Paxos is a tiny gem that lies in the Ionian Sea just an hour’s hydrofoil trip from its larger neighbour Corfu. With no direct flights, this island of pretty harbours and undiscovered coves is delightfully laid-back and off-the-beaten-track. Those who have never been before may not be aware of the beauty of the island or the attraction of holidays in Paxos. In reality, it is an ideal location for holidays for couples, family holidays in the Greek islands and groups of friends holidaying together.
- Gaios is the island town, main harbour and centre of island life. Harbour-side tavernas greet arriving visitors but are well worth a return visit during your stay. As well as the working fishing harbour, the town offers numerous tavernas grouped round the main square and the church of St Apostoli. Small lanes lead off the square leading to local shops, cafe bars, more tavernas and gift shops. There is a good village guide to Gaios that includes recommendations for staying in or near to the village.
- Walking or boating. Nothing too strenuous! The diminutive size of Paxos and abundant flora and fauna make Paxos holidays a real walker’s paradise. The lack of an airport on Paxos has had the undoubted benefit of protecting Paxos holidays from the usual strains of tourism. This factor, combined with the many delightful coves dotted along the coastline that can only be reached by foot or boat, attracts a flotilla of boats and yachts to the island’s shores each year. Even if you are not the boating type, hiring one is a splendid way to explore the bays and harbours with their sophisticated shops and tavernas. For those who like the water, there is a wealth of opportunity for snorkelling and diving on the island.
- View the sunset or sunrise. The Sunset Taverna at Emitris is outstanding for its views of…you got it – sunsets! You need to book early as it gets extremely busy and good tables are booked in advance. For sunrise, locals tend to recommend Loggos as the best place to take in this spectacle because it does not have the bustle of ferries or yachts setting off in the early hours.
- Going by ferry to Parga is a lovely day trip for holidaymakers. Parga has some of the loveliest beaches and is a very picturesque town, due to the steep winding streets leading up to a castle and affording a bird’s eye view of the ceramic rooftops with the beach at the centre. Exploring the island with a rental boat could be an adventurous and rewarding option due to the fjord-like nature of the coast near Parga that hides a number of small beaches that can be accessible by boat. One of the more popular destinations is Epirus, which is also lively with bustling streets, numerous tavernas and a number of shops to explore.
- Food and festivals. In addition to food throughout the island being of an exceptional standard, there are a number of events that are of interest on Paxos. The Olive Press Museum play host to cooking demonstrations and it is recommended that you visit this historic place during your Greek holiday in Paxos. The demonstration also includes traditional live music and all the people involved are locals. Bookable locally for around 40 euros. Altenatively, September sees the annual music festival with acts from all over the world coming to play in churches, halls, tavernas and even the village streets!
