfect for quick trips.
There’s a bus that connects Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos, but it doesn’t go to the wild west coast beaches.
If you want something sturdier, try a quadbike. They’re great for Paxos’s smaller roads and dirt trails.
You can walk around the towns easily, but the distances between beaches are too much on foot. For real exploring, you’ll need wheels.
How long is an ideal visit to Paxos to fully experience the island?
Four days gives you enough time to see all the main beaches and towns. You’ll get to explore the coastline properly without rushing.
Three days is the minimum I’d suggest if you want to hit the highlights and squeeze in a day trip to Antipaxos.
If you’ve got a week, you can really settle in and revisit your favorite spots. The slow pace is perfect for unwinding.
Day trips from Corfu just aren’t enough. If you stay overnight, you’ll get to soak up the island’s true laid-back vibe.
What distinguishes Paxos from other islands in the Ionian Sea?
Paxos feels like a blend of classic Ionian beauty and the cozy vibe you’d expect from the Cyclades. You get lush green hills and those jaw-dropping cliffs, but everything happens on a much more intimate scale.
If you ever find yourself along the western coast, you’ll see these wild white cliffs that just drop into the sea. The contrast between the rocks and the blue-green water? It’s honestly unforgettable.
You can only reach Paxos by ferry from Corfu, which means not everyone just stumbles onto the island. That little bit of effort keeps the crowds down and lets Paxos hang onto its authentic Greek soul.
Wandering through the main towns, you can’t help but notice the mix of Greek and Italian styles in the buildings. The harbors still look and feel like genuine fishing villages, untouched by big resorts or flashy developments.
