Paxos, Greece’s Best Kept Secret Is A Great Alternative Escape For Tourists, Here Is All You Need To Know

And though many travelers head straight for Santorini, Mykonos and Crete, which are revered for their jaw-dropping views and popular beaches, there is another island in Greece with the same stunning scenery, minus the overcrowding. Paxos, a small island in the Ionian Sea off Corfu, is like a mecca for anyone looking for a genuine and calm Greek experience. And it is worth visiting as Paxos is relatively untouched compared to the overtly commercial resorts of those other better known Greek Islands.

While mass tourism to other islands, such as Santorini, grows, Paxos is becoming the hidden paradise for visitors, seeking peace, tradition and nature. It’s not just the beauty of its surroundings but also the willingness of its people that makes it an ever-more irresistible choice for someone in search of a real getaway.

Paxos: A Peaceful Island of Unparalleled Natural Beauty

Paxos, (also known as Paxi), this small 10km long and 4km wide island can easily covered in very short time and can be enjoyed at a leisurly pace. Although small, the island is home to some of the most clear waters and gorgeous beaches in Greece. The emerald waters of the island’s aqua-blue waters shimmer in sunlight to create a memorable experience for visitors to enjoy swimming, snorkel and boat in.

While both Mykonos and Santorini have beaches that can get very crowded, Paxos offers quiet, peaceful beaches like Harami Beach and the little connected island of Antipaxos, which is known for its miles of pure-white sandy shores and turquoise waters. These peaceful beaches are perfect for travelers in search of tranquility and peace in a stunning natural setting

Enjoy the great outdoors Those travelling to get closer to nature will find plenty to appreciate on Paxos. The island’s scenery consists of olive groves, limestone cliffs and pretty little coastal paths — ideal for hiking and exploring. A tranquil atmosphere mixed with the pristine nature of the island makes for a welcome relief from the busier, and more touristy, Greek Islands.

Cultural and Local Experience The Heart of the Island

Although Paxos has a reputation for beautiful surroundings, it’s the real Greek-life experience that separates it from familiar luxury tourist honeypots. Unlike big islands and mass-tourist destinations, Paxos keeps its local spirit and community feel. Its three principal towns — Gaios, Loggos and Lakka — have distinct characters and mix architectural influences, from Venetian buildings to traditional Greek tavernas and charming seaside cafes.

Gaios, the Capital and Main Port

Gaios, the island’s capital and main port, features a mixture of Venetian architecture and waterfront dining, where visitors can simply enjoy and unwind at the local food and culture. The town has several waterfront bars and restaurants that offer fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes, making it one of the best opportunities for visitors to taste the island’s bites. It’s spacious, but it’s still a chill place, and as such tourists never feel suffocated or overcrowded.

Loggos: The Quiet Fishing Village

Loggos, a small fishing harbor in a winding bay, is celebrated for its sultry atmosphere and slightly hippy vibe. Long, cobblestone streets, charming tavernas and peaceful horizons, Loggos is ideal for those seeking an local experience on the island. The village has a more relaxed pace, great for visitors who want to slow down from large islands.

Lakka: A Beautiful Bay for Yachting and Swimming

Lakka is renowned for its stunning bay and is ideal for anyone who loves yachting or just to potter around in the calm, turquoise waters. The bay, also one of the island’s calmest spots, has clear, shallow waters perfect for swimming, where kids can splash about. The peaceful, picturesque locale of Lakka draws families, couples, and solo travellers in search of a peaceful retreat.

Getting to Paxos: Convenient but Unrushed

Unlike several other Greek islands with major airports of their own, Paxos does not have its own airport, so it is a little more remote. But it’s the absence of direct air travel that adds to its appeal: It’s one of the rare places that it still feels unspoiled by mass tourism. Flying in Visitors will arrive at Corfu International Airport where they will take a ferry or hydrofoil to the island. The ferry ride itself is an hour and has a reasonable price, starting at $25 for a car ferry to $58 for a hydrofoil.

Although the ferry adds to the logistics of travelling, the end effect is that Paxos is a less crowded place only receiving the type of tourists who truly want to be there unlike some other Greek islands. Travelers can arrive by boat and take in the island city’s coastline on the way to land.

Where to stay in Chiapas, from Budget to Luxury

Paxos has a great selection of Places to stay offering everything from luxury villas with private swimming pools to beautiful boutique hotels and family friendly Airbnbs. Prices range a lot according to the season, and the level of comfort : from $60 AUD per night for cheap stays, and $900 AUD or more per night for private villas. For those traveling during the peak summer months (July and August), reservations are a must as the island’s peaceful charm proves popular.

And visitors should be aware that air conditioning may be in short supply in some accommodations: It’s something to check the amenities for when booking, especially in the height of summer. For anyone hoping for a more authentic experience village homes and private villas add a sense of intimacy and personalization to the Paxos experience.

What to Do and Where to Eat: Sampling Paxos’ Local Flavors

Paxos isn’t all sandy beaches and idyllic views — the food on the island is also not to be missed. You can’t help but love this beachfront spot where you can find refuge and spend relaxing hours with lunch of dinner in the light blue waters of the magical island. Simple, tasty food — fresh seafood and classic Greek dishes.

Other favourite restaurants are Thalassa in Gaios, where you can sample real Greek cuisine over looking the gorgeous harbor, and Carnayo Gold, serving Mediterranean / Italian inspired contemporary dining in an amazing laid back bay.

If you want to try something different then try Supper on Paxos – a fabulous private chef service offering locally-inspired food, such as Ceviche and a variety of fresh seafood dishes. That provides guests who want to enjoy what the island has to eat with a more exclusive and personal food experience.

Conclusion: Why Paxos is the Perfect Greek Island Escape

What Paxos has that’s increasingly rare in today’s over-commercialized travel world: authenticity. Santorini and Mykonos might be the heavy hitters in the world of tourism, but Paxos offers a delightful antidote for those looking for a more tranquil, relaxed Greek island experience. Paxos, with its stunning natural scenery, local culture, and tranquil surroundings is ideal for travellers looking to get away from it all and really experience the true Greece.

From the emerald waters of Antipaxos to the “heart” of Gaios, Loggos and Lakka, Paxos will captivate you with the simplicity and the authenticity of the islands beauty. Whether you are sunbathing on a beach, wandering in charming little villages, sampling traditional Greek food, this island provides definitely a memorable and enriching travel experience that you won’t soon forget.

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