Δε χρειάζεται να ταξιδέψεις μέχρι την Ταϊλάνδη ή την Καραϊβική για να βρεις παραλίες με ψιλή άμμο και τιρκουάζ νερά. Αυτό που πρέπει να κάνεις είναι να πας μέχρι τους… μικροσκοπικούς Παξούς! Οι Paxos together with them Antipaxos They are two magnificent Ionian islands that if you haven't visited yet... then pack your bags!
Lace-lined beaches and sea caves, small coves and numerous olive groves compose a unique setting of a tropical paradise. Below you will read some tips to make your vacation unforgettable.
– How will you get there:
With the ferry from Igoumenitsa, there are two departures per day, morning and afternoon. (http://www.corfuferries.gr/)
– Where will you stay:
Τα ξενοδοχεία στο νησί είναι μετρημένα στα δάχτυλα. Υπάρχουν, όμως, αρκετές βίλες και studio για όλα τα βαλάντια. Ψάξε στο Booking και το Airbnb και ανάλογα με το budget σου κλείσε εκείνο που σου ταιριάζει. Κάνε έγκαιρα κράτηση γιατί οι επιλογές δεν είναι πολλές. Αν σε ενδιαφέρει η νυχτερινή ζωή, μείνε κοντά στον Γάιο. Αν θέλεις ησυχία και διαθέτεις αυτοκίνητο προτίμησε τον Λόγγο ή τις συνοικίες Μπογδανιάτικα, Μαγαζιά, Βελιανιτάτικα. Άλλωστε με το αυτοκίνητο φτάνεις από τη μία άκρη του νησιού στην άλλη σε 25 λεπτά! Εμείς μείναμε στην βίλα Άνεμος και σου την προτείνω ανεπιφύλακτα!
– When to go?
In general, the island is worth experiencing when the hordes of tourists from all over the world have not arrived to admire its beauties. June, until mid-July and early September are the best periods.
– What program will you follow:
Well, forget what you've read on other sites and guides and follow my advice. The beaches on the island that are accessible by car are nothing special. You reach the best beaches by boat. There are two solutions here. The first is to go to the port and get on the tourist boats that go around the island. It's an economical solution, but I don't recommend it. You'll be crammed with a bunch of people and you'll get an idea of the beaches without enjoying it.
The second solution I suggest is to rent small boat. But you will tell me I don’t have a boat license… No need! According to the law, for polyester boats with an engine of up to 30 horsepower, a license is not required. So, the first thing you will do as soon as you arrive on the island is to go to the port and book a boat. You will ask which days the weather conditions are favorable (no waves and wind) and you will make your plan. Don’t rent a boat for just one day but for two! One to go around Paxos and the second to go to Antipaxos. The rental offices will also give you a short demonstration of how to handle the boat at the port and you are ready. If your group is 4 to 6 people, the cost is the same as taking the tourist one.
– Where will you swim?
1or day
So, after renting the boat, grab some supplies (food, water, sea items, etc.) and head southeast. Take your first short dive in the narrow channel between Kaltsonisi and Mongonisi before you go out to sea. Then go west and follow the perimeter of the island towards the North. The scenery is impressive! Large rocks sculpted by the waves and tiny pebble beaches, compose a scene straight out of a tropical island!
Follow the coastline and wherever you like, drop anchor and swim. First you will come across the arch of Trypitou. Approach with caution because it is quite shallow. Then follow the beaches Light blue and Channel. We liked the Blue one the most. Next is the Ortholith, where you will also see the cave, where, according to testimonies, the submarine "Papanikolis" was hiding during World War II. If there are no waves, try going in!
Continuing around the island you will find the blue caves! Drop anchor, grab a mask and flippers and enjoy the seabed. The two caves communicate with each other and truly create a unique setting!
The next beach you will come across is the Hermit. Created in 2008 by a landslide, it has white pebbles and sulfurous blue waters. Its rocks create a sense of awe and admiration for the power of nature.
Next is the cave of Ypapanti and Planos beach. Then you have arrived in Lakka, where you can eat at the taverns in the area. Tip: As soon as you enter the cove of Lakka Immediately to the right is a small beach with turquoise waters where you can swim without being disturbed by the numerous boats moored in the bay. So, make the most of this day at the beaches and caves on the west side of the island and leave those on the east, which are accessible by car, for a day when there will be a Beaufort wind and the boat ride will not be pleasant.
2or day
Dedicate the second day by boat exclusively to Antipaxos. It only has three notable beaches, but they are perhaps among the best in Greece! The first one you will encounter is Vrika. Fine pink sand and impressive blue waters that you can't get enough of swimming in! You can find the same impressive color in Mesovrika except that there is no beach there but a small, sheltered bay for boats.
Finally, I think the best option is Voutoumi, an idyllic coast with white pebbles alternating with fine sand, creating a heavenly landscape. Spend time on all three. Let your mind go blank and enjoy colors and scenery that you rarely find anywhere else. Close your eyes and listen only to the sound of the sea. Yes… You are in paradise!
On the remaining days you have available on the island, you can drive around the beaches on the eastern side.
– Where will you eat?
I don't have anything specific to recommend to you in Gaios. It's a touristy place and won't satisfy you. However, the place you should definitely go for food is Erimitis Bar & Restaurant. You will follow the road to Lakka and just before Magazia follow the signs. This is an excellent restaurant, built on the rock, with an incredible view of the Ionian sunset. Don't go unless you book a table (+306977753499). The prices are a bit steep but the flavors really leave you speechless! Try sea bass with spinach salad and tuna fillet with sesame. Flavors from another planet!
In Lakh You will find excellent cooked dishes at "Nionio". I recommend the pork roll in the oven with a surprise sauce and artichokes a la polita!
In the Longo The best fish dishes are at the tavern "O Gios" in front of the harbor. In a very friendly environment you will enjoy fish in large portions and good prices.
– Where will you have fun?
Don't expect any special nightlife. After all, you came to an island that is famous for its tranquility and landscapes. We did try some nice cocktails at "Kalimera" and Porto Vecchio in Gaios.
Closing
The most beautiful perfumes come in small bottles, someone wrote. So too, tiny Paxos, one side of which is only 10 kilometers from the other, has so much to offer you, without having to travel long distances every day. The grandeur of this small dot of the Ionian Sea will make you spend unforgettable holidays and get a glimpse of the shores of… the Caribbean!
