Greek Island Hopping
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: @CHYKAK + @BRUCEKEEBAUGH
From London to Berlin to St Tropez to the beautiful island of Paxos!
I have fallen madly in love with this beautiful small island, and I have at least one pinch myself a moment every day. From the colour of the water to the delicious meals, from the friendly faces, we see every day to the luxurious sleep-ins, this island is exactly what we needed. No hustle, no bustle, just books and lazing in the sun - because that's what summer is all about, right?
There are three small towns on the Greek island of Paxos. Gaios is the main town and offers a wide range of restaurants, shops, cafes and markets for food. Loggos has lovely seafront Tavernas, a couple of nice bars, and a little bakery selling a good selection of typical Greek pastries and bread. Laka is a gorgeous harbour village that is very popular during the high season. It has a beautiful, laid-back feel about it and is all about delicious food and drinks. Eremitis is on the west coast of the island and is famous for its dramatic Seascape view and smaller beaches below.
How To Get To Paxos
Take a flight to Corfu and you are on your way! To get to Paxos you take a hydrofoil from Corfu. It’s only an hour by boat and if you have time a wander around the old town of Corfu make sure you do! It is touristy but very beautiful and the perfect place to stretch your legs after travelling.
When you have arrived, keep in mind that there are daily water taxis that take you to Anti Paxos that leave from Gaios. Anti Paxos is the most beautiful island with only a couple of restaurants, but the attraction is the most beautiful turquoise water, swimming here is an absolute MUST!
For accommodation, we used The Thinking Traveller. You can find some amazing villas on this site if you are travelling to Sicily, Puglia, The Tuscan Islands, Greece Corsica and Mallorca.
Off To the Beach!
Harami beach has no road access but is just a short walk down the path from Lakka.
Kipiadi This is a mainly pebble beach with beautiful cypress trees as a backdrop. It's relatively secluded and has no road access, but there is a path that is quite manageable.
Levrecchio is another small pebble Beach with beautiful water and a small Taverna situated near the trees serving traditional food. Easy to get to by car.
Monodendri is a popular beach with pebbles and offers a restaurant with a sunbed and a swimming pool. Easily accessible by car.
Kaki Lagada This gorgeous beach is close to Galois and has no Taverna but easy access by car.
Marmari is a pretty pebble Beach that has olive trees providing beautiful shade. There are no tavernas; however, there is one close by at Levrecchio that is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Plani is a beautiful place to watch the sunset. A little while away, although accessible by car, this beach is a little further out than others, but the sunset is divine!
Mongonissi is Paxos' only sandy beach. It has a Taverna and some fun beach toys for kids to play with; you can also get here by car.
The best way to see this beautiful island and travel to Anti Paxos is to hire a boat. We loved the guys at Panos boat hire located at Loggos. You can take either captain your own boat or hire someone to do it for you. They have a variety of different size boats, and it really is the best way to experience the Greek islands. A big thank you to Panos Boats & Trips for our gorgeous captain Vassilis who looked after us well. Having a local show you all the best spots is always the way to go!
Hiring a car is also a must on Paxos as to get to each village is approximately 15 minutes. Every vehicle is small and able to take the different mini roads that are incredibly on this island.
Let’s Go Shopping!
Emmys
Paxos Vibes
Golia Christina
Robolas Bakery Located in the main Square of Gallace it’s a fantastic selection of traditional Greek pastries cakes and pies.
Fountana mini-mart has everything you need.
Olive oil shop Lakka There is a gorgeous selection of olive oil soaps and creams plus jams and preservatives
PLACES TO EAT
Gaios Restaurants
Carnayo is just outside Gaios, offering a wide selection of traditional Greek dishes using fresh ingredients that mostly comes from the chef's garden.
Kouzini is a traditional Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta.
Apaghio is a Greek Tavern serving fresh fish and great traditional dishes, the perfect great spot to watch boats come in and out of the harbour.
Mambo is an excellent taverna with a selection of grilled meat, traditional dishes, and amazing salads.
Piazza Massa is in Central Square. You will find this restaurant with delicious seafood and traditional Greek dishes.
Mediterraneo is situated at the port, which in my opinion, is the best location to enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner while watching the boats.
Il primo serves delicious pasta and woodfired pizzas.
Loggos Restaurants
Vasilis is an absolute favourite and probably the best food on the island! Specials every day and just great food with excellent staff.
Four Seasons is just off the waterfront and a family-run business offering a wide selection of Mediterranean dishes.
Gios is one of the best spots on the waterfront for traditional cuisine and seafood.
Rocher bar is a picture-perfect bar! This was a favourite of ours that is hidden away but with the most incredible view of the harbour and the ocean… Highly recommend this place.
Taxi Bar is a trendy bar that has weekly live traditional music.
Lakka Restaurants
La Rosa di Paxos has an excellent selection of fresh fish and some Greek and Italian specialties, a great spot for a long lazy lunch.
Akis Bar is located in the best part of the port. This is a relaxing and beautiful place to enjoy Mediterranean and Greek dishes.
Ninos is situated in a courtyard garden in the centre of the square; this restaurant has traditional food and encourages Guests to go into the kitchen. Love that!
Averto Magazia has a secret courtyard that is an excellent place for a coffee and snack.
Bouraos Magazia is the oldest and most traditional bar on the island, making it a great place to meet locals and enjoy a cold beer.
Antipaxos Restaurants
Voutoumi is the most perfect place for a long lazy lunch before heading back to the beach… It is located in a beautiful area, I love eating here!
