The tranquil Greek island of Paxos, a mere one-to two-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Corfu, offers an idyllic retreat less frequented by tourists than its more famous counterparts, allowing you to soak up the serene vistas in peace. With Corfu just three hours and 15 minutes from the UK, it’s a journey that won’t leave you feeling drained getting there. It may feel a bit off the beaten track, but once you arrive, the waiting tranquillity will make the journey well worth it.
With an area of just 9.8 square miles and a population of 2,500, the island really is the epitome of waterfront Greek living. Paxos is the smallest of the seven main Ionian Islands. Paxos is among the least commercialised of the Greek islands in the Ionian Sea. And unlike its counterparts Corfu, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini, Paxos remains relatively unspoilt by crowds. You can meander through quaint streets without being swamped by hordes of tourists. Above all else, Paxos is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, which offer a relaxed vista even in the warmest months. The top three contenders are Erimitis Bay, Tripitos Arch, and Kipiadi. Despite the sun’s rays beaming down warmly, the island’s quieter disposition means you should have no difficulty securing a spot to spread out your towel.
The beaches are prized for their sunsets, with many tourists commenting on the picturesque outlooks as the day crawls into early evening.
Visitors have remarked that some areas of the island are nearly tourist-free in places. The pretty island was the setting of the Greek series, ‘Maestro in Blue’, which was screened globally in March 2023. A second season started screening in May of the following year.
With links to ancient history and contemporary summer fun, it was no surprise why Christoforos Papakaliatis chose the island for his television show. Paxos hosts several festivals over the course of the year, showcasing fine art surrounded by areas of natural beauty.
The island, also known as Paxoi, has a long, complex history. It has changed hands several times over the ages, having been in the possession of a French and Russo-Turkish alliance during the Napoleonic Wars to more modern times when the island’s political stability was jeopardised.
It was upended when it surrendered to the English on board the Royal Navy frigate HMS Apollo. It became part of the British-established Ionian Union and saw peace for several decades. However, islanders chafed under British rule and Paxos eventually served as the home base of the Ionian independence movement, which led up to the islands’ successful joining of the new nation of Greece in 1864.
Local news outlet Greek Reporter said that due to Paxos being close to Italy, the location has a distinct flavor of that nation, and its residents speak a heavily Italian-inflected dialect. Nowadays, the island of 2,500 residents is still a bit of a secret in tourism circles, certainly compared to its busier neighbours.