Villa Μare Residence

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Paxos: The Little Jewel of the Ionian

Paxos is one of the most enchanting and authentic islands in Greece — a tiny jewel of the Ionian that seems to have leaped from a painting. Located just 7 miles south of Corfu and administratively belonging to the Regional Unit of Corfu, it covers 25 sq km and has just 2,400 permanent residents.

The island is almost entirely covered by centuries-old olive groves — a legacy of the Venetian occupation that encouraged olive cultivation. A walk through a Paxos olive grove is like a visit to an open-air museum. The island's flora includes 450 species, two of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world.

Paxos became even more internationally known through Christoforos Papakaliatis' series 'Maestro' filmed here. Yet its devoted admirers love it for other reasons: the tranquillity, the authenticity, the crystal-clear waters and the time that flows at a different pace. You can cross from one end to the other in 15 minutes.

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Gaios, Lakka and Loggos: The Three Faces of the Island

Paxos has three main settlements, each with its own distinct personality.

Gaios is the capital — lively, cosmopolitan, with tavernas and Mediterranean cuisine restaurants, cafés and shops. According to tradition, it took its name from the disciple of the apostle Paul who taught Christianity here. The houses retain the traditional Ionian architecture and the square with the church of the Assumption in the middle and cafés all around offers views of the calm sea channel. The impressive British Governor's building and the bronze statue of the fire-ship captain Anemoyannis dominate.

Lakka, 8 kilometres north, is the second largest village with white traditional houses, lush trees and turquoise waters. Ideal for peaceful holidays. Loggos, 5 kilometres from Gaios to the east, is built in a small bay with an absolutely picturesque landscape and Venetian elements. Here you will find the best fish tavernas on the island — try the seafood pasta.

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Antipaxos: Paradise Next to Paradise

Opposite Paxos, just a few nautical miles to the south, lies Antipaxos — a small island that is one of the most breathtaking natural paradises in Greece. Access is only by sea taxi or private boat from Gaios or Lakka — something that preserves their untouched beauty.

The beaches of Voutoumi and Vrika impress with their turquoise waters and white sand reminiscent of the Caribbean — they are considered among the most beautiful beaches in Greece and the Mediterranean. The landscape is complemented by vineyards that descend to the sea.

Antipaxos is ideal for day trips from Paxos — swimming in crystal-clear waters, lunch at the legendary 'Bella Vista' taverna with incredible views, and return to Paxos for dinner. Don't miss this experience — it is one of the most unforgettable in the Ionian.

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Sights: Caves, Castles and History

Paxos hides sights that surprise visitors beyond its beautiful beaches.

The western coast of the island hides an impressive spectacle: the Blue Caves of Paxos. The waters acquire shades that change with sunlight, creating a natural spectacle that is difficult to describe. Exploration by boat is one of the most special experiences. The vertical cliffs of the western coast reach 30-50 metres in height.

On the islet of Agios Nikolaos in the Gulf of Gaios stands the Venetian Castle of the 15th century — built for defence against pirates. On the neighbouring islet of Panagia stands the Monastery of Panagia of the Vellanites and the historic Lighthouse that first operated in 1825. In Gaios is the Paxos Museum (since 1996) in a neoclassical school of 1905 — a bequest of benefactor Andreas Syngros. The Paxian hero Giorgos Anemoyannis, a fire-ship captain who fell heroically at Naupaktos in 1821, is honoured with a bronze statue in Gaios.

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Gastronomy: Flavours of the Ionian

Paxos gastronomy is based on authentic flavours, quality local products and traditional Ionian recipes — simple, fragrant and delicious.

Paxos olive oil is of exceptional quality — the centuries-old olive groves produce one of the best olive oils in Greece. It is used in all local dishes. Fresh fish and seafood are the stars — wine-braised octopus, riganada, oil-based dishes. A special dish is bourdeto, the spicy fish with red sauce — a traditional Ionian recipe.

In Loggos you will find excellent fish tavernas with seafood pasta. In Gaios, Mediterranean restaurants and traditional tavernas for every taste. Don't miss the local cheeses, wine from small family productions of Antipaxos and spoon sweets for dessert. The International Music Festival of Paxos each summer combines classical music with gastronomy at impressive locations such as the Gaios square.