Photo ↑ by @spiros_lioris_photography
Some say Paxos is one of Greece’s hidden gems. While the island does have its own attractions, it is often put in the same bucket with Corfu, mainly because it is located just south of it. From this point of view, getting from Corfu to Paxos is relatively simple and quick too.
Those who know a thing or two about Paxos can mainly refer to the crystal clear waters, floating boats and lush vegetation. Connections are limited though, so getting there requires some planning. All in all, here is everything you need to know about it.
Where Is Paxos Located?
Paxos is just south of Corfu. There are a few small islands in the area and Paxos is the smallest. Paxos is the main island, yet it only covers 76 square kilometres. That is less than 30 square miles. Despite the size, it can keep visitors entertained, especially if they love nature.
Overall, there are less than 2,500 people living in Paxos. Gaios is the main settlement on the island, so that is where most people reside. It is a port and offers a few job opportunities. However, many locals depend on their jobs in Corfu.
Best Time To Visit Paxos
Just like in Corfu, the tourist season in Paxos begins around May and goes until late September. If you dislike crowds, you can also visit in March or April, as well as October and November. Summer months tend to be quite busy.
Like Corfu, Paxos has a sunny weather. July and August are relatively hot, yet a lot of people prefer to visit in April or October, when temperatures barely reach 30 degrees Celsius. However, lows can get to under 15 degrees Celsius. Rain is also quite common during spring and autumn.
Therefore, the best months to visit Paxos are May, September and October, but April is just as good. During the summertime, it can get pretty busy.
How To Get From Corfu To Paxos
Paxos does not have an airport, so the best way to get there is by ferry. Swimming is not an option either.
Kerkyra Lines available at https://kerkyralines.com/en/route/corfu-paxos can take you to Paxos in less than an hour, but also back. This is by far the most common way to get there and the best news is you can do it online.
Kamelia Lines at https://www.kamelialines.gr/en offers a similar service from Lefkimmi. At this point, it depends on where in Corfu you live and which option is closer to you.
You can find other boat services in big villages and some of them may also provide organized trips to Paxos, but you would have to do a bit of research and make some calls. From this point of view, you may want to have the roaming activated on your mobile or maybe get a Greek SIM card.
Some ferry companies will also take you from Igoumenitsa to Paxos. The benefit is you can usually bring a car in Paxos.
How To Get Around Paxos
Assuming you have managed to get to Paxos, how do you get around the island? Luckily, there are quite a few options.
Buses are very common and inexpensive. KTEL runs the local network. Buses can be irregular, but you can still work your war around and connect different resorts or attractions. A few euros will take you anywhere and you can also explore the local life.
Websites might be outdated, so take pictures of the timetables available in local bus stops.
Now, if you want to go by taxi, get ready to experience the Durrell lifestyle. Do you remember how everyone knew Spyros the taxi driver in Corfu in the television series? The same rule applies to Paxos.
Here are the phone numbers of the five taxi drivers on the island. Some others may have started the job, but these are some of the most popular numbers in Paxos:
- Christos at +306977472747
- Costas at +306974002236
- Haris at +306974135660
- Tassos at +306976648486
- Vasilis at +306976121923
A taxi is obviously more expensive than the bus. Negotiate fares upfront, yet you will not be charged a fortune anyway.
You can also rent a car or scooter in Paxos. Most offices are available in Gaios. You can bring your own vehicle too.
Main Tourist Hubs In Paxos
Gaios is the main hub and the capital of the island. This is where most of the action takes place, from accommodation and bars to restaurants and sights.
Longos is another large place, yet some would see it as a small fishing village. If is nearly unspoilt by tourism, so it makes a good choice if you are trying to recharge your batteries away from the crowds.
Located in the north, Lakka is the second largest place in Paxos and has a nice harbour full of bars and restaurants.
What To Do In Paxos
Compared to Corfu, Paxos is relatively small, meaning there are not as many attractions.
Crystal clear waters, beaches and caves are the main attractions in Paxos.
- Loggos offers a family friendly location. It is well maintained and clean, yet it is also quite small. Facilities are limited, so bring some food and drinks yourself. Luckily, there are tavernas nearby.
- Pounda is nice too, but further away from Gaios. It is relatively close to Loggos, yet it feels very remote. Again, there are no facilities.
- Levrehio is not too far. It is quite popular among locals, but it gets invaded by tourists in the summertime. Waters are very shallow.
There is a nice selection of attractions if you prefer history and religion too.
- The Analipsi church was erected in 1853. It is picturesque and located in Gaios. Step inside it and you will experience a different level of tranquillity.
- The statue of Georgios Anemogiannis is also a popular landmark. He was born in Paxos in 1798 and played an important role in the Greek Revolution.
- The folklore museum was established in 1996 in Gaios. There is an appealing selection of fossils and remnants of the past.
- The olive press museum is in the north of Paxos, in Lakka. It hosts a traditional stone olive press made in 1865.
In terms of activities, scuba diving, hiking and walking tours are very common in Paxos. Boat tours to secluded caves and areas are just as popular, especially given the clarity of the water around Paxos. From many points of view, Paxos is included in island hopping activities as well.
Festivals And Events
Paxos is even nicer to visit throughout different events. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is one of them. It takes place on the 15th of August every year.
Easter celebrations are just as attractive, not to mention the Feast of Agios Gaios on the 29th of June, with music and dancing celebrations. If you visit in July, the celebration of Varkarola is worth some attention too.
Other interesting events include the Paxos Festival in June and the International Music Festival around August and September.