Paxos is the final Ionian island I visited and possibly my favourite of all of the islands. Positioned simply south of Corfu island, this island is way smaller and provides a way more laid again vibe in comparison with that of Corfu. Paxos is the place the Ionian islands meets the Cyclades islands. It provides the identical breathtaking inexperienced landscapes and towering cliffs which are synonymous with the Ionian islands however in a smaller and extra quant setting just like the islands within the Cyclades. After all, there are not any stunning white washed homes with blue doorways, however the cities of Lakka, Gaios, and Loggos provide their very own type of allure.
I got here to Paxos throughout the shoulder season month of October and completely cherished it. Whereas the climate was a bit unstable with rainstorms on some days, it was simply superb with the ability to see the island with out the large crowds that come throughout the excessive season. I would definitely come again right here once more ultimately of September or starting of October.
The villages of Paxos
Paxos is a really small island. It solely measures about 10km from north to south and 3km from west to east.
Gaios
Gaios is the principle city in Paxos. You’ll find yourself in Gaios sooner or later as a result of that is the principle port of the island and all ferries come right here. Gaios is a really quaint little city with stunning Greek and Italian influenced homes with a pleasant harbor entrance.
There are a ton of eating places and bars in Gaios so that you’ll by no means be bored staying right here. Make certain to stroll as much as the principle highway which overlooks the bay and provides an excellent view of Gaios.
Lakka
Lakka is the second largest city in Paxos. Positioned within the very north, Lakka is my favourite city in Paxos. The village is smaller than Gaios however is equal if no more charming. I actually preferred the view of the harbor right here from the quite a few eating places on the town. Lakka can be near stunning Plani seaside which I believe is likely one of the most stunning locations on the island.
Loggos
Lastly, Loggos is positioned within the northeast of the island and is the subsequent largest city. There isn’t a lot in Loggos apart from a handful of eating places however this fishing village continues to be charming in its personal method.
Easy methods to get to Paxos
Paxos is definitely accessible by ferry from Corfu island. In the course of the excessive season months between June and September, there are a number of ferries per day that go from Corfu to Paxos island. There are two ferry corporations that make this crossing. I’ve taken each of them so I’ve a lot of info to supply!
Kerkyra Strains
First up is the sluggish ferry from Kerkyra Strains. This firm does the crossing thrice a day throughout the excessive season and 1-2 occasions per day throughout shoulder season months. This ferry doesn’t depart from the principle port in Corfu’s major metropolis. As an alternative, it leaves from a port within the very south of the island referred to as Lefkimmi. Since Paxos is due south of Corfu, it’s in all probability simpler to function the ferry from right here.
To get to Lefkimmi, Kerkyra strains provides a shuttle bus service from Corfu that stops within the metropolis in addition to the airport. Primarily, you might fly into Corfu, and by no means step foot within the metropolis.
In complete, the bus trip from Corfu to Lefkimmi is 1 hour, and the ferry trip is 45 minutes to 1 hour. In complete, this itinerary will convey you from Corfu to Paxos in two hours.
The price of this journey is €25 for a a technique ticket which incorporates the bus and the ferry. You’ll be able to go to their web site to guide your ticket.
Flying Dolphin (Ilida)
The choice to the sluggish ferry is the quick ferry! This ferry is operated by Pleasure Cruises and leaves from the previous port in Corfu. It’s a really quick pace boat and it solely takes 1 hour or so to go from Corfu’s port to Paxos (twice as quick because the Kerkyra ferry). The price of this ferry is €25 per individual. It runs thrice a day throughout the excessive season and one time a day throughout the shoulder season.
To guide the tickets, you’ll need to name Pleasure Cruises. Sure, it’s loopy that in 2022, they nonetheless don’t have an internet site to make bookings. I needed to name them by way of cellphone to safe my tickets and I like to recommend you do the identical if you happen to’re touring throughout excessive season.
