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 Paxos. An
exquisite microcosm, the smallest of the six main Ionian islands, Paxos lies
south of Corfu opposite of Epirus. It has an area of 25 kilometres and
belongs to the prefecture of Corfu. Paxos can be reached by boat from Patra,
Sivota (Mourto) in Thesprotia, Igoumenitsa and Parga. and by coach from
Athens via Sivota. There are local connections to Antipaxos, Corfu and Parga.
The island of Paxos was known to Phoenicians. According to mythology,
Neptune, madly in love with Aphrodite and looking for a quiet place to take
her, created Paxos by tearing off a piece of Corfu by striking it with his
trident. Inhabited since ancient times, Paxos has always had close links
with Corfu. The island's capital is its largest town, Gaios, with its
beautiful houses in characteristic Ionian style and its tiny streets. Along
the western shore are the tiny islands of Aghios Nikolaos with its Venetian
fort and Mongonisi. On the approach to the island, on the little island of
Panagia. stands the monastery of the same name, where on the tsth August,
the Festival of the Dormition of the Virgin, celebrations go on all night
culminating with dancing performances in the town square. Lakka, a small
coastal village rich in olive trees and pines, is renowned for the sea cave
of the Virgin with its Byzantine church.
 Another picturesque spot is Longos.
Where visitors can enjoy fresh fish and peaceful beaches for bathing. All
three are natural harbours that attract fleets of sailing vessels in the
summer months. Mainly engaged in agriculture and fishing, the few
inhabitants of Paxos are quiet and pleasant people, jolly, hospitable and
polite to visitors, they resemble their neighbours, the Corflots very much.
Paxos is so small that one can easily walk from one end of the island to the
other. The breathtaking approach to the island at Gaios protected by two
miniature islets, gives newly arrived visitors a foretaste of the natural
beauty they are about to experience: an incredible coastline indented by a
thousand coves and bays. lush, green hillsides, imposing rocks and sea caves.
A variety of sea sports can be enjoyed at the lovely beaches of the island,
such as canoeing, wind surfing and sailing. The island is ideal for fishing.
Paxos is a relatively quiet island, not ideal for those who prefer a lively
nightlife, offering visitors a good time in the evening at the picturesque
flsh tavernas at Gaios. Located at 3 nautical miles southeast of Paxos, the
unspoiled island of Antipaxos is all vineyards and turquoise water, beaches
of pristine white sand, a haven for those seeking tranquillity. The island's
transport is run by fishing boats connecting it to Paxos and Corfu,
especially during the summer. |
