The Greek island of Paxos is a verdant paradise that hides in plain sight. With fewer than 2,500 permanent residents and no airport to funnel in mass tourism, this Ionian gem preserves an authenticity that has disappeared from many Mediterranean destinations. What strikes visitors first is the dramatic contrast between the island’s lush olive groves and the electric blue waters that frame its coastline.
An island born from Poseidon’s trident
According to Greek mythology, Paxos was created when Poseidon struck the southern tip of Corfu with his trident, breaking off a piece to create a peaceful retreat where he could escape with his beloved Amphitrite. While mythology may not be factual, the divine beauty of the island makes the legend easy to believe.
Three villages, three distinct personalities
Paxos is home to three main settlements, each with its own character. Gaios, the capital, charms visitors with its Venetian architecture and bustling waterfront. Lakka offers a natural harbor nestled in a horseshoe bay, while Loggos remains the island’s most authentically Greek village.
“Paxos has managed to stay true to itself,” says Maria, a local taverna owner. “We don’t have big hotels or cruise ships—just good food, clear waters, and olive trees older than most countries.”
The mesmerizing Tripitos Arch
On the island’s southern coast, the natural limestone arch of Tripitos stands as Paxos’ most photographed landmark. This impressive formation rises 20 meters above the sea, accessible via a scenic hike through olive groves. The panoramic views of the Ionian Sea from this vantage point are worth every step of the journey.
Blue caves that rival the Caribbean
The west coast of Paxos is lined with dramatic white cliffs and sea caves that glow with an otherworldly blue light. Similar to Japan’s famous “Kerama Blue” waters, the limestone seabed of Paxos reflects sunlight in a way that creates an almost fluorescent turquoise hue.
Antipaxos: A day trip to heaven
Just a 15-minute boat ride south lies the even smaller island of Antipaxos. With fewer than 30 permanent residents, this islet boasts Caribbean-quality beaches like Voutoumi and Vrika, with powdery white sand and crystal waters that rival Thailand’s untouched island paradises.
Liquid gold tradition
Paxos is blanketed by over 300,000 olive trees, many planted during Venetian rule in the 16th century. The island’s olive oil, often described as “liquid gold,” carries distinctive peppery notes that have earned it international acclaim.
“Our olive trees are our history, our legacy,” explains Yannis, a fourth-generation olive farmer. “Some are over 400 years old, and we still harvest them the traditional way.”
Stargazing from Erimitis cliffs
The Erimitis area on the west coast offers a pristine environment for stargazing, with minimal light pollution. The dramatic clifftop setting provides an unobstructed view of the night sky that rivals Alpine stargazing locations, but with the bonus of Mediterranean warmth.
How to reach this Ionian jewel
Unlike its neighbors, Paxos has no airport—a limitation that has become its greatest asset. Visitors must first fly to Corfu, then take a hydrofoil (1 hour) or ferry (2 hours) to reach Gaios harbor. This extra step keeps Paxos blissfully uncrowded, even during peak season.
Much like Sweden’s medieval island fortresses, Paxos rewards those willing to make the journey with authenticity and natural splendor that mass tourism hasn’t touched. The difference is that here, the fortress is not made of stone but of tranquility and tradition, protected by the island’s relative isolation.
Paxos isn’t a place you visit—it’s a place you experience, where time slows down and the modern world feels pleasantly distant. In an age of overtourism and Instagram hotspots, this green island with its turquoise frame remains a genuine escape, waiting for travelers who value substance over spectacle.