01/12/2024
Nestled in the azure embrace of the Ionian Sea, the regions of Parga, Paxos, and Antipaxos offer a quintessential Greek island experience, blending stunning natural beauty with a laid-back, authentic charm. For the discerning traveller seeking crystal-clear waters, picturesque landscapes, and a tranquil escape from the bustling world, these destinations present an idyllic retreat. While Parga graces the mainland with its vibrant harbour and Venetian castle, the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos beckon with their unspoiled beauty and serene atmosphere. This guide will navigate you through the enchanting activities available and provide a detailed roadmap on how to reach these captivating Ionian treasures, ensuring your journey is as smooth as the calmest Mediterranean waters.
Imagine a holiday where every vista is a postcard, and every moment is imbued with the relaxed pace of island life. Parga, with its colourful houses cascading down hillsides to a bustling waterfront, serves as an excellent gateway to the surrounding wonders. Just a short journey across the sea lie Paxos and its tiny sibling, Antipaxos, islands renowned for their untouched beauty, verdant olive groves, and some of the most spectacular beaches in Greece. If you're yearning for an escape that combines gentle adventure with profound relaxation, you've found your perfect destination.
Discovering the Delights: What to Do in Parga & Antipaxos
The allure of Parga and the Paxos islands lies in their natural splendour and the myriad ways to experience it. Far from the deep sea, you'll find accessible points of interest boasting incredibly clear waters and breathtaking views, perfect for leisurely exploration.
Private Cruises to Paxos & Antipaxos
One of the most popular and utterly delightful ways to experience the Ionian Sea is by embarking on a private cruise from Parga to the islands of Paxos and Antipaxos. These bespoke excursions offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore hidden coves, swim in secluded bays, and marvel at the dramatic coastal scenery at your own pace. Whether you're picked up directly from Parga's charming harbour or a convenient nearby point, these cruises promise an intimate encounter with the region's aquatic wonders. Imagine dropping anchor in a turquoise bay, surrounded by nothing but the gentle lapping of waves and the warmth of the Greek sun.
Boat Rental and Tours
For those who prefer to be at the helm, boat rental services are readily available in Parga, Paxos, Sivota, and the wider Ionian Sea surroundings. Renting a small boat allows for ultimate flexibility, granting you the freedom to discover your own slice of paradise. Navigate along the stunning coastlines, find a private beach for a picnic, or simply drift and soak in the glorious sunshine. Alternatively, various organised boat tours offer guided experiences, often including stops at popular spots, charming fishing villages, and the most iconic beaches. These tours are an excellent way to gain local insights and uncover the best swimming and snorkelling spots, particularly those known for their exceptionally clear waters and unparalleled views.
The waters around Antipaxos, in particular, are famed for their vivid blue and emerald hues, often compared to the Caribbean. A visit to Voutoumi or Vrika beach on Antipaxos is a must for any itinerary, offering soft white sands and an unforgettable swimming experience. These activities are designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of the Ionian, providing memories that will last a lifetime.
Journey to Tranquillity: How to Get to Paxos
Paxos, one of the smaller and more serene Ionian Islands, maintains its unspoiled character partly because it doesn't have an airport. This means that reaching this enchanting destination always involves a scenic ferry journey. While this might sound like an extra step, it adds to the island's charm, making the arrival feel like a true escape. Your adventure to Paxos will typically begin by reaching either the nearby island of Corfu or the Greek mainland port of Igoumenitsa.
Paxos: An Ionian Gem
Located on the western coast of Greece, close to Corfu, Paxos stands out from its more famous Ionian companions like Corfu and Zakynthos with its almost sleepy, understated charm. At just 25.3 km², it's one of the least touristy islands in the Ionian group, making it perfect for those seeking an authentic Greek experience. Its compact size means it can be easily explored on foot, by bike, or with a car, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the slow pace of life and genuine atmosphere that lures visitors back time and time again.
Paxos, sometimes written as Paxoi or Paxi, lies directly south of Corfu and west of Parga on the mainland. Getting there is a two-stage journey: first, you reach a major transport hub, and then you take a ferry. The two primary access points are Corfu and Igoumenitsa. While day trips from Parga are sometimes available, the most reliable routes are via the larger hubs.
Accessing Paxos via Corfu
Most visitors to Paxos choose to travel via Corfu, as it offers excellent international flight connections.
Flying into Corfu Airport
Corfu Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport) is the nearest airport to Paxos and Antipaxos, welcoming flights from numerous European cities, including many from the UK, throughout the tourist season. Direct flights from Athens and other Greek airports are also available. We recommend checking Skyscanner to find the best flight options for your travel dates.
From Corfu Airport to the Ferry Port
Once you've landed at Corfu Airport, you'll need to make your way to one of Corfu's ferry ports: either the main ferry port in Corfu Old Town or the more frequently used Lefkimmi ferry port in the south of Corfu.
- By Taxi: The easiest and most convenient option is to take a taxi. You can pre-book a taxi using services like Welcome, ensuring a driver is ready to meet you upon arrival. The journey from the airport to the main ferry port typically takes around 15 minutes.
- By Bus: A more economical choice is to take Bus Line No. 15. The ticket price to the New Port of Corfu is approximately 1.20€, and the trip usually takes about 20 minutes.