I’d personally take the Flying Dolphin over the Kerkyra ferries as it’s quicker and prices the identical worth. I needed to take the Kerkyra ferry on my journey as a result of the Flying Dolphin solely left at 7:15am within the morning (Mid October), and I didn’t wish to get up so early!
The place to go in Paxos
I spent 4 days in Paxos and went everywhere in the island a number of occasions. There are such a lot of stunning issues to see and accomplish that right here is the record!
I rented a scooter to get across the island which I’d extremely advocate you do as effectively. There’s public transportation that journey between the cities however you’ll want a scooter, quadbike, or automobile to go to the attractive seashores and viewpoints.
Normally, probably the most gorgeous a part of the island for my part is the western coast. That is the place you’ll discover stunning seashores and large dramatic rock cliffs that the Ionian islands are well-known for.
Monggonisi Seashore
Mongonissi is located south of Paxos simply 4 kilometers away from the capital, Gaios. What makes this small island so distinctive is the complexity of the panorama.
It combines the wildness of a rocky surroundings that one finds within the west coast along with the luxurious vegetation that surrounds the east coast. The seaside right here is calm with hotter waters however it’s not as gorgeous as the opposite seashores on the island. There’s a good taverna on the seaside getting ready scrumptious Greek dishes.
Plani Seashore
Positioned simply south of the city of Lakka is the attractive Plani Seashore. This seaside is one other rocky seaside however the views of the cliffs listed below are simply completely gorgeous. I truly didn’t spend a lot time on the seaside however opted to climb the rocky cliffs to get some superb photographs of the attractive sea colours and cliffs. The rocks right here even have many flat elements which makes for an excellent sunbathing spot.
That is additionally an excellent place to look at the sundown. Seize some beers or wine and watch the solar set immediately in entrance of you.
The Cave View
This can be a little bit of a hidden gem that I solely came upon about after talking to a random fireman whereas stopping to get water. Positioned between Plani Seashore and Erimitis seaside is the well-known cave view viewpoint. You’ll have to comply with the instructions on Google Maps carefully as you’ll cross by way of small roads.
Nevertheless, when you attain this unassuming viewpoint, you’ll be greeted with probably the most dramatic views in Paxos. You might be at one of many highest factors on the western coast and you’ll see the attractive rock formations over the ocean and views out into the ocean so far as you’ll be able to see. That is the right sundown spot as effectively.
Erimitis Seashore
Undoubtedly, Erimitis seaside is the nicest of all of the seashores in Gaios. It’s positioned on the western facet of the island simply subsequent to the city of Magazia. The highway that goes to the seaside is a bit sketchy however doable by way of scooter or automobile. There’s a small stone pathway that results in the seaside.
It’s a rocky seaside like many of the different seashores within the Ionian islands however it’s surrounded by towering white rocky cliffs on all sides of the seaside. The water is a lightweight blue which contrasts so completely with the rock formations.
I spent most of time in Erimitis seaside as a result of it’s extra secluded than different seashores permitting you a bit extra privateness.
Tripitos Arch
Undoubtedly probably the most superb and distinctive sight to see in Paxos is the Tripitos Arch. Positioned within the south of the island, the Tripitos Arch is likely one of the largest pure rock arches I’ve ever seen. It’s over 20 meters excessive and stands proud far into the ocean over stunning turquoise waters.
To get right here, you’ll wish to comply with Google Maps to the Tripitos Arch and park your automobile or scooter the place the highway turns right into a stone and filth path. From right here, you’ll stroll 10-Quarter-hour earlier than you’re greeted with probably the most gorgeous views of the Ionian.
You can too come right here by boat however I’d not method the arch too carefully as there are a lot of shallow rocks lurking about.
The place to eat in Paxos
There is no such thing as a scarcity of fantastic eating places in Paxos. I visited throughout the shoulder season of October however was nonetheless capable of eat at lots of the finest eating places the city has to supply. In the course of the excessive season, completely make sure that to make reservations forward of time as they replenish in a short time.
