Ionian
Paxos
Tiny, olive-draped, and impossibly pretty — best explored by boat.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Paxos
Paxos is one of the smallest inhabited Ionian islands — you can walk across it in a couple of hours. It has some of the most beautiful turquoise water in Greece, several excellent beaches, and a charming main port (Gaios). It's best experienced by renting a small boat and exploring the coastline and sea caves at your own pace. Antipaxos, a tiny island just south, has arguably the best beach in the Ionians.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Tiny island — can feel very limiting after a few days. Accommodation is limited and expensive.
Hidden gem
Hire a small motorboat and find the Tripitos arch — natural rock formation on the wild east coast.
Where it sits
Ionian, Greece
Paxos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Paxos? +
- The best months to visit Paxos are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Paxos from Athens? +
- Paxos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Paxos good for couples? +
- Paxos is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Paxos good for families with kids? +
- Paxos is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Paxos expensive? +
- Paxos is mid-range on price — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Paxos? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Paxos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Paxos? +
- Tiny island — can feel very limiting after a few days. Accommodation is limited and expensive.