Paxos & Antipaxos at a Glance

• Main towns (Paxos): Gaios (capital/port), Lakka (north bay), Loggos (charming harbor).
• Signature features: cobalt coves, olive groves, blue caves, wine & local tavernas.
• Antipaxos: tiny sister island with Caribbean-like beaches and a handful of vineyards.

How to Get There

From Corfu

• Hydrofoil/fast ferry to Paxos (Gaios): frequent in summer; ~60–90 minutes depending on vessel and sea conditions.
• Day-cruise boats: depart from Corfu and visit Paxos, Antipaxos & Blue Caves (usually full-day).
• Private sea taxi / charter: fastest and most flexible (higher cost; pre-book).

From Mainland Greece

• Igoumenitsa → Paxos (Gaios): seasonal ferries/fast boats; check current timetables.
• By car via Igoumenitsa: park in Igoumenitsa and continue as foot passenger to Paxos (island roads are narrow; many stays are walkable or need short transfers).

Tip: Paxos has no airport; most visitors connect via Corfu (CFU) and continue by sea.

Where to Stay (Best Areas)

Gaios (Paxos)

Paxos’ main port and hub. Best for convenience, bus/boat links, and waterfront dining. Good for short stays and first-timers.

• Stay for: car-free evenings, boat trips, easy transfers.
• Options: small hotels, apartments, boutique rooms.

Lakka (North Paxos)

Pretty horseshoe bay with clear water and a relaxed feel. Ideal for families and couples who want a scenic base near beaches.

• Stay for: sheltered swimming, pastel harbor, sunsets.
• Options: guesthouses, apartments, a few upscale suites.

Loggos (East Paxos)

Tiny postcard harbor with tavernas right on the water. Great for couples and slow travel.

• Stay for: intimate vibe, easy dips, photogenic lanes.
• Options: studios, stone houses, boutique rentals.

Antipaxos

Very limited accommodation and services; most visitors come on a day trip from Paxos. Choose Paxos as base and ferry across for the beaches.

Best Beaches

Antipaxos

• Voutoumi Beach: sweeping bay with dazzling turquoise water and white pebbly-sand mix; famous viewpoint above.
• Vrika Beach: shallow entry, great for families; tavernas in season.

Paxos (selected)

• Monodendri: organized cove north of Loggos; watersports and loungers in season.
• Harami & Kanoni (Lakka): two coves ideal for relaxed swims near Lakka village.
• Kipiadi: long pebbly beach between Loggos & Gaios; crystal-clear water (unorganized).
• Erimitis Cliffs: dramatic sunset views; beach access can vary seasonally due to rockfall/erosion—check locally.

Top Things to Do

• Blue Caves (west Paxos): boat trip to sea caves and dramatic limestone arches.
• Tripitos Arch: coastal hike to a natural stone arch; wear proper shoes.
• Olive-grove walks: follow old footpaths between villages—cool shade and sea views.
• Boat hire: rent a small motorboat (license-free options) to explore coves—start early for calmer seas.
• Wine & local tastes: try Antipaxos wine (limited production) and island olive oil.
• Harbor evenings: dinner in Loggos, Lakka or Gaios with the boats bobbing right in front.

Getting Around

• On Paxos: local buses connect main villages in season; taxis are limited—book ahead.
• Scooter/ATV/car: popular for flexibility; roads are narrow and often winding—drive carefully.
• Water taxis / small ferries: link Paxos with Antipaxos beaches (weather permitting; seasonal schedules).
• Walking & boats: many coves are best reached on foot or by rented boat.

Typical Price Ranges

Indicative nightly prices for 2 adults; peak in July–August. Shoulder months (June, September) offer better value.

• Studios & apartments: €80–€180
• Boutique rooms/small hotels: €150–€300
• Upscale suites & villas: €300–€700+ (larger private villas can exceed €1,000)
• Boat rentals (day): ~€70–€180+ for small boats (fuel extra; prices vary by season/engine size)
• Sea taxi Paxos ⇄ Antipaxos (return): typically €15–€30 per person (seasonal; check locally)

Day Trips from Corfu

Full-day cruises from Corfu usually combine Paxos town (Gaios), a swim stop at Antipaxos, and a pass by the Blue Caves. Expect an early start and 2–3 swim/shore stops depending on sea conditions.

Best Time to Visit

• May–June & September: warm seas, calmer crowds, great light—ideal balance.
• July–August: hottest & busiest; pre-book boats, stays, and restaurants.
• October–April: quiet; limited sailings/services; great for walkers if weather cooperates.

Sample Itineraries

1 Day (from Corfu or short stay on Paxos)

• Morning boat to Paxos → stroll Gaios → boat to Antipaxos (Vrika/Voutoumi) for swim → Blue Caves circuit → dinner in Loggos/Lakka → return.

2–3 Days (based on Paxos)

• Day 1: Settle in Gaios/Loggos; sunset at Erimitis cliffs.
• Day 2: Boat hire for coves; lunch swim at Monodendri/Kipiadi.
• Day 3: Morning in Lakka; hike to Tripitos Arch; leisurely harbor lunch.

FAQ

Do I need a car on Paxos?

Not strictly—many stays are near villages and coves. For full freedom, rent a scooter/car or use water taxis.

Can I stay on Antipaxos?

Accommodation is extremely limited. Most visitors base in Paxos and day-trip to Antipaxos beaches.

Are the beaches sandy?

Antipaxos has pale sandy/pebbly beaches; Paxos is mostly pebbly with crystal water—water shoes help.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes—calm bays, short distances, and small-boat adventures. Book early in summer.