Paxos

Destination Information

This destination

CV Travel are pleased to introduce our new video of Paxos. To view, please click 'video' on the top left of the image.

Distinguished by dramatic contrasts in scenery, this small island only 8km long and 4km wide has remained surprisingly unspoilt.

Some may say it’s rather inconvenient to reach but we feel that this is what retains the

island's natural charm. Faster ferries have shortened the transfer time but have done little to change Paxos in other ways. On the whole, the island is one huge olive grove,

dramatised here and there by the bright green of pine trees, and offset by the startlingly vivid hues of the sea. The gentle hills and sparkling bays of the east coast are in sharp contrast to the wild drama of the west coast cliffs. Gaios, Loggos and Lakka are the three main settlements, where local life goes on around the visitors, and many boats from sleek yachts to old fishing boats.

Our Recommendations

Such a small island yet such a variety of things to see, do and experience:

• Visit Anti-Paxos, where the white sand beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi are often compared to those of the Caribbean. Daily boat trips are available from Gaios, and from Loggos and Lakka on a Wednesday, weather permitting.

• Relax on a round island baot trip from Loggos & Lakka, on a Wednesday or daily from Gaios, weather permitting.

• Take a trip down the west coast to see the great rock formations of Ortholithos Rock, Tripitos Arch, and visit the Blue Caves

• Watch the sun set over the Erimitis cliffs and changing them from white to blood-red

• Get closer to the natural beauty of the island on a guided walk

• Visit Mainland Greece on a day trip to Parga

• Visit Mongonissi island, linked to Paxos by a causeway and a red sand beach

• Discover something of Paxos history in Gaios, Lakka and on the islands of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos

• Hire the Sea Taxi for a private excursion to Anti Paxos, the river Styx, Parga, Sivota, Corfu, Lefkada, Kefalonia or Ithaca

• Learn about the olive industry at the Olive Press Museum in Magazia, or visit the Museum and Art Gallery of Paxos in Gaios

• Enjoy music in a wonderful setting at one of the classical or contemporary concerts and festivals that take place in May, July and September

• Try scuba diving, which is now available for the first time on Paxos

• Take a day trip, shopping to Corfu

Ferry Connections: For those of you travelling via Mainland Greece or Italy, CV Travel can also organise ferry crossings direct to Corfu from Patras, Bari and Venice. Please ask your Sales Consultant for details and prices.

Capital

Gaios

Population

2,438 (2001)

Area

19 sq km

Worth to see

Gaios - The Venetian capital of the island, approached by a sheltered inlet, Gaios is a lively and colourful little town with its main square open to the sea on one side. The quaysides play host to an entertainingly cosmopolitan variety of yachts, especially in high season. Internet café available, but Gaios has this year made a concession to the present and WiFi is available in the entire area of the main town square.

Loggos - An exceptionally pretty little fishing village where the traditional way of life is barely touched by the summer visitors. Quayside tavernas are excellent for locally caught fish. An internet café is available.

Lakka - Yachtsmen of all nationalities are attracted to Lakka’s large natural harbour in summer, a factor that has influenced the surprising choice of restaurants and shops. Some lovely beaches are just a short walk away, and an internet café is available.

West Coast - The west coast of Paxos is an example of a typical Ionian feature – towering white cliffs that drop down abruptly to a wild and rocky shore, home to sea-birds and dolphins and scarred by massive cliffs.

Beaches

Kala Lagatha, Kamini, Gaios Town, Mongonissi Bay, Loggos, Lakka, Paxos Beach Hotel, Ballos, Levrecchio, Monodendri, Orkos Beach

Transportation

Boat Hire: Small boats and speedboats can be pre-booked with our UK office prior to departure and we recommend early reservations, especially in July and August, as availability is limited.

Good to know

Boat hire recommended (moored at Gaios)

Telephone calling code(s)

+30 26620

Entertainment Gaios - Tavernas, bakery, shops, internet cafe, Loggos - Restaurants, shops, internet cafe, Lakka - Shops, tavernas, internet cafe, bakery, Erimitis - Bar, Fontana - Taverna, Magazia - Taverna, mini-market, bakery, Bogdanatika - Shop, Makratika - T

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