Paxos; The Gem Beneath Corfu
PHOTOGRAPHY - IRJALIINA PAAVONPERA
“Legend tells us that Paxos rose from the Ionian Sea when Poseidon commanded a meeting place for himself and Amphitrite, his sea goddess. ”
A short distance from Corfu lies Paxos, also known as Paxi, a tiny hideaway island a few nautical miles off the south of Corfu, well known as the romantic hideaway of the god Poseidon, and the smallest of the Ionian islands.
Legend tells us that Paxos rose from the Ionian Sea when Poseidon commanded a meeting place for himself and Amphitrite, his sea goddess. Its creation built on love is perhaps the very reason why visitors of all ages and places from around the world, find the island to be a true gem beyond their wildest dreams.
In fact, Paxi is actually a cluster of islands, the biggest of which are Paxos and Antipaxos, all of them ideal destinations for peaceful beaches, naturalist beaches, crystal clear waters and magical coasts.
“Spiantzes”, namely the beaches of Paxi are mostly small and pebbly with clean transparent and emerald waters.
The islands are especially ideal for beach explorations by boat, as their coastline is decorated with more than 40 small coves and bays, all offering remarkable natural beauty and wild scenery.
Sea caves such as Mogonissi (the caverns of the Sea Nymphs according to the bishop Paramythias Athinagoras), Tripitos with its natural stone bridge, the cliff of Mousmouliou, the Ortholithos – a magical rock formation standing in the middle of the sea), and many more impressive natural beauties are part and parcel with the ultimate Ionian experience.
A Memorable Experience; Tripitos Arch
The spectacular must-see on Paxos is the Тripitos Arch (alsо knοwn аs Kamarа), a naturаl roск arch which is part оf a collapsed sea cave. It can be found оn thе west сοаst of Paxоs and aсcessed by sеа οr on fоοt. The hiking trail is not difficult, but it can be challenging to find because thеre are few signs.
We suggest you never attempt this without a good amount of water on hand, and the proper footwear. Ideally this journey is not made at the height of a day’s heat, but rather early morning or late afternoon. The GPS coоrdinatеs οf the plасe to which yоu can gο bу сar or bikе аre: 39.182751,20.185422. The road stаrts frоm thе οutskirts of Ozias Villagе.
The arch is more than 20 meters in its highest part, and may seem daunting and narrow from above, but is wider than it looks. Many adventurers will easily walk on top of the arch for amazing photos and a glimpse of idyllic transparent turquoise sea. Another highlight of this experience is that the tiny island of Antipaxos can be clearly seen from Tripitos.
The Tiniest Gem Beneath Paxos; Antipaxos
Tiny Antipaxos Island is famous for its amazing shades of turquoise and white secluded sands. The simplest way to get to Antipaxos is from Gaios harbour on Paxos. Small sea taxis provide a shuttle service from Gaios to Antipaxos several times a day. The journey is lighthearted and dreamy across the most beautiful waters, and as the approach nears, the water is clearly calling your name.
Visitors dive in the clear, turquoise water and sandy beaches of Vrika & Voutoumi, as well as the pebbly deserted beaches of Rodovani and Sarakiniko, accessible only by boat.
While many day visitors will prepare a picnic for beach dining on Antipaxos, there are a couple of lovely tavernas offering traditional cuisine on the beach. The only downside to Antipaxos is that you must eventually leave it, as there are no overnight accommodations on the island.
However, you spend your time on Paxos and Antipaxos, beware; these gems of the Ionian are places you will not be happy to leave no matter how long you might stay.
Valerie Paavonpera
Explore the Cyclades Islands
Escape the busy pace of life in Athens and enjoy an idyllic a five-day sailing adventure through the Greek Mediterranean. Discover the Cyclades Islands without checking in and out of hotels. Relax on onboard or try your hand at sailing, SCUBA or stand-up paddle boarding.
Getting There
Hydrofoil: The Flying Dolphin takes about 1hr from Corfu Town into Gaios Harbour and costs approximately 15 euros per person. Children are half price.
Hydroplane: The flight is 12 minutes from Gouvia Marina in Corfu into Gaios harbour. Cost is approximately 35 euros per person, including children. Luggage allowance is limited to 10kg per passenger with no flexibility.
Sea Taxi: Can be chartered to depart Corfu Town at a time of your choice and take you to either Gaios, Loggos or Lakka harbour. The cost of this private charter is 270 euros each way.
POSTCARDS FROM Paxos
