Pocket-sized Paxoi - Insider Publications

Pocket-sized Paxoi
Come explore an enchanting Ionian hideaway.
According to Ancient Greek myth, Poseidon, the God of the Sea, created Paxoi, by striking
his trident off the coast of Corfu, forging this paradise hideaway. It is said that both
islands were the secret love nest of Poseidon and the sea-nymph goddess, Amphitrite.
Christina Michele Rios travels to pocket-sized Paxos and its even smaller companion, Antipaxos.
Unplug from reality, put down that mobile and leave your laptop behind, its time to recharge on
‘island time.’
Getting there.
From mainland Greece, take the ferryboat from Igoumenitsa, you can also bring your car onboard.
Alternatively, fly from Athens to Corfu and take either the express flying dolphin or slower ferryboat
to Paxos.
Dining out.
Paxoshasquiteafewculinaryacesupitssleeves;thereisnoshortageofdelectable
cuisine to say the least. Our favourite is Biros
Taverna in Bogdanatika, birostavern.gr. Step inside
a magical garden decorated like the quirky tea party
in Alice in Wonderland. The menu is forward thinking
with fresh and locally sourced ingredients and
features Mediterranean cuisine with a playful twist.
Carnayo Gold in Mongonisi is a delightful lunch spot on the island, located on a picturesque sailing
boat marina and is one of our preferred places to watch the sunset with a refreshing fresh lemongelato mojito in hand. The restaurant has delicious authentic Napoli pizza as one of the owners is
from Naples. Insider tip: you can also hire your own speedboat for the day from the marina for as
little as 60 euro a day, including petrol.
Sunbathing and dipping.
Kipiadi Beach has a long, wide coast with large pebbles and amazing water. It is unorganized and
there is no taverna, so come prepared with water and food in tow.
Monodendri Beach in Loggos wins hands down as the best beach on the island (see photo below).
Ben’s beach Bar,
owned by a GreekBritish family, that
boasts
delicious
cocktails,
friendly
service and soothing
house music is a great
pit-stop. There are
boardwalks, vibrant
gardens, palm-leaf
umbrellas, sunbeds,
hammocks,
paddleboards
and
kayaks—all available
free to customers. For a lunch meze, head up to the neighbouring taverna, owned by the same
family.
Stay at:
Bayview villas in Gaios, pitharivillas.gr and Adamantia in Bogdanatika just outside Gaios,
adamantiahotel.gr/en are both rustic, quaint and romantic.
Exploring the island and neighbouring Antipaxos.
Paxos can easily be explored by car, either hire a car there or arrange a taxi. Antipaxos is best
explored by boat; there is a regular water taxi from Gaios or the option to hire your own boat for the
day to explore hidden coves and the East side of the island. We recommend the latter.
Antipaxos is a must-see. Specifically, Voutoumi Beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches in
the whole of Greece. The water is majestic and absolutely breath-taking. High above the beach, 200
steps up, is Bella Vista Taverna, which like its name has incredible panoramic views. We recommend
ordering the local white wine, a Greek salad and calamari and bringing a camera!
Photos
by
Christin
a
Michele
Rios