Paxos Island

Address: Paxos (Paxi), Ionian Islands, Greece

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free (island)

Paxos is a small Ionian island south of Corfu in northwest Greece, known for its compact harbour villages, olive groves and sheltered bays. It is one of the smaller inhabited islands in the Ionian group and is popular for boat trips and quiet seaside tourism.

Main attractions are the harbour village of Gaios, the picturesque sheltered bay of Lakka and the fishing village of Loggos, which serve as base points for exploring beaches, groves and coastal walks. The island’s beaches and clear waters attract day-trippers and private boaters.

Paxos has a long agricultural history dominated by olive oil production and small-scale fishing, with tourism growing in the 20th century but remaining lower-key than on larger Ionian islands.

The island lies off the southern tip of Corfu and is typically accessed by short ferry crossings from Corfu or the nearby mainland.

• Access from Corfu: The island lies just south of Corfu and is typically reached by frequent ferries from Corfu and the nearby mainland, making it a short hop for island-hopping visitors.
• Olive-dominated landscape: Olive cultivation is widespread and the island’s interior is dotted with centuries-old groves and rural lanes rather than large urban developments.

What to See#

• Gaios: The island’s main harbour and administrative centre, with a compact harbourfront of taverns, shops and accommodation that serves as the ferry gateway.
• Lakka: A sheltered bay and village on the northern coast noted for its natural anchorage and nearby walking routes through olive groves.
• Loggos: A small fishing village on the eastern coast with waterfront taverns and a traditional character popular with day visitors and boaters.

Paxos (Paxi) is reached by ferry from Corfu (Kerkyra) or from mainland ports such as Igoumenitsa, Parga and Lefkada in high season. Ferries and hydrofoils sail from Corfu town to the main port of Gaios on Paxos; crossing times vary by vessel and service (typically around 1-2 hours depending on route and stopping pattern).

From Corfu town you board at the main ferry harbour; on arrival at Gaios or Lakka use local walking routes or taxis to reach accommodation and beaches - car access on Paxos is limited and many visitors travel light.

• Arrive in the main harbour of Gaios if possible-most ferry services from Corfu or the mainland land here and it's the best base for exploring Paxos's cafes and boat trips.
• Take an early morning or late-afternoon boat to the southern beaches and sea caves (including trips toward Antipaxos) to avoid the midday excursion-boat rush from day-trippers.
• Spend time inland: many visitors stick to the harbours, but short walks through olive groves and small villages inland reveal quieter stone chapels and traditional island life.