Travelling

Paxos

 MYTHOLOGY

According to mythology the islands of Paxos were created when the god of the sea, Poseidon, hit the island of Corfu with his trident breaking off its  southern tip in order to form Paxos, where he could keep his lover Amphitrite. However, in the process he lost his trident which was found by the islanders who made it into their island it ‘s emblem.
Paxos, the baby of the Ionian Islands, is a cluster of small islands and rocky islets, the largest of which are Paxi and Antipaxos . They are located 7 miles south of Corfu, at a distance of 8 miles from the coast of Epirus in nort–western Greece and 12 miles from the town of Parga. Both Paxos and Antipaxos have a lizard-like, long and narrow shape. The islands cover an area of 19 square kilometres and 3 square kilometers respectively.

Paxos is an island of endless olive groves and Antipaxos one large vineyard. The eastern coastlines of the island are smooth, while the west coasts are bold and abrupt with remarkable natural formations: caves, arches, dome-shaped forms, sheer cliffs etc. The capital of Paxos is Gaios, a picturesque village build around a port which is protected by two small islands, Agios Nikolaos and Panagitsa.  At the northern tip of the island sits beautiful Lakka, whilst on the east coast nestles the charming village of Loggos. Today, Paxos has a permanent population of approximately 2,300 inhabitants and during the summer months, the island welcomes more than 200,000 visitors.

The inhabitants of Paxos are warm and extremely hospitable people who possess a love for tradition yet embrace all developments of contemporary Europe. As a result the islands have been declared Cultural Village of Europe for the year 2004, an institution which aims to make know and preserve village life across Europe

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

The perimeter of Paxos and Antipaxos is like a lacy work of art, making it a must for every visitors to take a tour of the island by boat.

The beaches (“spiantzes”), most of which are small  in  size and pebbly, have clean translucent waters. The most impressive are those of Gianna, Soulanenas, Balou, AgiaMarina at Mogonissi, Kloni Gouli, Kamini, Kaki Lagada, Alati, Kipiadi, Marmaria, Levrehio, Glyfada, Monodendri, Arkoudaki, Orkos, Kanoni, Harami (sandy beach), Ahai, Avlaki Galazio and on Antipaxos, the clear, turquoise water and sandy beaches of Vrika & Voutoumi, popular yet idyllic, as well as the pebbly deserted beaches of Rodovani and Sarakiniko.

The magical caves of Mogonissi will impress (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 great rock formation standing in the middle of the sea), Ahai with its continual caves, the impressive cliff of Erimitis (the sunset from Agii Apostoli in Boikatika in the area of Magazia, with a view of the cliff is a spectacular sight indeed) and the cave of Ipapantis are sights that nature carved over time for us to admire and enjoy.

Sights – Natural Beauty

At Gaios:
  • The fortress of Agios Nikolaos on the island bearing the same name permission must be obtained from the municipal authority.
  • The Monastery of Panagia on the small island bearing the same name.( Ask to be taken by Chrysanthos)
  • The church of the Holly Apostles (Agii Apostoli):located behind the bus stop.
  • The Paleo-Christian church of Agia Marina in Porto Ozia, at the end of the coastal road, before turning for Mogonissi.
  • The Museum of Paxos-opening hours.
  • The cisterns of Eleousa above the church in Vlahopoulatika.
  • The cisterns of Agii Apostoli, to the right of the church with the same name
  • The cisterns of Agii Anargyri above the church
  • The Mill of Lesianiti at Tranakatika
  • The cliff of Mousmouliou from Tranakatika Ostries for the view of Avlakiou and the sunset. From the road to the right of the church of Agia Paraskevi in Bogdanatika. The beaches: Kloni Gouli, Kamini, Kaki Lagada. On the road after the new harbour. At the first junction turn right towards Platanos-Loggos.
At Antipaxos
  • The sandy beaches of Vrika and Voutoumi: by high-speedboat from the harbours or by fishing boat or other boats.
  • The traditional vineyards
  • The spring of Kaloiri