Paxos and Antipaxos
Paxos is an alluring small island south of
Corfu. The name Paxos derives from the latin word “Pax” which
means peace. This island is indeed a place for peace and
relaxation. It’s covered with subtropical vegetation, charming
bathing beaches and good diving grounds. These two Islands are
located 14 kilometers south of Corfu and 20m kilometer to the
East is Parga on the mainland of Greece. It’s one of a cluster
of picturesque islets set in the Ionian Sea.
Gaios is the capital of Paxos, it’s a
picturesque village built around a port which is protected by
two smaller islands Agios Nikolaos and Panagitsa.
Legend has it that Paxos was formed when
Poseidon severed the tip of Corfu with one mighty blow of his
trident and dragged it south to form a heavenly retreat for his
love Amphirtrite.
Paxos has no airport and it can be reached
only by ferry and a hydroplane. It has a permanent population of
2,300 inhabitants there are 3 main villages Gaios(the largest),
Lakka, and Loggos. Gaios serves as the principal port of Paxos
Island. On the islets off the harbour there is a Venetian fort.
On the island you will also find more than
100 churches. It’s an island of endless olive groves. The
eastern coastlines of the island are smooth and white while the
coasts are bold and abrupt with remarkable natural formations of
caves, arches, dome shaped forms and sheer cliffs.
The inhabitants of Paxos are warm and
extremely hospitable people who posses a love for tradition yet
embrace all developments of contemporary Europe. Paxos has been
described as the baby of the Ionian Islands.
Anti-Paxos is further south and has beautiful
lonely beaches. It has 100 permanent inhabitants. It’s a
diminutive but very beautiful. It lies just south of Paxos, it’s
a 15 minute trip by sea taxi. There are two main beaches Vrika,
and Voutoumi.
Vrika, is sandy and Voutoumi has pebbles but
underfoot in the water is white sand.
These are the finest clear blue seas in the
world. Swimming and snorkeling in theses waters is safe for all
ages. South of these 2 beaches are many smaller more private
coves that can be reached without too much difficulty.
It’s covered by vineyards, from which a
wonderful local wine is produced. This is very popular with the
day trippers and serves as the main beach for those staying in
Gaios. On this little island you will find very few houses
belonging to local people and owners of vineyards.
Paxos and Anti –Paxos are visited by 200,000
visitors every year. They have the most beautiful sunset you’ve
set your eyes on. As a result of this the islands have been
called the cultural village of Europe.
Click here for more
information
|
