Paxos (Paxi) is the smallest of the seven main Ionian Islands, south of Corfu. It is covered in ancient olive groves, planted largely in Venetian times, and oil was long its wealth. In myth Poseidon created it by striking off a piece of Corfu with his trident, to make a refuge for himself and Amphitrite.
The island has three little harbours, each with its own character: Gaios, the main town, with pastel houses on a channel between two islets; tiny, picturesque Loggos; and Lakka, in a round bay in the north. The west coast is all high cliffs, like those of Erimitis, lovely at sunset, and sea caves visited by boat, including the Ypapanti cave and the Tripitos arch.
To the south, little Antipaxos has a few houses, vineyards and two of the finest beaches in the Ionian, Voutoumi and Vrika, with turquoise water and pale sea beds. Boats from Gaios take about 20 minutes.
Getting there
Ferries and fast boats leave from Corfu (about an hour) and Igoumenitsa on the mainland. There is no airport: the nearest is on Corfu.
See also Corfu.