Paxi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands of Greece, a precious treasure of the Ionian Sea with Venetian references and exotic beaches. Paxi is the green paradise of the Ionian. According to mythology, when Poseidon struck Corfu with his trident, part of the island was cut off, and so Paxi was created, the idyllic place that would house his love for Amphitrite. For this, the emblem of the island is the trident of Poseidon.
If you are looking for a hidden paradise for a quiet holiday, Paxi will definitely enchant you. Below, we have prepared a holiday guide with everything worth seeing and admiring in Paxi, such as beaches, caves, boat trips, food, and much more.
Paxi & Settlements: Gaios, Lakka and Logos
- Gaios
Arriving at Paxi, you will see the port and the island’s largest settlement and capital Gaios. Two islands, Agios Nikolaos and Panagia in the same bay, offer the port natural protection. In Gaios, you will find a wide choice of food, drink, and accommodation.
The island’s capital still preserves the characteristics of the original Venetian architecture, with the impressive building of the English government and the church of the Holy Apostles, with the homonymous cistern above it, standing out.
- Lakka
Lakka is a beautiful, almost magical fishing village north of Paxi. Lakka is known as a sailing and boating destination and will impress you with its Venetian architecture and green landscape. Here, you will have the chance to see the famous chipped cisterns up close. They were created out of necessity to hold rainwater, but today, they are one of the characteristic cultural monuments of the island.
- Logos
Logos is a traditional island village famous for its traditional taverns. While every opportunity to visit the centuries-old olive trees of the island, the locals regard olive trees as sacred.
Paxi: The best beaches on the island
The main characteristics of the beaches of Paxi are their incomparably beautiful blue-green waters, golden sand, and white pebbles. Many are accessible by land, mainly on the east part of the island, while others are by boat. As most beaches are unorganized, you should bring the essentials along. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches worth swimming.
- Harami Beach is in the bay of Lakka. It has crystal-clear turquoise waters and lion trees that offer pleasing shade. The bay of Lakka is sandy and well-sheltered from the winds.
- The small and picturesque Balos beach is very easily accessible and quiet, with clear blue waters and large white pebbles, but you need to bring an umbrella.
- Kipiadi Beach is located near the settlement of Logos and is the largest beach in Paxi. It has crystal clear exotic waters and white pebbles and is easily accessible. We would suggest you have your umbrella here, as well, because the beach is unorganized.
- Erimitis Beach is one of the most famous and impressive beaches, created in recent years after a landslide. It has turquoise waters and white sand and is the best place to enjoy the sunset.
- Orkos is one of the most famous beaches of Paxi, of unimaginable beauty and easily reached by a one-and-only path through the forest. The beach is unique for its tall vegetation, deep blue waters reminiscent of a swimming pool, and white pebbles. It’s not organized, so it’s good to bring drinking water and snacks.
- Kaki Lagada is one of the longest beaches on the island. It is near Gaios and has white pebbles and crystal clear waters.
- Monodendri is one of the few organized beaches of Paxi. It has unique waters, umbrellas, a beach bar, and a tavern.
- Moggonissiis a sandy beach located in the south of the island and is accessible by road. Its crystal clear waters are impressive, and because they are shallow, they are ideal for families with children. There is also a cafe/restaurant where you can get the essentials.
- Galazio is a sandy, unspoiled beach of wild beauty with deep blue waters and is only accessible by sea by boat.
- Levrechio Beach is ideal for relaxing moments by the sea. Behind the coast, there is a tavern with a fantastic view. Marmari Beach is next to Levrechio, with crystal-clear waters and beautiful trees that offer cool shade.
Boat trip to the fairytale caves and beaches of Paxi
In Paxi, you must sail around the island by boat, as there are many caves and beaches of astonishing beauty. One of the most famous places to see by boat is Erimitis Beach, with its white rock, from where, as mentioned above, you will see the most beautiful sunset on the island.
Some more uniquely beautiful sights to explore by sea are the imposing arch of Tripitos, the cave of Ypapanti, Kamara, and the Blue Caves, which are impressive with their immense beauty. You can swim in Ahai and see the Cave in Mogonisi. Of course, do not miss to explore the heavenly island of Antipaxos, just 3 nautical miles from Paxi. The most famous beaches of the island are Vrika and Voutum.
Paxi local cuisine
The local specialties of the island have Venetian influences. In the gastronomy of Paxi, the protagonists are fresh seafood, meat, local olive oil, honey, and wine that you should definitely try. It is excellent and of small exclusive production. The gastronomy of the island is quite similar to Corfu. Dishes such as pastitsada, sofrito, and burdeto are the most popular.
It is also worth trying savouro (fish marinated with raisins, garlic, and rosemary), pateliorizo, the so-called tsiligurdopita, the traditional Paxian recipe with liver and bolsheviko (dessert with serrano cream, sponge cake, and hazelnuts).
We hope we have answered all the questions of where to swim, what to see, and what to eat on the beautiful Ionian island of Paxi. Contact us if you also want to explore the heavenly beaches, caves of eerie beauty, and the island of Antipaxos. We, together, will organize an unforgettable boat exploration experience for your vacation this year.
