Village Life on Paxos
PHOTOGRAPHY - IRJALIINA PAAVONPERA
“Paxos life, relaxing with twinkling fairy lights reflecting on the water around the harbour once nightfall comes with clear skies and hundreds of stars above.”
Loggos
Life seems to stand still at this smallest port, which is perhaps the prettiest. It is a picture-perfect postcard fishing village with beautiful beaches on the coastline either side of the harbour. Marmaris beach is shaded in parts by overhanging olive trees, then Kipos and Kipiadi with crystal clear waters further around and currently only accessible by foot or boat. Monodendri is a wide stretch of beach between Loggos and Lakka and has windsurfing and canoes with a beach taverna. It is accessible by car followed by a steep walk down to the beach, well worth the views. We especially recommend hiring your own boat which allows you the freedom to visit a different cove or beach every day of your holiday.
Loggos is well known for its highest standard of cuisine on the island, with a sprinkling of seafront tavernas against a backdrop you will never forget. Here you can share local delicacies from stuffed tomatoes to fresh seafood pasta dishes, to incredible homemade spanakopita. Beautiful sea bars feature every imaginable summer drink from strawberry daiquiris to margaritas. For those with a sweet tooth, we strongly suggest trying Greek homemade tiramisu with an ouzo or mastika, the former is a liqueur made of a pine resin native to Greece.
One of the loveliest memories of dining at Loggos will be the small narrow curbs lining the harbour, where you may be outside dining at candlelit tables, and then need to stand and move your chairs for the bus when it arrives. This always erupts in good humour and cheer, for the mere charm of the experience.
This is all part of the Paxos life, relaxing with twinkling fairy lights reflecting on the water around the harbour once nightfall comes with clear skies and hundreds of stars above.
Local amenities at Loggos are limited but include a bakery, three supermarkets a tourist office for money exchange, small gift shop selling postcards, stamps, and cigarettes, a jewellery shop and beautiful craft shops with their eclectic and unique gifts.
Lakka
This decorative village is situated on the north tip surrounding a large harbour where flotillas and yachts of every description are mooring. It has two main beaches with a beach taverna, and other beaches are accessible by foot over to the west coast. There are two main squares, the first you come to on arriving in Lakka where all the locals congregate in the cafes for ouzo or coffee and local banter. There are also restaurants offering local and other Mediterranean cuisine. A short walk through the narrow side streets leads to the waterfront and a larger square featuring many tavernas and cafes. Local amenities include tourist offices for money exchange, a bakery, butcher, beautiful craft shops and mouthwatering bakeries. For those interested in water sports, water skiing and scuba diving are available with qualified instructors.
Gaios
Gaios is a charming port village with narrow lanes leading to local shops and cafes, delightfully spread along the waterfront. Visitors can enter Gaios from a northerly or southerly direction passing two small islands, the first at the mouth of Gaios harbour is called Panayia (Virgin Mary) on which there is a stunning white monastery. The Feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated here on August 15th and the gates of the monastery are open for travellers who arrive by boat to the monastery to pay homage.
The other island, St. Nicholas, forms a natural breakwater which leads to the picturesque inlet of Gaios harbour. On St Nicholas Island there are two small churches St Nicholas and St Ioannis and an old Venetian fort built in 1423, which for many years protected the area.
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
