PAXOS AND ANTIPAXI  ISLAND near CORFU GREECE

20 kms south from the island of Corfu is Paxos, the smallest of the seven Ionian Islands. It was the love shelter of Poseidon and Amphitriti in mythology and also for Anthony and Kleopatra during Roman times. The name Paxos originates from the Latin word PAX meaning PEACE. No more suitable name could ever be given to this wonderful island, every inch of which wears a crown of olive branches. The emblem of Paxos is the trident of the ancient Greek God Poseidon, the ruler of the seas. According to the legend, Poseidon created the island as a lovenest for his mistress Amfitriti by striking his trident on the sea. In doing so the trident broke and it was later found by the inhabitants of the island.

 

There are three natural harbours around, which developed the main villages on this picturesque island: Gaios, Loggos and Lakka. There, houses built in the traditional style overlook the sea, keeping their local character despite the passage of timeand tourism. You will enjoy discovering, amongst these buildings, a blend of old tradition and pulsing modern lifewith all its conveniences in shops, bars, cafes and tavernas.

Walking in Paxos is a delight. Hidden by olive trees, in fields covered by wild flowers, you will discover old churches, develict mansions still proudly standing and whispering tales of past glory, old stone windmills, picturesque secluded landscapes, enchanting sunsets.

What may impess you most, however, is the sea; crystal waters shading from pale turquoise to dark ocean-blue, and so clear that you can study the sea-bed from the rocks or the bow of a boat. In the beautiful natural sea caves on the west coast, the water becomes an almost luminous blue as the sun's rays are reflected off the submerged rocky floor. Thus the caves are known as the 'Blue Grottos'.

Antipaxi is a beautiful microscopic island in south-eastern of Paxos. Located 3 nautical miles from Paxi, it is acquaintance for its homonym beaches. It has less tourist infrastructure since the inhabitants are few. The exotic beauty beach Voutoumi is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Other two wonderful beaches are the Vrika and the Mesovrika. Its magnificent beaches Rodovani and Kaloroi attract a large amount of tourists that come to Island for a few days.

The visitors can also admire the church of Agios Aimilianos that dates back to the19th century. The Island has many vineyards, with a wide range of varieties of grapes, where quality wine is derived.

Antipaxi constituted the shelter of Souliotes in the beginning of 19th century. Opposite of the southern coasts exists clump of rocky islands. It is undoubtedly a quiet island just made for truly relaxing holidays.

The islands have no airport but can be reached by ferry-boats or speed-boats from Corfu, Parga and also from Brindisi (Italy).

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