Paxos Villages

Loggos is one of the smallest and prettiest fishing villages in Paxos and remains unspoilt. The tiny harbour of Loggos itself is enchanting, colourful enough for any artist or photographer, with a refreshingly intimate atmosphere. Three mini-markets, a bakery with wonderful fresh bread every day and supplies of fresh fruit and vegetables brought over regularly from the mainland, make self-catering a simple matter - but who could resist the conviviality and choice of excellent food at the Loggos waterfront tavernas? Freshly-caught fish tops the menu every night and there is an attractively cosmopolitan 'buzz'.

The little port of Lakka lies at the head of a deep narrow bay on the north coast of Paxos. Tree-covered headlands almost enclose the bay, forming a natural harbour that attracts a great variety of yachts. The village is tiny, with narrow streets that all seem to end at the sea. Plants and trees spill over the walls of private gardens. With numerous small shops, bars and restaurants with a pleasing variety of food on offer, Lakka, with its friendly locals, has a special character all of its own. There are some excellent beaches around the bay, with natural shade, some with water skiing and some beautiful walks over the headlands and through the olive groves.

Gaios is the largest of the three main settlements on Paxos and the only one that can be called a town, albeit a very small one. The 'capital' of the island of Paxos, it shows its Venetian and British heritage in the colourful buildings that line the long harbour-front. Life in Gaios focuses on the harbour, where in high season, awe-inspiring yachts jostle for space with working boats of all kinds. An intriguing variety of eating establishments, chic boutiques and old-fashioned stores, make this a fascinating place to visit, with an atmosphere all of its own.

At the southern tip of Paxos is the attractive little islet of Mongonissi, joined to Paxos itself by a short causeway. With its sandy beach and shallow, iridescent turquoise water, it is a delightful place to spend the day. There is nothing much to do but relax and contemplate the panoramic views over the clear blue sea to Antipaxos and the Greek mainland. There is a very good taverna, overlooking the sea, which is open all day and in the evening there is Greek Dancing. Mongonissi Paxos

Magazia is the name of a cluster of small hamlets rather than just one village. The villagers of Magazia are very friendly and live life at their own pace and their closely-knit community is undisturbed by the influences of tourism. Situated on the road linking Gaios and Lakka it is a good central starting point for exploring Paxos. There are two mini-markets, two tavernas and one small bar, all of which retain a traditional island character. One of the nearby tavernas is especially popular in the evenings for its superb sunset views. Magazia is also the location of one of the latest archaeological finds on the island - three graves dating from the 7th century AD. It is hoped to study these more closely in the near future and discover more about the local inhabitants of the time.

Fontana is a tiny village on Paxos, just inland from Loggos. There is little more to it than a church, a shop, a kafeneion and a taverna, but its atmosphere is unchanged. It makes a good stop on a walk and there is an old olive press that just may be still working if you pass that way in spring or early summer in a heavy crop year.