Paxi is the smallest island group within the Ionian Islands and  that sits south of Corfu, on the northern side of the Ionian Sea.

In Greek mythology, Poseidon created the island by striking Corfu with his trident, so that he and his wife Amphitrite could have some peace and quiet.

Although it was possibly inhabited from prehistoric times, the Phoenicians are traditionally held to have been the first settlers on Paxos.

The Romans ruled the island from the 2nd century BC, and during the Byzantine period and Middle Ages it was constantly attacked by pirates. After various rulers and Crusaders had passed through, the island was taken by the Venetians at the end of the 14th century.

During the Napoleonic wars, the Ionian Islands were taken by the French and the Russo-Turkish alliance. On 13 February 1814, the island of Paxos surrendered to the Royal Navy frigate HMS Apollo and 160 troops from the 2nd Greek Light Infantry from Cephalonia and the 35th Regiment of the Royal Corsican Rangers. In 1815, the United Kingdom established the Ionian Union. In 1864, together with the rest of the Heptanese, Paxos was ceded to Greece.

Whether you arrive by sailing yacht,  or ferry, you’ll be hooked by the charm of these two small, emerald isles: Paxi and Antipaxi, gems in the Ionian Sea. The beaches are legendary: white sand or pebbles lapped by glittering water.

Cobblestoned paths, Spanish Steps, age-old cisterns, the orange, twin-domed Ypapantis church and tall bell tower, which stands alongside it like a gentleman, make up some of the island’s charming features.

Paxi has only three little seaside villages, Gaios, Lakka and Logos. Many private yachts and fishing boats moor at the ports of these villages during the summer, giving a cosmopolitan feel to the island.

The main port and capital of Paxi, is Gaios.  Gaios is invisible right up to the last minute as we approach the island. It lies at the end of a “fjord” created by the islet of Agios Nikolaos, which suddenly opens up to reveal a fine harbor. Is a seaside location featuring stylish neoclassical buildings colored with faded burgundy and pale ochre,

The town, which has held on to its original Venetian layout and architecture, boasts a number of prized possessions, like the old British governor’s mansion and the church of Agoi Apostoli with an impressive cistern above it.

Most ferries to Paxos arrive at the toy town port of Gaios, named after the saint who brought Christianity to the island.

Loggos is a small fishing village on the east coast, with a quaint harbor . Loggos  is just as charming as Gaïos.

Blessed with stunning sea views, Lakka sits at the northernmost tip of the island, with a large harbour surrounded by tree-covered hills, a relaxed atmosphere, sheltered from the open sea, the water is excellent for swimming.

Paxi beaches boast a beautiful exotic landscape and have enticingly clean emerald waters, ideal for swimming! Especially Antipaxi, a tiny island opposite to Paxi, is famous all around the world for its exotic Caribbean-like beaches.

Most of Paxi beaches are located on the eastern and northern parts of the island and can easily be reached. 

The island is classified under Natura, the EU’s network of protected areas that offer havens to threatened species and habitats”.  As a result, every single Venetian olive tree on Paxos is protected from aspiring lumberjacks, based on a Natura directive.

This tiny island pair will remain etched in your memory forever.