Paxoi Yacht Charter Guide

A serene destination in the heart of the Ionian cluster of islands, Paxoi (sometimes called Paxi or Paxos), is known for its natural beauty, with many secluded beaches, quiet coves, and picturesque villages. In fact, the name Paxoi comes from the Greek word ‘Pax’, meaning peace. 

Paxoi is a walker’s paradise and an ideal destination for those who love the outdoors. It has many hiking trails and coastal paths that allow you to immerse yourself in the lush landscape. The waters that surround the island are unimaginably clear, which will appeal to any diver or snorkeling enthusiast. Although it retains its status as a hidden gem, it is a destination of choice for many yacht owners and charter clients. The island has a quiet sophistication that offers visitors many excellent restaurants and upscale establishments to try. 

Best time to visit: June is the most popular month to visit the island, but Paxoi is warm and sunny for most of the year. As the island is so lush and green, spring is a wonderful time to visit to see all the flowers and trees in bloom.

Key cruising areas: Although Paxoi is small, there are many places to discover on your yacht and tender. There are over 40 sea caves on the island and an almost overwhelming number of beaches ready to explore. As you sail into Paxos, you’ll also notice a tiny, green islet nearby. This is the mysterious Agios Nikolaos that is home to an abandoned Venetian castle designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
If you would like to venture further afield, thanks to Paxoi’s proximity to the island of Corfu (sometimes known as Kerkyra) and the other Ionian Islands, it is a perfect base to island-hop through this pristine Greek archipelago. 

Don't miss: Mongonissi is a tiny island connected to Paxoi by a bridge – although in some places the water between the two is so shallow you can walk across. The Mongonissi Beach Bar is a popular spot for yachts to anchor and head ashore for lunch or afternoon drinks. The turquoise bay of Mongonissi offers visitors a sheltered place to spend the night, so you can enjoy the beauty of the island during the day before retiring to your yacht for the evening. The whole island has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home. 

Best spots for wining and dining: Quaint and unpretentious, Paxoi has an excellent array of restaurants so visitors will be spoiled for choice. Have a morning coffee at Kalimera in Gaios, which is one of the oldest cafes on the island and remains almost unchanged since it opened. Carnayo is a charming spot for lunch with a lovely patio, and family-owned Vasilis is a wonderful place to try traditional local cuisine. For a romantic, upscale dinner, Mediterraneo is a must. Many of the vegetables and herbs are grown within its gardens and it offers sublime views of the water below.

Best local dish: Fresh fish and grilled vegetables are the foundations of a meal on Paxoi. Local favorites include squid, fresh grilled octopus with fava beans, cuttlefish risotto and bianco (a fish stew from Corfu served with lemon and potatoes). For dessert, try an osmalieh pastry drizzled with flower-water cream.

Local culture: Paxoi is a small island with three main villages to choose from: Gaios, Lakka, and Logos. The capital and main port of Gaios is one of the most beautiful in all of Greece. It boasts stunning Venetian architecture and many sophisticated places to spend the day – it is a popular destination for the yachting crowd. While in Gaios, you can visit the main square to see a memorial to the Greek War of Independence and understand more of the history of the island. 
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Paxoi is to spend time outside. The greenery of the island is thanks to its abundance of olive trees and The Museum of Olive Oil is found in the village of Magazia, which celebrates the history and oil-making tradition of the region. Also, there are several places on Paxoi with sulfur thermal springs rumored to have therapeutic qualities. The best ones are found in the villages of Glyfada, Yianna, and Ozia.

Best beach: Paxoi is blessed with clear waters and pristine beaches ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. Alati, Kaki Lagada, Kipiadi, Magonisi and Marmari are all excellent options. Marmari beach is calm and peaceful, with a pebble shore and shallow waters. Kaki Langada is one of the longest beaches on the island and benefits from a beach bar for a cooling afternoon drink in the sunshine.

IYC recommends: This tiny, unspoiled island of Antipaxoi is a green paradise full of olive groves and vineyards. Known as the ‘famous little sister’ of Paxoi with its exquisite beaches and bright, turquoise blue water, it is approximately three nautical miles south of Paxoi and just 12sq km in size. The most famous beaches on the island are Vrika and Voutoumi and in the summer you will see several yachts dropping anchor here. For lunch with a view, Bella Vista restaurant is a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon.