Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian Islands, is a complex of islands and islets, biggest of which are Paxos and Antipaxos. They are located between Corfu and Lefkas and belong to the Corfu Prefecture. Gaios is the capital, gaining its name from St Gaios, a pupil of St Paul, who taught Christian faith to this part of the world. Paxos is 12 kilometers south of Corfu and 15 kilometers from the mainland. There are more than 30 beaches on Paxos east coast, most of which are accessible by car. The west coast beaches are accessible only by boat but are worth the trouble!
Antipaxos is a small island, approximately 1 mile south of Paxos with many small settlements of about 100 farm houses in total, most of which are 1 or 2 centuries old. Today those houses mainly host their owners during grape cultivating or harvesting seasons.
What you can do in our island
The islands have diving sites suitable for beginners and advanced level divers. The waters surrounding the islands are very clear with an underwater visibility of at least 20 meters.
Beginners can try the east coast and its shallow sea grass beds with clear warm waters and more experienced divers can dive to the spectacular caves and cliff walls of the Paxos and Antipaxos west coast and to the wreck of an old Russian cargo ship.
Paxos is an ideal place for light trekking or mountain biking. Tracks and foot paths take you to all parts of the island, usually under shady olive trees, among proudly standing cypress trees, along side very old dry stone walls, some times just over the sea, over the blue caves, always past beautiful stone traditional houses and churches, gardens full of flowers or orchards, most of the time leading to pebbled secluded beaches.
Very rarely one needs more than 2 hours of walking to reach a certain point. Steep parts are very short and usually on the west side of the island.
An important part of the local footpaths network is signed. A Paxos Walking Map by ANAVASIS is available at the bookshops in Gaios and Lakka or electronically at http://www.anavasi.gr. Guided walks are organized twice a month during summer season as part of the Paxos Festival . Information can be found at www.paxosfestival.com or at www.friendsofpaxos.org. Guided walks private or in groups are also organized through www.paxos-adventures.gr
Paxos is an ideal place for light trekking or mountain biking. Tracks and foot paths take you to all parts of the island, usually under shady olive trees, among proudly standing cypress trees, along side very old dry stone walls, some times just over the sea, over the blue caves, always past beautiful stone traditional houses and churches, gardens full of flowers or orchards, most of the time leading to pebbled secluded beaches.
Daily sailing cruises around Paxos and Antipaxos or longer sailing trips around Paxos or in the larger Ionian Sea area are available. For information please visit www.paxossailing.gr
