Paxos capital: Gaios
The port of Paxos is where you will first arrive. The ‘new port’ is 10-15 minutes walk from central Gaios, the capital. If you are living centrally it is better to walk there and only take a car if you can use the wider road networks, as traffic jam can be bad in such a confined space. Swimming in the port is not recommended due to the boat residues and traffic. The nearest beach is just a short walk away!
East coast
Gaios to Mongonisi
There is a set of small beaches along the coastline as you leave Gaios towards Mongonisi (one of the smaller islets), they have wide smooth rocks to lie on and some scarce shaded bits as well, access to the water might be easier by jumping in. Paxos Beach is also near Gaios and it includes facilities and a restaurant making it great for elderly, children or those you like their comforts.
Giannas
The closest beach to the centre of Gaios and very popular amongst locals. Some may claim it is a therapeutic spring but do not expect the blue lagoon. It is pebbled , smaller pebbles on the outside and bigger in the sea but with accessible strips to the water. Suitable for older people as well, as access to the beach is only a short walk and a few steps to the beach. It is also near many cafés restaurants. Like with all Paxos beaches, there are no shower, WC or changing facilities. The view while swimming is beautiful, you also get to see all the boats coming in and out of the port; just don’t swim too far away from the coast and put yourself in danger from the nautical traffic.
Mongonisi
Nowadays accessible also by car and situated at 3 km. south of Gaios, this small islet hosts a man-made sandy beach with shade and shallow waters, suitable for children.
Kaltsonisi
From Mongonisi you can see Kaltsonisi , a smaller private island with a small church. If on a boat, take time to admire the crystal clear turquoise waters and interesting sea bottom.
Gaios to Lakka
From Gaios heading north you will find the majority of Paxos beaches, most of them accessible by car or foot. Some of the most well known are Kloni Gouli, Kaki Lagada and Kipiadis.
Kloni Gouli
Easy access , pebbled and quite wide with some shade, suitable also for older people.
Kaki Lagada
Pebbled inside and out, with a beautiful open view to the ocean, green surroundings, beach bar with sunbeds and easy access by car or foot from Gaios.
Kipiadis
One of the largest beaches in the island and very pretty. Accessible by car but have to do the last 5-7 minutes of a somehow steep path on foot. Pebbled outside with a few small shadows from bushes, green all round scenery , deep blue waters , great when windy as well as it is in a protected gulf. That is what makes it popular with boats and yachts. There are no facilities or restaurants but it is not far from Loggos and Fontana for those living there or interested in visiting these picturesque villages.
Loggos
One of the three sea-side villages of Paxos. Very pretty, picturesque, serene, with colourful little houses, a small harbour and a few good restaurants and bars, literally on the water. There is a small pebbled beach near the port where you can swim, the waters are very clean, especially when there’s no water traffic. Urchins are a sign of clean waters so it is a pleasant surprise to see them but very unfortunate if you step on one so be careful or wear special shoes.
Manadendri (or Monodendri)
Manadendri has clear water, big pebbles , two bar-restaurants and shade with sunbeds. There is also a water sport school during high season.
Lakka and Charami
Lakka is the second largest village in the island and definitely worth visiting. You will find lots of shops for clothes, diving supplies, souvenirs or home supplies. There are many restaurants and a few bars and cafés, some of them on the sea-front. Lakka has a large, protected harbour, where bigger sized yachts and sails choose to moor. During the high season, it is not recommended to swim in the area, as pollution from boats and restaurants might be in the water. Other than that, it is a Paradise like bay, with turquoise waters and the scenic Paxos surroundings.
West Side
After Lakka and towards the west side of Paxos, there are only few beaches accessible by car. The scenery is wilder, greener, deeper blue with tall cliffs and caves. For a cave tour ask at the old port for local excursions.
Planoi
Wild looking beach with open view to the ocean, pebbles and rocks. Accessible by car; a dirt road will take you very close to the beach.
Erimitis
Once only accessible by boat, but recently also accessible by car and foot. Wide, tall, impressive cliffs, clear pebbled sea and small serene beach. The best view of the cliffs is from above during sunset when the orange ambient sunlight slides on the cliff before the sun dips in the sea.
Achai
Only accessible by boat. Beautiful interconnected caves, take your snorkeling mask with you and be ready to explore. Blue waters pebbles and some flat rocks to sunbathe on.
Magazia
Magazia, located at the centre of the island, has gradually regained some of its past popularity. Nowadays, you will find a bakery and a super-market, as well as four restaurants-tavernas, and an old-fashioned cafe where you can have a drink or a bite and relax in the shade.
Fontana
Fontana also used to be an important village in the past. Nowadays, it remains traditional with a convenience store and two restaurant tavernas. If you leave nearby or on your way back from the beach, it is worth making a short stot for lunch and a local ginger beer.
Foklore Museum
At the Folklore Museum, as the name suggests, you will see exhibits relevant to the history and culture of Paxos and evidence of how life went on a century ago in the island. It is in the centre of Gaios, in a pretty building of Ionian architecture. Opening times during the summer months are 11:00-13:00 and 19:30-22:30; the ticket costs 3 euros.
Governor’s House
You will see this impressive old building, on the seafront road from Gaios central square to the new port, and like most visitors, wonder what it is. The building served as the seat for the British Governor during the British rule of the Ionian islands between 1815-1864.
Sterna Elliniki
This cistern was built by the Venetians to provide fresh water to their ships. Accessible only by foot.
Agyi Apostoloi cistern
Saint Apostoloi cistern is inside Gaios and used to provide water for the whole village. It was build in the early 19th century. You will find it while exploring the heart of the island capital, further away from the sea front.
Carved cisternes (Sarakinos)
Antipaxos
Voted as having the worlds’ best beaches. Especially popular for Voutoumi beach and Vrika beach. Visitors enjoy the white sandy beaches in the midst of green scenery and turquoise water with a view to the deep blue canal.
Voutoumi beach, Antipaxos
Vrika beach, Antipaxos