I spent most of my time consuming in Lakka as I discovered the eating places and the overall vibe to be extra my type. Additionally, lots of the eating places in Gaios city have been already closed in October.
To Steki restaurant
On the best way to Erimitis seaside, To Steki restaurant is positioned within the small city of Magazi. This conventional taverna had a few of the finest Greek salad I’ve ever tasted. The opposite dishes together with the Octopus was additionally divine. Extremely advocate visiting this taverna or the others close by to it.
The Bournaos
The Bournaos is a well-known cafe and restaurant additionally positioned within the city of Magazi. They’ve served espresso for over 100 years. In addition they have a big selection of breakfast objects in addition to different Greek meals all through the day.
I heard from others that this place additionally makes a few of the most scrumptious Greek meals on the island. Nevertheless, I got here throughout the offseason and so they didn’t have a full kitchen.
Averto Bar Restaurant
Averto Bar is a good cocktail and wine bar additionally within the city of Magazi. They really do excessive finish cocktails right here which is difficult to seek out on such a small island. I had a negroni right here that was as much as par with the most effective cocktail bars I’ve been to.
Paxoimadi restaurant in Lakka
My favourite restaurant in Lakka is Paxoimadi. They’re positioned on a small facet road however in a really charming area. All of the meals right here was scrumptious together with the bifteki and salads. You’ll positively wish to make reservations forward of time right here!
Taverna Niosnios
Positioned in the principle sq. of Lakka, Taverna Niosnios has been round since WW2. They’ve an open kitchen the place you’ll be able to see the grills operating. They invite you inside and clarify to you all of the dishes that they’ve made for the day which I cherished.
Positioned proper subsequent to Loggos city is a small little seaside with a taverna going through it. This taverna is a good place to have lunch whereas overlooking the ocean.
Akis restaurant
Akis restaurant is positioned in Lakka proper on the water. It’s received nice views of the harbour and the bay. I solely got here right here for a drink to benefit from the views however I’ve heard they make nice seafood.
Bona Terra for a restaurant
For an excellent espresso with a view, look no additional than Bona Terra in the principle city of Gaios. It’s positioned immediately in entrance of the water and the cafe has a particular hipster type vibe.
Lease a ship to Antipaxos
One of many major actions individuals do when coming to Paxos is to go to the even smaller island of Antipaxos (which accurately interprets to small Paxos). This small island is simply 3km lengthy and might be seen from most elements of Paxos island.
Antipaxos is supposed purely for day trippers and there are usually not many lodging on the island to talk of. There are solely 2-3 eating places on the whole island and so they solely function throughout the season. By mid October, the eating places have been already closed so if you’re visiting throughout the shoulder season, you’ll need to pack your personal lunch.
Lease your personal boat and drive from Paxos to Antipaxos
There are numerous day journey operators from Paxos that may take you to Antipaxos. Alternatively, you’ll be able to hire your personal boat and drive your self there. You don’t want a boating license (which I believe is loopy) to hire a ship. They are going to simply train you some fundamental maneuvers and also you’re in your method within the open ocean! Since I understand how to drive a powerboat, that is positively my most popular methodology.
I’d advocate renting a ship in Lakka over Gaios or Loggos city. Lakka is within the very north of the island and by renting a ship, you’ll be able to drive alongside the western coast of Paxos which is simply extremely gorgeous with the entire arches, caves, and cliffs. The overall boat trip is about 1 hour relying on how a lot you wish to cease.
What to do in Antipaxos
Antipaxos may be very small and there isn’t a lot to do on the island itself. Most individuals come right here for the thoughts blowing seashores. Voutoumi seaside is the one that you simply’ll wish to go to. This bay has a few of the most crystal clear waters in all of Greece. It’s such as you’re swimming within the Maldives or one thing. You’ll be able to anchor your boat right here after which go to the 2 tavernas on the seaside for a scrumptious lunch break.
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