Paxi/ Antipaxi Islands

These two small islands belong to the Ionian Sea and are found 8 km from shore. They are very picturesque with many caverns and sulfur springs. The capital of Paxos is the picturesque Gaios, which is naturally protected by two islets, Panagia and Agios Nikolaos. Other settlements of Paxos are Lakka and Loggos.

History of Paxi/Antipaxi Islands

According to Greek mythology, the Paxi were created when the god Poseidon struck with his trident Corfu, cutting off its southern edge and forming the Paxos to house his lover Amphitrite. However, he lost his trident. The residents of the island that found it made it their emblem.

Visiting the Paxi and Antipaxi Islands

You can visit the Paxi and Antipaxi islands with a boat from Ammoudia or Parga. There are daily trips to take you there and back. The islands are distinguished for their calcareous landscapes reminiscent of moon landscapes. The most famous is Tripitos Arch found in the Beach with the same name. It is a stunning beach, incredible to view from above. On it is the form of an arc made of a huge rock created by nature. The landscape stays in your mind and one can never again see something like this anywhere else.

Other Beaches

Of course, there are several other perfect beaches with crystal clear waters to swim and pass your day. You can choose from Kloni Gouli Beach found near the capital Gaios,  Voutomi Beach, Vrika Beach, Monodendri Beach, Erimitis Beach, Kipiidi Beach (Koutsi), and Mangonissi. All of them are highly recommended for all ages. Sandy white beaches with crystal blue and turquoise waters remind you of pictures of Caribbean islands. When you visit Paxi Beaches, just be prepared to be equipped with umbrellas, chairs, and food and water. If there are a lot of people, it may be difficult to be served by the beach bars.

For Nature Lovers

Apart from the Beaches the place is idyllic for nature lovers and hiking. The island of Paxos is part of the Natura 2000 network meaning that important flora grows on it and it is an intermediate migratory bird destination, included in the ICP list “Important Bird Area of Greece”. Last, in Paxos, the Greek State has designated two areas as “landscapes of particular aesthetic beauty”, the village of Gaios and the bay of Ozia.