Cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos, the wonders of the Ionian islands

Are you in Greece and want to discover one of its natural beauties? Opt for a cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos and discover our dedicated article!

When we think of heavenly islands, Greece quickly comes to mind. It must be said that between Cyclades , Crete and Ionian Islands , the country of the Hellenes houses several island wonders, all as magical as one another!

Among these wonders are Paxos and Antipaxos. Located in the Ionian Islands, as Corfu and Zakynthos , Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands with dream beaches and colours from another world.

The purpose of this article is to give all the necessary information to visit Paxos and Antipaxos and original and unforgettable excursion ideas.

Paxos and Antipaxos in the heart of the Ionian islands

Legend says Paxos is a creation of Poséidon. By hitting Corfu’s southern tip with her trident, she then left to form Paxos. On this island he could hide his secret romance with the nymph Amphitrite...

The real story is not as pink: from occupation to occupation, Paxos and its neighbor Antipaxos followed the destiny of the great neighbor Corfu. Sometimes in the hands of Venetians, Ottomans and even French under Napoleon at the turn of the 19th century, the two islands were finally attached to independent Greece in 1864.

Located west of Greece, from the Albanian border to Peloponnese the Ionian Islands represent Greece as a postcard. Of course, we think of the dream beaches. A fine white sand, crystalline water and turquoise color, a temperature worthy of the Caribbean...

If your dream has always been to put your towel on one of these beaches, then visit Paxos and Antipaxos is an excellent idea.

Paxos and Antipaxos, an ode to rest and well-being

Paxos and Antipaxos are islands for relaxation and rest. Most visitors come there to do absolutely nothing!

Nothing means enjoying the magnificent view offered by the islands, swimming in a sea with turquoise color, enjoying the delicious local cuisine and having fun with friends or family.

By doing nothing, we can do good to our body and spirit! Paxos and Antipaxos are two islands to relax and forget the tumult of our daily life.

It is especially Antipaxos, the little sister, who best represents this ode to relaxation. What makes the island so special is the turquoise color of water that seems unreal and makes you think that someone artificially colored it!

Yet this color is real. When arriving by boat, most people go straight to the first beach, called Vrika, a sandy beach.

But it is the beach of Voutoumi that is worth all superlatives. Voutomi means paradise in Greek and we better understand this nickname when we get there. The color of the water is unforgettable and is prelaid at the beach for the day, leaving to bear the pebbles.

What if you're next to visiting this paradise on earth?

What to see and what to do in Paxos and Antipaxos?

Visiting Paxos and Antipaxos is above all the possibility to discover beautiful beaches. Of course, it is the first activity that comes to mind.

On Antipaxos, we have already mentioned Vrika and Voutoumi, respectively a sandy beach and a pebble beach. Between the two is the beach of Mesovrika, another pebble beach.

If you had to choose one of her, go to Voutoumi. This is where the water is the most transparent and the view is the most impressive. As for Paxos, the large island houses a dozen beaches, almost all located on the east coast of the island.

Wanderlix advises the Kipiadi creek on the east coast and the beach of Erimitis on the west coast.

Visiting Paxos and Antipaxos is also a few hikes. The island of Antipaxos is only walking and you can go from one beach to another in less than an hour.

If Paxos is not an island with well-marked trails, you can nevertheless discover sublime points of view at the turn of a walk, like that on the beautiful cliffs of Erimitis.

Finally, on Paxos only, we have the opportunity to discover two traditional Greek villages, Gaios and Lakka. Gaios is the "capital" of Paxos, with its small paved streets and its cute port, and many local restaurants.

As for Lakka, it is the small dream village where you are always close to a water with a beautiful color.

How to visit Paxos and Antipaxos?

Cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos from Corfu, stop at Gaios on Paxos

This boat cruise takes you to Paxos and Antipaxos for a dream day to sail between heavenly beaches and the sea.

The tour begins early in the morning from the south of Corfu and will last until the mid-afternoon. Wanderlix advises you to take the option taken over from your hotel , which could be very useful in the summer.

If luck is on your side, you may have the chance to be escorted by dolphins during the boat trip. Antipaxos will be your first stop.

The smallest of the two islands has among the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean. It is on that of Mesovrika, a beach that amazes us from the first glance, that you will spend part of the day, to bathe in crystalline water and taking a good sunbath.

After a few hours of rest, direction Paxos and the village of Gaios. Traditional Mediterranean village, you'll be pleased to explore its paved streets, discover local specialties in a local restaurant and refresh yourself with an ice cream.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the magical caves of the island, only accessible by boat.

