A day trip from Corfu to Paxos offers a remarkable escape into the pristine beauty and serene landscapes of the Ionian Islands. Known for its emerald waters, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Paxos is a haven of Greek charm just a short ferry ride from the bustling island of Corfu. While a single day can only scratch the surface of what Paxos has to offer, with a little planning, you can immerse yourself in the island’s timeless beauty and capture its most enchanting sights. Whether you’re drawn to its secluded beaches, picturesque villages, or enticing local cuisine, here’s how to make the most of a day trip from Corfu to Paxos.
Setting Off from Corfu
Your journey begins on Corfu, a beautiful Greek island with an international airport and ample ferry connections to other islands, making it the ideal base for exploring the Ionian region. Ferries to Paxos leave early in the morning, typically from Corfu Town’s New Port. The boat ride takes about an hour, during which you’ll glide through the shimmering Ionian Sea, catching sight of Corfu’s receding coastline and Paxos’s verdant hills emerging in the distance. Make sure to sit on deck for breathtaking views and the chance to capture stunning photos of the two islands on either side of the turquoise waters.
Arriving at Gaios: The Heart of Paxos
The ferry will bring you to Gaios, the main port and capital of Paxos. Gaios is a delightful village where narrow cobblestone streets wind past Venetian-style buildings painted in pastel hues. From the moment you step off the ferry, you’ll notice the pace of life here is slower and more relaxed than in Corfu, offering a welcome reprieve from the busier tourist spots. Take some time to explore the town, savouring a coffee at one of the charming harbour cafes and watching fishing boats bob on the gentle waters.
Spend some time meandering through Gaios, browsing the boutique shops, or visiting the local bakeries where you’ll find Paxos specialties. For history buffs, Gaios is also home to the Church of Agioi Apostoloi, a small but historic church with an ornate interior, perfect for a quick visit before venturing further into the island.
Exploring Paxos’s Secluded Beaches
One of the main draws of Paxos is its beaches, many of which are secluded and accessible only by foot, boat, or scooter. Antipaxos, a smaller nearby island, is famous for Voutoumi and Vrika beaches, both celebrated for their white sands and crystal-clear waters. To make the most of your day, consider joining a boat tour from Gaios, which will allow you to visit these two beaches in the limited time available.
If you’d rather stay on Paxos itself, head to beaches like Mongonissi or Plakes, which are only a short walk or taxi ride from Gaios. Plakes, in particular, is known for its quiet atmosphere, pebble beach, and crystal waters. Swimming, snorkelling, or simply lounging on the beach is the perfect way to unwind and take in the natural beauty of the island.
Sightseeing Around Paxos by Scooter or Boat
To truly experience Paxos, consider renting a scooter or small boat for a few hours. This allows you to explore the island’s less accessible areas at your own pace. With a scooter, you can ride along winding coastal roads, stopping at lookout points for panoramic views of the Ionian Sea. In Lakka, located on the northern tip of the island, you’ll find another quaint village nestled in a sheltered bay surrounded by olive groves and cypress trees. Lakka’s calm, turquoise waters and inviting tavernas make it an excellent stop for a relaxing swim and a light meal.
Alternatively, renting a boat allows you to explore hidden sea caves and secluded coves around Paxos. The Blue Caves, a collection of natural rock formations along the western coast of the island, are particularly breathtaking, with waters that glow in iridescent shades of blue. These caves are best explored by boat, giving you a rare chance to enter the caverns and swim in their cool, luminescent waters. Whether by scooter or boat, exploring Paxos beyond Gaios will give you a fuller appreciation of its untouched beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
Dining on Traditional Greek Cuisine
A day in Paxos wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the island’s culinary offerings. Many of the tavernas around Gaios and Lakka serve traditional Greek dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Start with some small plates, or mezedes, including olives, feta cheese, and tzatziki. Freshly caught seafood is a highlight of the island’s cuisine, and you’ll find dishes like grilled octopus, calamari, and sea bream on most menus. Pair your meal with a crisp local wine or ouzo, Greece’s iconic anise-flavoured spirit, and enjoy the leisurely pace of Greek island dining.
For a more relaxed meal, look for tavernas set slightly back from the bustling waterfront. Here, you can savour dishes like moussaka, a layered eggplant casserole, or souvlaki, skewered and grilled meats, served with Greek salads brimming with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. Many restaurants in Paxos are family-owned, offering a personal touch that’s felt in both the warm hospitality and the food itself.
Wandering the Olive Groves
Beyond its coastline, Paxos is known for its olive groves, which cover much of the island in a silver-green carpet. Many of these groves have been cultivated for centuries, and walking through them offers a peaceful, shaded retreat from the midday sun. Olive oil is an essential part of the island’s heritage, and Paxos produces some of the finest, owing to its unique climate and soil. If time allows, consider visiting one of the local olive presses where you can learn about traditional oil production and taste the final product. Even a short walk through these groves will provide a sense of the island’s agricultural history and its connection to the land.
Shopping for Local Souvenirs
As your day in Paxos winds down, take some time to browse the shops and markets in Gaios. Here, you’ll find a variety of local products that make excellent souvenirs or gifts. Handcrafted items, such as ceramics, textiles, and jewellery, are popular, often reflecting traditional Greek designs. Olive oil, herbs, and locally produced honey are also readily available and offer a taste of Paxos to bring back home.
Look for Paxos olive oil in beautifully designed bottles, as well as soaps and lotions made with local ingredients. These products often capture the natural fragrances of the island, like rosemary, lavender, and, of course, olives. Additionally, small art galleries feature works from local artists, providing a glimpse into the creative inspiration drawn from the island’s scenery.
Saying Goodbye to Paxos
As evening approaches, it’s time to make your way back to Gaios to catch the ferry back to Corfu. Saying goodbye to Paxos can be bittersweet, especially after spending a day immersed in its peaceful beauty. While the island is small, its landscapes, villages, and welcoming spirit leave a lasting impression that stays with you long after you leave.
The ferry ride back to Corfu is a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and to take in one last view of Paxos as it recedes in the distance. With memories of pristine beaches, scenic olive groves, and a sense of Greek hospitality, you’ll be returning to Corfu with a newfound appreciation for the hidden gems that the Ionian Islands have to offer.
Planning Future Visits to Paxos
A day trip to Paxos offers a delightful taste of the island, but many visitors leave with a desire to return and explore further. With its secluded beaches, ancient olive groves, and welcoming villages, Paxos offers more than can be fully appreciated in a single day. Planning a longer stay allows you to delve deeper into the island’s treasures, explore neighbouring Antipaxos, and discover more of the hidden paths that crisscross Paxos.
In the meantime, the day trip serves as a perfect introduction to Paxos and a refreshing escape from the busier shores of Corfu. With just a short ferry ride separating the two islands, a visit to Paxos offers a peaceful retreat and an enriching adventure that enhances any trip to the Ionian Islands. So, whether you’re seeking a brief escape or planning a future visit, Paxos remains a captivating and unforgettable destination.
