While the larger Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Zakynthos often steal the spotlight, sailors in the know set their course slightly further north. Just south of Corfu lie Paxos and Antipaxos, two tiny islands that offer some of the most spectacular sailing, clearest waters, and charming villages in all of Greece.
If you are planning a sailboat charter from Preveza or Lefkada, adding a northern leg to your itinerary to include sailing Paxos and Antipaxos is highly recommended. Here is your guide to exploring these hidden gems of the Ionian Sea.
The Magic of Paxos
According to Greek mythology, Paxos was created when Poseidon struck Corfu with his trident, breaking off a piece to create a peaceful love nest for himself and his wife Amphitrite. Today, it remains a peaceful paradise, covered in ancient olive groves and fringed by dramatic white cliffs on its western coast.
Top Anchorages and Ports in Paxos
Lakka
Located at the northern tip of Paxos, Lakka is one of the most picturesque natural harbours in the Ionian islands. The bay is shaped like a horseshoe and is heavily sheltered by olive and cypress trees. The water here is a striking shade of turquoise over a sandy bottom, making it a perfect spot to drop anchor. The charming village of Lakka, with its narrow alleys and excellent waterfront tavernas, is just a short dinghy ride away.
Gaios
The capital and main port of Paxos, Gaios, is uniquely protected by the small islet of Agios Nikolaos, which sits almost entirely across the harbour entrance. Navigating the narrow channel into Gaios is a memorable experience. You can moor right on the town quay, stepping off your yacht directly into the heart of the bustling, sophisticated village. Gaios is famous for its excellent seafood restaurants and boutique shops.
Loggos
The smallest of the three main villages, Loggos is a postcard-perfect fishing village on the east coast. It is more intimate than Gaios and Lakka, offering a tranquil atmosphere and some of the best traditional tavernas on the island. The harbour is small, so arriving early is essential if you want to secure a spot.
The Untouched Beauty of Antipaxos
Just three nautical miles south of Paxos lies Antipaxos. This tiny island is almost entirely covered in vineyards and has a permanent population of fewer than 50 people. It has no real villages, no shops, and only a handful of cars. What it does have, however, are some of the most spectacular beaches in the Mediterranean.
The Caribbean of the Ionian
Voutoumi Beach
Sailing to Antipaxos is primarily about the water. Voutoumi Beach is world-renowned for its brilliant, electric-blue water and fine white sand. The colour of the sea here rivals anything you will find in the Caribbean. Because it is so popular with day-trippers from Corfu and Paxos, the best way to experience Voutoumi is on your own charter yacht. Arrive early in the morning or stay late in the afternoon after the tour boats have left, and you will have this slice of paradise almost to yourself.
Vrika Beach
Just slightly north of Voutoumi, Vrika is another stunning bay with incredibly clear water. It is slightly smaller and offers a couple of excellent beach tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish with your toes in the sand. This is a spot the whole family will love — if you are considering sailing with children in the Ionian, Vrika’s shallow, calm water is perfect for kids.
Navigating the West Coast
While the east coasts of Paxos and Antipaxos are gentle and sloping, the west coast of Paxos is rugged, wild, and dramatic. The limestone cliffs plunge vertically into the sea, hiding spectacular blue caves and impressive rock formations like the Ortholithos sea stack.
Sailing down the west coast of Paxos is a must-do on calm days. You can anchor near the caves and take your dinghy or paddleboard inside to explore. However, this coast is exposed to the prevailing northwesterly winds, so it should only be explored when the weather is settled. Check the best months for calm Ionian sailing conditions before planning your west coast exploration.
Planning Your Trip
Sailing from our base in Preveza to Paxos is a delightful journey. It typically involves a stopover in Parga or Sivota (on the mainland) before crossing the channel to the islands. If you are looking for a structured route, our Preveza to South Ionian itinerary can be adapted to include a northern extension to Paxos.
Because Paxos and Antipaxos are smaller and highly sought-after, their harbours can get busy during the peak months of July and August. Visiting in June or September often provides the best balance of warm weather and available mooring space.
Discovering the hidden gems of the Ionian Sea is what makes a sailboat charter so special. With their stunning beaches, cosmopolitan villages, and crystal-clear waters, Paxos and Antipaxos are destinations you will want to return to year after year. Explore our available yachts and contact us to start planning your voyage to these unforgettable islands.