A few hours after taking advantage of Gaios, you take back the sea to Corfu, remembering magical moments lived during this day.

Cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos from Corfu, stop in Lakka on Paxos

Like the previous one, this cruise to Paxos and Antipaxos has for its starting point the south of Corfu and lasts approximately 10 a.m. . However, the path is different. At the departure of the boat you see the Venetian castles of Corfu, a legacy of four centuries of Venetian occupation of the Ionian Islands.

After a while at sea, you begin to see the olive trees and the cypresses of Paxos. The largest island of both will be your first stop in the city of Lakka to the north.

The bay is preserved and sublime, and you can enjoy a swim in a beautiful colored water. It will also be an opportunity to discover this tiny village and its beautiful alleys.

The visit continues west of Paxos to visit the blue caves populated with monk seals and the cliffs of Erimitis! Finally, direction Antipaxos and its beach Voutoumi.

When we first see this marvel opening before our eyes, we understand why it was called paradise in Greek! The return takes place in the middle of the afternoon, along the island of Paxos, to finish this day in beauty.

How to access Paxos and Antipaxos?

By plane

To visit Paxos and Antipaxos, it is advisable or even necessary to be on the island of Corfu . From Paris , Lyon , Marseille and Toulouse , there are direct flights to Corfu in the summer. In low season, a stopover, usually at Athens , is necessary.

The airlines serving Corfu in direct flight are Transavia and Aegean. Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination.

By boat

Once in Corfu, a boat trip is necessary to visit Paxos and Antipaxos. In addition to the excursions offered in this article, you can take the ferry with Kamelia Lines. The journey takes about 1h30 and is only possible May to October .

Are there combined visits?

As presented above, the combined visits are best done to visit Paxos and Antipaxos. Tour operators always offer to visit the two islands during the same trip. Other agencies could also offer you longer visits, where you will spend a night in Paxos or Antipaxos.

In addition to Paxos and Antipaxos, it is also possible to visit the city of Corfu on the island of the same name or even Syvota, where the Blue Lagoon is located.

The right addresses

Loger

Corfu

All travelers or almost wishing to visit Paxos and Antipaxos lodge in Corfu. Starting point of the cruises, the places are also sublime. Wanderlix has selected for you two accommodation units.

Villa in Nisaki

How can we not fall in love with this house? As soon as we approach the place, we are marvelled by the beauty of the outside as well as the interior.

An exceptional view, a swimming pool, high quality equipment... An ideal holiday place to spend a holiday of all beauty with friends or family!

Apartment in downtown Corfu

The location of this accommodation is ideal for visiting the city of Corfu. It is also close to the port, starting point of excursions.

This apartment is refurbished, spacious and located close to amenities, offering a nice view of the old Corfu roofs. An ideal accommodation for a rusty couple!

Paxos and Antipaxos

It is quite possible to stay in Paxos and Antipaxos. The islands are heavenly and allow us to escape for a few days or weeks the tumult of our daily life.

Accommodation on the islands is often beautiful villas or beautiful apartments with views, all or almost with a pool available. Antipaxos being a small island, you will have more amenities nearby on Paxos.

Many housing Airbnb are available and you will necessarily find your happiness there! Otherwise, you can call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

Restaurants

Located west of Paxos, the most famous restaurant on the island is undoubtedly Erimitis . The food, mainly composed of sea specialities, is delicious and the terrace is fantastic to enjoy the sunset.

Other restaurant recommended in Paxos, citons Carnayo in Gaios, where seafood specialties are queens.

On Antipaxos, you will only find beach paillotes to be able to buy a drink or a small snack.

For travellers wishing to have lunch or dinner in Corfu, there are many restaurants throughout the island and the kitchen is more varied.

The spots

Paxos and Antipaxos are so magical that the spots and other views are very numerous. Wanderlix has selected three.

The first of them is the beach of Voutoumi in Antipaxos . Mount the few steps in order to be able to observe the whole bay and the panorama is breathtaking. We will never return enough to the surreal color of the water and the magnificence of this wild cove.

The second spot is that of Lakka Bay in Paxos . Take the small road to take height to admire the magnificent view of the small village, with its boats and, here too, a sublime crystalline water.

Finally, the third point of view is the cliffs of Erimitis in Paxos . They can be seen from the beach of Eritimis or above. From either of these points of view, the panorama is magnificent. This is especially the spot to watch the sunset on Paxos and Antipaxos.