Paxos Island Travel Guide / Things to do

Things to do on Paxos.

Paxos isn't a place you tick things off a list. It's three small harbours, an olive-green interior, and a coastline so varied — sand, pebble, cliff, hidden cove — that everyone finds their own favourite corner. Here's where to start.

Beaches & swimming

Sand, pebble, and impossibly clear water.

Voutoumi & Vrika

Antipaxos's twin beaches, boat-access only. Pale sand, turquoise water, a couple of tavernas on the sand.

Erimitis

A quieter west-coast cove, reached by boat or a coastal path — worth the effort for the seclusion alone.

Monodendri & Harami

Two low-key beaches near Lakka. The lighthouse walk above them is one of the best short hikes on the island.

Levrechio & Marmari

Just outside Loggos — easy to reach, good swimming, a natural stop after wandering the harbour.

Natural landmarks

Carved by the sea.

Tripitos Arch

A natural rock bridge on the south coast, reachable by boat or a coastal hike. Good for a swim underneath, or — if you're brave — a jump off the top.

Blue Caves

A network of sea caves on the north coast where sunlight through the water turns everything an unreal blue. Best seen by boat, early in the day.

On the water

A day on a boat is a day well spent.

Most of what makes Paxos special — the Blue Caves, Tripitos Arch, the crossing to Antipaxos — is only reachable by water. A boat trip around the island, stopping to swim wherever the water looks best, is the single most-recommended thing to do here. Prefer to go slower? Kayaking along the coast covers the same hidden coves at your own pace.

Arrange a boat rental →

On land

Slower ways to explore.

Hiking

A waymarked circular route of roughly 15km crosses the island's olive groves and rocky coastline — walkable in sections if the full loop feels ambitious.

Diving & snorkeling

Beyond the Blue Caves, the reefs near Mongonissi and the rocky coves near Kipiadi are good spots to explore the coastline from below the surface.

History & culture

A small island with a long memory.

Agios Nikolaos Castle

A Venetian fortress begun in 1423 to guard against pirate raids, standing on the islet of Agios Nikolaos, which shelters Gaios harbour. The islet can be reached by small boat from Gaios; to see inside the castle walls, permission from the Municipality of Paxos is needed.

Folklore Museum, Gaios

Set in a 1906 building on the Gaios waterfront, the museum spans the island's history from ancient times to the 20th century, from pottery and Venetian-era weapons to traditional furniture, tools and costumes donated by local families.

FOOD & DRINK

Long lunches and harbour dinners.

Eating out is one of the great pleasures of Paxos, from fresh fish on the harbour in Gaios and Loggos to sunset tables on the western cliffs near Magazia. Our restaurant guide covers the places we recommend across the island, and our concierge can book your table.

Read our restaurant guide →

Where to base yourself

Four corners worth knowing.

Gaios →

The island's harbour capital

Lakka →

A sheltered harbour on a northern bay

Loggos →

A small, traditional fishing village

Magazia →

The green, quiet heart of the island

Compare them in our guide to where to stay in Paxos →

Frequently asked questions

Crystal-clear water, sea caves and secluded coves, three pretty harbour villages, and olive groves covering most of the island. It's also the gateway to Antipaxos and its famous beaches, Voutoumi and Vrika.

By boat. The Blue Caves, Tripitos Arch and the beaches of Antipaxos are best reached from the water. On land, a car or scooter makes it easy to reach the rest of the island.

Yes. Antipaxos is a short boat ride south of Paxos. Boats run from Gaios in summer, or you can hire your own boat for the day.

Yes. A waymarked circular route of roughly 15km crosses the island's olive groves and coastline, and it's easy to walk in shorter sections.

Plan the rest of your stay

Ready to book?

Browse our handpicked villas, or let our concierge team arrange boats, transfers, and private chefs for you.

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