LOCATION: PAXOI ISLAND, IONIAN SEA
PAXOI IS A GREEN PARADISE. A COSMOPOLITAN ISLAND THAT MARRIES GRAPHIC SURROUNDS WITH NOBILITY.
Paxos is the smallest of the 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 locals, and the captivating scenery.
The island covers an area of some 19 square kilometers and is one of a cluster of picturesque small islands set in the Ionian Sea.
Paxos has no airport, can only be reached by ferry boat from Igoumenitsa (on the main land) & Lefkimmi (Corfu island) and therefore, has been able to protect itself from the strain of modern tourism. This serene and unspoiled landscape is what makes a holiday to the island of Paxos truly memorable.
The island resembles one vast garden thickly covered with olives planted by the Venetians over three hundred years ago and tall pine trees, which together descend to over 30 sheltered beaches on the east coast and the dramatic cliffs of the west coast. The sea is crystal clear and clean. Paxos has intricate networks of ancient paths and tracks through olive groves leading to lost villages and hidden beaches.
For those who like exploring by boat or on foot, there are on Paxos and AntiPaxos grottoes, caves, tiny unpopulated islands, uninhabited villages, ancient fortresses. A visit to the mainland village of Parga allows one to be taken up the ancient River Styx by a local fisherman.
MAGAZIA
2 minutes driving away from Villa Katerini, is the island’s small, central village for a cluster of secluded hamlets amongst the olive groves close to the west coast. The villagers of Magazia are friendly and unhurried. The one cafe bar and taverna retain a traditional island character without any pretensions; the bakery produces delicious bread and assorted pastries and the grocery store is small but well stocked. The nearby Church of the Apostles overlooks the dramatic west coast cliffs, which are turned pink by the setting sun. Magazia thrives as a small island community and is undisturbed by the influences of tourism.
Gaios, Loggos and Lakka are ten minutes away by car.
GAIOS
The chief village and port of Paxoi, is the busiest commercial area on the island. However, it is surrounded by at least 15 exquisite coastal settlements each of which has its own particular identity. Some famous beaches are Levrechio, Glyfada, Monodendri, Orkos and Arkoudaki.
LOGGOS
At a distance of five kilometers from Gaios, Loggos is a small picturesque village built among pine and olive trees, which is worth visiting the church of the Life Giving Fountain and its fishtaverns & bars too.There are three mini-markets and a baker’s shop which have a good selection of produce, fresh fruit and vegetables are brought in from mainland Greece on a regular basis.
LAKKA
At the northern headland of the island, Lakka is the second port of Paxos set in gorgeous horse shoe shaped bay and flanked by high ground covered in olive and cypresses trees. The bay which is almost completely sheltered from the open sea is excellent for swimming, water sports and for mooring boats.
There is a very good taxi service both by road and by sea to any parts of Paxos. Lakka & Loggos are on the main bus route to other parts of the island.
At Indigo you’ll find the stone lighthouse which was built in 1832, a height of 36 meters and rises 108 meters from sea level.
