About
Paxos Click here for Paxos accommodation
Paxos
is the smallest of the seven main islands in the Ionian sea
and lies to the west of the Greek mainland, some nine miles
south of Corfu. Despite
its proximity to Corfu it has succeeded in retaining its distinctive
character, mainly because it does not have it's own airport
bringing in hordes of tourists.
Paxos is blessed with a unique
coastal formation of coves, bays, grottoes and quiet beaches.
Every hill is carpeted with terraced olive groves planted by
the Venetians, six centuries ago.
According to mythology, Neptune
created this beauty with the strike of his trident, when in
need of a place to hide his godly women friends.
We have properties in all the main villages of Paxos including the tiny capital Gaios, charming Lakka and the picturesque village
of Loggos.
Loggos
is a tiny unspoilt fishing village that lies on the middle east
coast of Paxos. The village waterfront plays host to balconies
decorated with bright flowers, cosy cafe bars, fishing boats and
visiting yachts, traditional tavernas and small tourist shops.
The sheltered bay looks towards the mountainous coastline of the
mainland. Secluded beaches and coves, surrounded by olive and
cypress trees, can be found on either side of Loggos port, from
where you can hire your own little motor boat to reach them.
A holiday here is to experience the simple Greek way of life while
relaxing on the beach.
There are lovely walks through the olive groves and along the
cliff paths, especially during the spring and early summer when
there is a selection of wild flowers.
Lakka, is the northern port of Paxos set in a gorgeous horse shoe shaped bay and flanked by high ground covered in olive and cypress trees. The bay which is almost completely sheltered from the open sea is excellent for swimming and water sports. Indeed, Lakka has a watersports centre with water skiing, toppers and windsurfing plus a scuba diving school so Lakka might suit clients looking for a little more activity. Whilst the beach is pebble, once in the water, underfoot turns to sand making it a favourite for children.
The village itself retains an authentic Greek atmosphere with its narrow streets, squares, open air tavernas and traditional baker. You are spoilt for choice of where to eat, with the bars and tavernas offering a wide choice of very good Greek food.
Gaios, the capital of Paxos, is a charming
port town which spreads itself along the waterfront. You enter
Gaios from a northerly direction passing two small islands,
the first at the mouth of Gaios harbour is called Panayia (Virgin
Mary) on which there is a splendid white monastery. The other
St Nicholas Island forms a natural breakwater which leads to
the picturesque inlet of Gaios harbour. Gaios square is a very
good place to soak up the atmosphere of this bustling capital.
There are a number of tavernas around the square and the lanes
that lead off are lined with local shops, cafe bars, more tavernas
and gift shops. In the centre of the square is the church of
St Apostoli. Gaios has its own small beach but there are regular
fast boats to the wonderful beaches of Anti Paxos.
Anti
Paxos is two kilometers or so south of Paxos and is
even smaller and almost uninhabited.
There are two main beaches at the north end, Vrika and Voutoumi.
The shore line of the first beach Vrika is sandy, Voutoumi's
shore line is pebble but under foot in the water there is white
sand. Here you have some of the finest clear blue seas in the
world for swimming and snorkelling. South of these two beaches
are many smaller more private coves that can be reached without
too much difficulty. Both beaches have tavernas but at Voutoumi, it is at the top of cliffs overlooking the beach and requires quite a climb up winding steps but the food, wine and view make it well worth it.
Excursion boats from Gaios to Anti
Paxos run frequently in the summer, the trip takes about 15
minutes and you can spend the whole day there.
Click here for Paxos accommodation
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