Despite its small size, Paxos is a famous and beautiful island in the Ionian Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and traditional Greek villages. The main form of commute to the island is through a ferry, and you can enjoy sea view almost everywhere on the Island. Other than the beaches, there are a lot of different activities that you can do during your trip to Paxos, Greece.
Let’s see what is the best time to visit Paxos, how to get there and what are some of the activities you can enjoy while being on the island.
Where is Paxos
Paxos, is a charming little Greek island in the Ionian Sea, just off the western coast of Greece. This small island is located about 13 kilometres south of Corfu but packs the whole Greek experience in it. Crystal clear water, beautiful beaches, preserved villages, olive groves and the unbeatable Greek food, this small island has it all. Paxos is also right next to two equally beautiful islands of islet of Agios Nikolaos and Antipaxos. In fact, Paxos and Antipaxos are so close to each other that they are sometimes called Paxi as a whole.
When To Visit Paxos
The best time to visit Paxos depends on your budget and the activities you want to do.
Peak Season (June to August)
The height of summer in Paxos is from June to August, and naturally a lot of tourist are visiting the island in these months. Temperatures often reach 30°C (86°F) during the day, which is perfect to spend time on the beach. Since the majority of tourists visit Paxos in these months, you can expect crowds on beaches, beach bars, cafés and villages. Also note that accommodation can be challenging to find during this season because of the increased number of tourists, so we suggest you plan ahead and pre-book your accommodation and activities.
Shoulder Season (March to May, September to October)
Shoulder seasons are technically the transitioning seasons of autumn and spring. Coastal spring and autumn are very pleasant, and you can still enjoy outdoor activities with a cool sea breeze. The temperatures are warm enough for outdoor activities, beach visits and swims, but evenings can get a bit chilly. You can enjoy your time with fewer crowd and, possibly, discounted accommodation.
Off-Season (November to Feb)
For obvious reasons, winter is considered the off-season for Paxos. During this time, the sea breeze can get really chilly, rainfalls increase and the temperatures drop which makes it impossible to enjoy any outdoor activities or beach visits. Usually, most of the businesses are closed for this season, but other stay still operate, just in case. Since the island’s main attraction is the sea and the coastal scenery, this is definitely not the ideal time to visit.
How To Get To Paxos
Since Paxos does not have an airport, you will need to combine air and sea travel to finally reach it. Here’s how you can get to Paxos:
Like we said, Paxos doesn’t have any airport, so you can fly into the nearest airport, which is of Island of Corfu. Once you land in Corfu, you can get to regular ferry to reach Paxos. The ferry takes almost 2 hours from Corfu to Paxos and you can also load up your vehicles in the ferry. The ferries typically arrive at the Gaios port, and you can then easily take a car or bus to reach your destination from there.
Paxos Greece Hotel Options
Since Paxos is a tourist spot, the accommodations are designed to fit the tourists of all budgets, you can choose luxury, mediocre or budge accommodations. Here are some of our favourite ones:
Villa Glaros: This is perfect for larger parties who want to enjoy time as a group. The property is luxury with a lot of amenities and stunning view of the Ionian Sea.
Blue Horizon Villas: Another luxury villa located in the heart of Gaios with beautiful view of the Ionian Sea which can be enjoyed sitting by the property pool that this property has.
Amfitriti Hotel: It’s a beautiful family-run hotel in Lakka. This property is more affordable in the mid-range and has beautiful views of the sea.
Olympia Paxos Apartment: Another affordable family-friendly accommodation which has a garden, pool, and playground.
If you’re looking to travel on a budget, we suggest looking into some hostel options or motels. The further away from the ocean view you move, the cheaper the place gets, so if you’re on a tight budget, you’d want to explore that option.
Weather in Paxos Greece
Since Paxos is an Island, it has a moderate and enjoyable weather all year round, with fluctuations in temperature during peak summers and winters.
During Summers, the weather is hot and humid with cool sea breeze in the evening. The temperature is typically around 30°C during the day, and spending the day on the beach, but we recommend waiting till the afternoon to go exploring the villages because it can get really hot.
During Spring and Autumn, the weather is very pleasant. You can still enjoy the warm ocean during the day, but the evening and nights can get a bit chilly.
Winter is not too harsh in terms of cold, but Paxos does get a lot of rainfall during Winter. The temperature can go as low as 9°C, and rains are often unexpected.
Things To Do In Paxos
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Paxos:
Explore the Villages
Paxos has some beautiful, walkable villages which are worth exploring.
If you want to be out and about and explore taverns, cafés and local shops, then we suggest going to Gaios because it’s the main port and has a vibrant vibe. Lakka is another beautiful village which has more beach activities like snorkeling etc. And for fresh and yummy seafood, visit Loggos.
Attend Festivals and Events
Paxos has a yearly music festival during the Summer where a lot of international stars perform. Panagia Festival is another local festival which happens in the Gaios and has traditional music, dancing, and feasting. Lakka also has its own local festival called Varkarola Festival where you can boat parades, music, and fireworks.
Outdoor Activities
Paxos is famous for it beaches and coastal activities, but you can also enjoy hiking and trekking through olive groves and along the coastal line to get a panoramic view of the sea. You can also go snorkeling and diving in underwater caves hidden coves and secluded beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best activities to do in Paxos?
The best activities in Paxos are relaxing at the beach, swimming, exploring charming villages, and enjoying outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, kayaking, and boat tours.
How do I get to Paxos from Corfu?
To get to Paxos from Corfu, you can hop on a ferry or the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil, with the hydrofoil taking about an hour. It’s a quick and scenic way to enjoy the beauty of the Ionian Sea!
What is the best time of year to visit Paxos?
The best time to visit Paxos is during the shoulder seasons of April to May or September to October, when you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere and pleasant weather.
Which beaches should I visit in Paxos?
You can check out Voutoumi Beach for its stunning clear waters, Monodendri Beach for a fun vibe with beach bars, and Lakkos Beach if you’re craving some quiet time away from the crowds.
Are there family-friendly accommodations in Paxos?
Absolutely, you can find family-friendly accommodations in Paxos like Margina Residence Hotel, Paxos Club Resort & SPA, and Paxos Resort Group, all featuring spacious rooms perfect for families.
Meta Title: All-in-Guide To Paxos Greece
Meta Description: Paxos is the least commercial Greek Island in the Ionian Sea. Read our guide to know how to get there, what to do and more.
