Paxos and Antipaxos: The Hidden Emeralds of the Ionian Sea

Nestled between Corfu and Lefkada in the Ionian Sea, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos are hidden gems that offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning beaches, charming villages, and lush greenery, Paxos and Antipaxos are a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

Top Best 10 Greek Islands: Paxos and Antipaxos, the Hidden Emeralds of the Ionian Sea

by Christos Stilianidis

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	934 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Paxos

Paxos is the larger and more populated of the two islands. It has a surface area of just 19 square kilometers, making it easy to explore in a day or two. The island's coastline is dotted with numerous coves and beaches, some of which can only be reached by boat. Paxos is also known for its olive groves, which produce some of the finest olive oil in Greece.

Beaches

Paxos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Sea. The beaches are generally small and secluded, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. Some of the most popular beaches include:

• Voutoumi Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches on Paxos, and for good reason. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Lakka Beach: This is a small, sheltered beach that is located in the village of Lakka. The beach is ideal for those who want to relax in a peaceful setting.
• Mongonisi Beach: This is a small, rocky beach that is located near the village of Gaios. The beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.

Villages

Paxos has a number of charming villages that are worth exploring. The main village is Gaios, which is located on the west coast of the island. Gaios is a picturesque village with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a lively harbor. Other villages on Paxos include Lakka, Loggos, and Magazia.

Antipaxos

Antipaxos is a small island that is located just off the coast of Paxos. Antipaxos is even more secluded than Paxos, and it has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, which are some of the best in the Ionian Sea. Antipaxos also has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea.

Beaches

Antipaxos has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Ionian Sea. The beaches are generally small and secluded, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. Some of the most popular beaches include:

• Vrika Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches on Antipaxos, and for good reason. The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
• Paradise Beach: This is a small, secluded beach that is located on the east coast of the island. The beach is perfect for those who want to relax in a peaceful setting.
• Mesovrika Beach: This is a small, rocky beach that is located near the village of Vrika. The beach is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds.

Hiking Trails

Antipaxos has a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea. The trails are generally well-marked and easy to follow. Some of the most popular trails include:

• The Vrika Trail: This trail starts from the village of Vrika and leads to the beach of Vrika. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding sea.
• The Paradise Trail: This trail starts from the village of Paradise and leads to the beach of Paradise. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding sea.
• The Mesovrika Trail: This trail starts from the village of Mesovrika and leads to the beach of Mesovrika. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding sea.

Getting to Paxos and Antipaxos

Paxos and Antipaxos can be reached by ferry from Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Parga. The ferry journey from Corfu takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, while the ferry journey from Igoumenitsa takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are also a number of private boat charters that operate between Paxos and Antipaxos.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses on Paxos and Antipaxos. The following are some of the most popular places to stay:

• Paxos Club Resort: This is a 5-star resort that is located on the west coast of Paxos. The resort offers a range of luxury accommodations, including rooms, suites, and villas.
• Akis Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel that is located in the village of Gaios. The hotel offers a range of comfortable and affordable accommodations.
• Nikos Taverna: This is a family-run guesthouse that is located in the village of Lakka. The guesthouse offers a range of comfortable and affordable accommodations.

What to Do

There are a number of things to do on Paxos and Antipaxos. The following are some of the most popular activities:

• Swimming: The beaches of Paxos and Antipaxos are perfect for swimming. The waters are crystal-clear and the beaches are generally uncrowded.
• Snorkeling: The waters around Paxos and Antipaxos are home to a variety of marine life. Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world of the Ionian Sea.
• Hiking: Paxos and Antipaxos have a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea.
• Boating: There are a number of private boat charters that operate between Paxos and Antipaxos. Boating is a great way to explore the coastline of the islands and to visit the many secluded beaches.

Paxos and Antipaxos are hidden gems that offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning beaches, charming villages, and lush greenery, Paxos and Antipaxos are a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

Top Best 10 Greek Islands: Paxos and Antipaxos, the Hidden Emeralds of the Ionian Sea

by Christos Stilianidis

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	934 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	10 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE