PAXI - ANTIPAXI

General Information

The unrivalled natural beauty of Paxi, where the dazzling blue-green color of the waters of the Ionian Sea which covet smooth sandy beaches or steep rocky shores is briefly interrupted by gold-yellow or shades of grey before moving towards the interior of the island, which is covered by extensive cultivations of sublime olive trees. The marine caves and the crags amaze the visitor with their wild beauty. Antipaxi, the smaller of this pair of islands, is located to the southeast of Paxi. It is a beautiful island with affluent vegetation and small hamlets scattered across its limited lands, all of which are inhabited only in the warm months of the summer. Antipaxi is renowned for its captivating beaches. The Agrapidia is the small port which combines Paxi with Antipaxi. The population of both islands reaches a number of some 2.500 residents, while their combined extent covers 25 sq.km. 

History-culture

Located within the proximity of the island of Corfu, the fortunes of Paxi throughout the course of history have followed those of its large neighbor since ancient times. Therefore, after the dark centuries of devastating pirate raids which followed the demise of ancient Greece and Rome, they flourished during the years of Venetian domination, as this was the first time in centuries that a strong military power offered effective protection which could allow development. So in this era Paxi progressed in the fields of commerce, shipping, and agriculture. A castle, which dates back to that period, still remains today on the islet of Aghios Nikolaos. For long centuries, this was the borderline of Christianity, the last outpost of European nations barring the march of the Turkish hordes of Islam further into Europe. 

Sights

Both islands, Paxi and Antipaxi, are ideal for exploration. Paxi are characterized by lush green landscapes, marvelous beaches, the insular color of the Ionian Sea, and its abundance of natural beauties. Gaios, the main town of the island, is a picturesque settlement framed by landscapes of green which gently embrace the blue waters of the small bay. There are two islets situated in the entrance of the port, Aghios Nikolaos and Panagia. Being close to one another, they form a kind of fjord. On Aghios Nikolaos, an islet of lush vegetation, there is a medieval castle (1423) and a windmill right next to it. On Panagia, an islet even smaller than Ag. Nikolaos, there is the monastery of Panagia. In Gaios, there is also the church of Aghioi Apostoloi with interesting murals. As for the rest of Paxi, visitors must see the sea cave of Grava in Lakka, where there is also the Byzantine church of Ypapanti. Lakka, a charming little village with low houses painted blue and brown, is a popular summer resort. In Loggos one can see the traditional oil mill and the churches of Zoodochos Pigi and Aghios Nikolaos, also bearing many murals. This village is a typical example of Ionian Islands" settlements and it is surrounded by olive trees and pine forests. Visitors should also see the "wind-hole" rock formation (a truly remarkable creation of nature) in Ozias as well as the ruins of an ancient temple in the area of Porto. Yet, visitors are not done with sightseeing unless they go over to Antipaxi and experience a unique feeling while swimming in these waters of unparalleled beauty and color surrounded by an amazing natural environment.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Paxi offer a satisfactory tourist infrastructure along with a fine road network. In addition to its cosmopolitan environment, there are excellent entertainment and shopping centers, first class restaurants and hotels. Transportation around the island is carried out by buses, taxis and boats with good itineraries. As far as sports are concerned, there is a yachting club in Lakka, and there are water sports facilities available in Loggos and Gaios. Special delicacies and local dishes are available in taverns and the local market. Paxi is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful natural surroundings and the high quality  of its tourist facilities.

Access

There is a bus service from Athens via Igoumenitsa and Parga all year round. Ferryboats sail from Igoumenitsa, Amfilochia and Preveza to the port of Paxi all year round.

Connections

Ferries link Paxi, Corfu, Amfilochia (Aetoloacarnania) and Preveza (Epirus) throughout the year. During summer, there is a daily boat connection with Parga. Finally, small boats link Paxi and Antipaxos on a daily basis.

Alternative Tourism

Archaeology, ecotourism, agrotourism, cultural, sporting (water sports, sailing, windsurfing).

Usefull telephones:

PAXOI AREA CODE:  26620-

POLICE STATION: 26620-32222

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 26620-22135, 32099, 32199

PORT POLICE: 26620-32259, 32533

POST OFFICE: 26620-32256

MUNICIPALITY: 26620-32207, 32100

MEDICAL CENTER: 26620-31466 ? 31178

PHARMACIES : 26620-32200