The smallest of the Ionian islands is a natural oasis where olive groves, green hills and seaside cliffs dominate. The main town is Gaios, a charming strip of pastel-coloured houses with an excellent selection of restaurants that reference Paxos’ Ottoman and Italian past.
Antipaxos is essentially a day trip destination, but the mind blowing beaches like Voutoumi, with its crystalline waters and clifftop tavernas, is hard to beat.
1. Voutoumi Beach
Voutoumi Beach is one of the best beaches in Antipaxos, attracting visitors from Paxi and Corfu to its pristine shoreline. The curved bay offers stunning views and a strip of sandy, pearly pale pebbles leading into the water. It’s a tranquil place to bronze on your sunbed, lap up the incredible vistas and snorkel in its otherworldly waters with few distractions.
The secluded beach is a top choice for day trippers, but you can stay on the island and enjoy its tranquility all year round. If you decide to explore the rest of Antipaxos, you’ll discover the main village of Gaios with its charming pink and white buildings backed by olive groves and green hills. Lakka, in the north, is a spectacular harbour town that’s popular with sailors. It has a fine selection of restaurants referencing the island’s Ottoman and Italian past, as well as its own cuisine.
There’s also Loggos, a hamlet that’s more of a village than a town and has a superb waterfront taverna called Mongonissi. There’s a good chance you’ll see locals dancing on the terrace here to traditional Greek music.
If you’re looking for a little luxury during your Antipaxos getaway, there are several five star hotels to choose from. The Torri e merli is the epitome of five-star luxury, with rooms designed to ensure you reap the full benefits of the relaxational charms of this beautiful island. The hotel has a Zen feel with a focus on wonderful Ionian views, spa therapies and good Mediterranean food.
Alternatively, you can opt for Villa Lover’s Nest, which is just a short walk from the beach and has a pool. It offers a fully equipped kitchen, free private parking and sea views. Artemis Cottage – Antipaxos Island is another great option for those looking for self-catering accommodations close to the beach. The property has a garden and free WiFi. It’s also less than a 20-minute drive from Saint Spyridon Church. Book an Antipaxos vacation package and you can save both time and cash by booking your accommodation, rental car and tours in one simple transaction.
2. Torri e merli
The small island of Antipaxos is a paradise for beach lovers. The coastline is lined with white sand and clear turquoise water. It’s also home to a number of stunning secluded coves that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also vineyards that produce some of the best Greek wine you’ll find anywhere. Antipaxos is a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience the true spirit of Greece.
The boutique hotel Torri e merli is a stunning property that caters to discerning guests looking for a unique and relaxing stay. Located on the island of Paxos, the hotel is a beautiful blend of natural landscape with Venetian design and inspired restoration. The groves of olive trees and stone terraces are lush with wild flowers, while the rooms feature gorgeous views over the sea and a charming boho-chic atmosphere.
Guests can dine at the hotel’s TeM restaurant, which serves refined Mediterranean dishes and an eclectic wine list. They can also enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar or sip an herbal tea in the hotel’s tea room. Other amenities include concierge services and wedding services. The hotel is also close to the clifftop Erimitis Bar, which is one of the most popular spots on the island.
Visitors will find a wide range of hotels in Antipaxos, from budget options like the B&B Porto Ozia to luxury resorts. Most hotels are concentrated in the main village of Gaios, where trip boats to Antipaxos depart from. However, there are a few hotels in the other villages of Lakka and Loggos as well. For those seeking a more private vacation, there are also many villas to choose from.
The peak summer season is from July to September, when the weather is warmest and most tourists arrive. During this time, hotels in Antipaxos fill up quickly, so be sure to book your stay well in advance if you want to ensure that you get a room. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, try booking your stay during the off-season when prices are lower.
3. Gaios
If you’re looking for places to stay on Antipaxos then Gaios is one of the best choices. It’s the main port town on Paxos and is where most people stay when they visit the island. The main part of the town is along the waterfront and has beautiful Greek and Italian influenced houses. It’s a very nice and quaint little town and is a great place to spend time.
The main reason people choose to stay in Gaios is that it’s so close to the beaches and is right next to some of the best restaurants on the island. There is also a lot to do in Gaios so it’s a good option for anyone who wants a more lively vacation.
The beaches in Gaios are amazing as well. The best beach is probably Erimitis beach which is a short walk from the town center. It’s a rocky beach but it’s so beautiful because it’s surrounded by towering white cliffs. The water is a gorgeous blue and it’s a really relaxing beach. There are also a few other beaches that are worth checking out in Gaios such as Kloni Gouli, Kamini, and Deuteri Spiatza.
Gaios is the main port on the island of Paxos and is located on the eastern side of the island. It’s named after Apostle Gaios who played an important role in the spread of Christianity on the island.
It’s a very small island but has all the structure that a city would need such as hotels, banks, and transports. The center of Gaios is super cute and has lots of restaurants and shops to check out. You should also check out the Capriccio Ice cream shop! It is AMAZING!!!
The easiest way to reach Paxos is to fly into Corfu International Airport and then take a ferry from the New Port to Paxos. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Paxos. There are other options as well to reach the island such as renting a car and driving on the Egnatia Highway or taking a bus from Athens or Thessaloniki. People also often charter a private yacht or helicopter to reach the island.
4. Lakka
Located on the northern end of Paxos Island, Lakka is flanked by silver green olive groves and cypress trees. This picturesque fishing village is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the authentic Greek lifestyle. It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece.
There are many things to do in Lakka, from swimming and sunbathing to hiking and exploring the village’s natural beauty. You can also try the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and grilled meats. The best part is that Lakka is relatively untouched by mass tourism, so you can enjoy a more authentic experience.
If you want to get a taste of the local culture, you can attend one of the village’s festivals or events. The village is also home to a number of tavernas, where you can enjoy delicious meals and drinks while overlooking the sea. You can also take a boat trip around the island to explore hidden coves and beaches.
The village of Lakka Souliou is also home to some of the most beautiful cliffs on the island, which are great for walking and sightseeing. You can even climb the cliffs to view the beautiful scenery from above. If you are looking for a place to relax and recharge, Lakka is the perfect choice.
If you are planning a family vacation, you will find many kid-friendly accommodations in Lakka. Many of these rentals are located close to the beach and have amenities like high chairs and travel cribs. In addition, there are many homes with a pool, making them ideal for families with young children. You can also find pet-friendly vacation rentals in Lakka, so you can bring your favorite dog or cat with you.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lakka, you can choose from a variety of vacation homes on Airbnb. Some of these homes offer a private pool and stunning views of the water. Other options include villas with fully equipped kitchens and private gardens. You can even find some homes with free parking.