- Ferry Company Transfers: If you plan to use the ferry from Lefkimmi, some ferry companies offer an option to include a transfer from Corfu Airport with your ferry ticket. This can be a very convenient solution if your flight arrival times align with their ferry services.
Corfu to Paxos Ferries
Ferries to Paxos depart from two locations in Corfu. While an occasional service sails from Corfu Town ferry port, the more frequent and reliable option is from Lefkimmi ferry port, offering multiple sailings daily.
- Kamelia Lines from Lefkimmi: This operator provides a frequent service from Lefkimmi Corfu to Paxos. It's important to note that it's not always possible to book these tickets online via general ferry booking platforms. However, you can book directly through the Kamelia Lines website, which also often allows you to book transfers to and from Corfu Airport alongside your ferry ticket. These are passenger-only boats, sailing up to 5 times a day during the summer, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes.
- The Flying Dolphin (Hydrofoil): For a quicker journey, the hydrofoil service, known as The Flying Dolphin, takes around an hour and costs approximately 23 Euro. Due to its popularity, especially in high season, tickets can sell out. It's advisable to reserve directly with them by contacting [email protected] or tel. +30 2662 032401.
- Sea Taxi: For a truly unique and private experience, a private sea taxi is an option. While it can accommodate up to 8 people, it comes with a higher price tag, typically 300 Euros or more. This is an excellent choice for groups or those seeking a luxurious and direct transfer.
It is always wise to contact the ferry companies directly if you plan to fly into Corfu and then immediately take a ferry to Paxos. In high season, services can be busy, and you might need to spend a night in Corfu Town if you arrive too late for the last ferry – something best avoided with proper planning!
Accessing Paxos via Igoumenitsa (Mainland Greece)
If your travels involve traversing mainland Greece, taking a ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxos can be a straightforward option.
Igoumenitsa to Paxos Ferry Service
A car ferry service operates from Igoumenitsa to Gaios Port on Paxos. This journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. It's a convenient choice if you've driven through Europe or arrived via a ferry from Italy to Igoumenitsa. The local car ferry runs daily during the summer months, making it a reliable route for those with vehicles.
Pricing for this route starts at approximately 10 Euro for foot passengers and around 40 Euro for vehicles. You can book this ferry online, with platforms like Ferryscanner often providing schedules and booking options for this route.
Day Trips to Paxos
Despite being one of the least commercial Greek islands, organised day trips to Paxos are available from both Corfu and Parga. These excursions are perfect if you wish to experience the highlights of the island, such as the charming capital of Gaios, the stunning Blue Caves, and the crystal-clear waters of Antipaxos, without the need for an overnight stay. They offer a taste of Paxos's unique charm, allowing you to decide if a longer visit is in your future.
Essential Tips for Your Paxos Journey
To ensure a seamless journey to Paxos, consider these practical tips:
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak season (July and August), ferry tickets, particularly for the Flying Dolphin, can sell out quickly. Book your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Check Schedules: Ferry schedules can vary, particularly outside of the main summer months. Always check the latest timetables directly with the ferry operators.
- Travel Insurance: As with any international travel, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.
- Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). While credit cards are widely accepted, it's always good to have some cash for smaller purchases or remote areas.
- Local Transport on Paxos: Once on Paxos, you can explore by scooter, quad bike, car, or even by local bus services that connect the main villages. Walking and cycling are also popular ways to discover the island's hidden gems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Paxos Island Greece
Planning a trip often comes with questions. Here are some of the most common queries about travelling to Paxos:
How long is the ferry from Corfu to Paxos?
The ferry journey from Corfu to Paxos typically takes about an hour, though this can vary slightly depending on the type of boat (hydrofoil versus conventional ferry) and the specific ferry operator. For example, the Kamelia Lines service from Lefkimmi takes around 45 minutes, while the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil takes approximately an hour.
Can you fly direct to Paxos?
No, you cannot fly directly to Paxos in Greece, as the island does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Corfu Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport), which has excellent connections with most major European airports, including many in the UK, as well as direct flights from Athens and other Greek cities. From Corfu, you then take a ferry to Paxos.
How do you get to Paxos from the UK?
The easiest and most common way to get to Paxos from the UK is to fly directly from a UK airport to Corfu Airport. Once you arrive in Corfu, you then take a ferry boat from either Corfu Town or, more frequently, from Lefkimmi ferry port to Paxos. Alternatively, it is also possible to fly from the UK to Athens Airport, take a connecting flight to Corfu, and then proceed with the ferry journey.
Where does the ferry arrive in Paxos?
Ferries arriving in Paxos, whether from Corfu or Igoumenitsa, typically dock at Gaios Port. Gaios is the charming capital of Paxos, a picturesque town with a beautiful harbour, traditional tavernas, and a welcoming atmosphere. It serves as the main hub for the island's activities and provides easy access to other parts of Paxos.
Despite the lack of an airport, Paxos offers a wealth of options for reaching its shores, each promising a memorable start to your Greek island adventure. The most popular and often most convenient route is by ferry boat from Corfu. With careful planning and this guide at your fingertips, your trip to Paxos Island will be an unforgettable journey into one of Greece's most beautiful and serene destinations. We hope these tips make planning your next escape to Paxos Island as effortless and enjoyable as the island itself. Should any further questions arise, do not hesitate to seek more information!
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