Paxos Overview

Paxos is just 10 km long and 4 km wide and the smallest of the main Ionian Islands, lying just 11 km from the southernmost tip of Corfu. Many visitors return year after year to Paxos to experience the intimacy of this peaceful haven, the genuine friendliness of the islanders, and the captivating scenery.
Paxos is covered in many olive groves intersected by dry-stone walls and paths, that often lead to derelict farmhouses and abandoned stone olive presses. The gnarled and twisted old olive trees, some of them hundreds of years old, shelter numerous species of wild flowers at their roots, while here and there, small vineyards flourish. This serene and unspoiled landscape is what makes a holiday on on the island of Paxos truly memorable.
There are more churches than would ever seem possible for such a small island.

It is believed that the shipping magnate, Aristotle Onasis, was a big fan of the island of Paxos and therefore donated funds to build the main road which runs from Gaios to Lakka.

Since the 1960s, many of the 2,500 inhabitants of Paxos are involved with tourism, fishing and the production of olive oil. Paxiot olive oil is very high in quality as is the other produce from it. ie. Olive oil soap/shampoo etc.

The islanders of Paxos do a ?complete change around? from summer to winter. During the summer months, many are running or working in restaurants and tavernas to cater for the tourist. While during the winter months, help with the olive gathering and harvest, any building/maintenance repairs and some having a well earned holiday.

It is important to remember, though, that in July and August Paxos does get quite crowded. It attracts lots of Italians, some of whom arrive on yachts, and Greeks, many of whom are returning to their home island for the summer holidays. Faces familiar from TV and films often appear in Gaios cafes or on a boat mooring at Lakka - all part of the entertainment!

Paxos often experienced vast water shortages when the water supply was mostly taken from wells and the tap water could be very salty. However, the new reservoir has greatly improved matters.
During the winter, the reservoir slowly fills but soon drains once the dry summer starts. Regular tankers bring water from the mainland. Water is of course expensive. Desalination plants in Loggos and Gaios help, but are costly to run. Visitors to Paxos are reminded to conserve water wherever possible. It will come as no surprise that few, if any, villas on Paxos has a washing machine or dishwasher!

'Paxos Magic' is a phrase often used to describe the island of Paxos. The magic of nearby Corfu still exists, in spite of widespread tourism and the inevitable changes, but the magic of Paxos has never dimmed.
According to myth, Paxos was once part of Corfu, until Poseidon struck the southern tip of Corfu with his trident, causing a large chunk of the island to separate and float away and become Paxos, the site of his love nest shared with the lovely Amphytriti.
Paxos has been a love nest for many more modern visitors, charmed and enchanted as lovers should be by the beauty of the island and the purity of its vivid sea.
Visit Paxos, and you cannot fail to fall under its spell!

Paxos is one of the smallest of the Ionian Islands, is still relatively unknown and has remained under-developed. The island is too small and hilly for an airport and with limited supplies of fresh water, just some of the reasons why the island has been virtually untouched. It still remains a haven of peace and quiet.

The Ionian Sea with its many beautiful Islands, mild winds, crystal clear blue waters and predictable weather patterns, offers excellent safe sailing conditions for professionals and amateurs alike. It is considered by many to be the best cruising area in the whole of Greece. Between May and August the winds blow from the north, whereas in September, October and April there are southern winds which continue blowing mainly between 14.00 ￿ 19.00 hrs. During the night there is a complete calm.

The beautiful Island of Paxos is wonderful to see and explore with lush scenery, sites of mythological and historic interest, the calm sheltered bays and harbours of Loggos and Lakka, where you can moor for the night. You can sample the food at the local tavernas, explore and experience a little of the island atmosphere.