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Paxos is the first place to forget all about the modern world and let the island weave its ancient and simple spell over you.
Visiting Paxos is like entering a world you thought only existed on the pictures of faded postcards, an island of sleepy fishing villages, extensive olive groves and tiny coves where astonishingly clear water washes white pebbly beaches.
Untarnished by mass tourism, Paxos retains a delightfully unhurried way of life that gently forces even the most stressed-out visitor to unwind completely.
Paxos is the sort of place to which you risk becoming deeply attached, returning year after year to be greeted like an old friend when you arrive and given a warm farewell when you take your sad leave.
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The area around Lakka is
great for walking and exploring
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Walk
among the olive groves in May and June, before it grows too hot,
and discover the old Paxos, where goats wander among abandoned
stone houses, and the ground is carpeted with wild flowers. |
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Paxos is also small enough to be able to escape the tyranny of the motor car, except in July and August, the busiest time of the year. For those who like to explore on foot, not only is everywhere within feasible walking distance but the unique canopy of olive trees creates a shade which makes walking comfortable, even in the height of the summer, whilst the glorious spectacle of the spring wild flowers makes walking nothing less than intoxicating. Abundant
flora and fauna also make it a favorite with amateur botanists
and ornithologists, especially in spring. Home to a quarter of a
million olive trees, it is also reputed to give the best olive
oil in the world. The endless ranks of trees can make walks on
Paxos' inland hillsides thoroughly monotonous. The ancient trees
are rarely sprayed and each family has its own grove; the result
is a golden oil that has snaffled a clutch of international
medals.
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The
island's east coast is dotted with small coves and bays
whose warm, clear water is perfect for swimming and
snorkeling |
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Ambling
through the forest, you may stumble magically on unexpected bays
of startling turquoise or catch fleeting glimpses of the
mountains of Epirus or the tiny isle of Antipaxos, or suddenly
find yourself gasping at the sight of the sheer cliffs on the
west coast. Nothing seems more conducive to winding down than
taking life at strolling pace. You could even follow local
custom and cadge a lift, although traffic is infrequent, except
at the height of summer and, like everything else in Paxos,
moves at a sedate pace - the lanes are too narrow and winding
for fast driving but what's the point of hurrying when the
island's extremities are under ten kilometers apart?
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| There are two scuba diving schools on the
island |
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The”
Oasis -Sub “ base is situated directly on the
way in to Lakka. It is run by highly qualified
personnel. Offering the
latest
equipment for rent and has two compressors. There are
two boat trips per day. Steep drops, crevices, a ship
wreck, caves and grottoes with unusual light-effects
guarantee unforgettable dives. Moray-eels, sea-perch,
octopus, parrot-fish, seriolas, prawns, lobsters and
crayfish provide unique subject for underwater
photographers.
Prerequisites for your own safety:
International diving certificate, at least 1 star.
A valid doctor’s certificate of fitness to dive.
Alternative air supply (e.g. Octopus).
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main beaches offer
pedaloes, canoes, ring and banana rides, water-skiing and wakeboarding; on some,
parascending, windsurfing and small catamarans are also available.
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Lakka
is best known for its beautiful natural bay and the water sports
available there. The bay, well sheltered from the wind,
is excellent for learning windsurfing or sailing. |
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The enchanting necklace of coves on the east coast can easily be explored by sea using one of the fleet of small motorboats .Boating is a splendid way to discover the coast but foot-power is almost as good, wherever you are based.
In
addition you can take the boats to Anti-Paxos to swim at the
island's fine sandy beaches.
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Like most of Paxos, your first impression of Gaios is that it is as pretty as a picture. Despite a few friendly music bars, smart restaurants and sophisticated boutiques around the central harbour square, the general atmosphere is one of comfortable
indolence
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Nestled on a beautiful
harbour is Gaios, the main town of Paxos island. Overlooking the
lush green islets of Agios Nikolas and Panagias, gracious
Venetian and neo-classical mansions and mastic trees line the
shore keeping watch over a colorful string of traditional
fishing boats, yachts and cruisers.
Gaios is the main port for
regular ferry and speedboat connections with Corfu, mainland
ports of Igoumenitsa and Parga and the Italian port of Brindisi.
Markets, shops, cafes and patisseries are found as one strolls
through the flower-lade Ned, narrow streets leading off the
waterfront plateia.
Easy
access to water taxis; boat, car and motorbike rentals; banks
and a vibrant nightlife make the picturesque town of Gaios and
its surrounds a wonderful focal point for exploring the beauty
of Paxos by land and sea.
Beloved
by the yachting fraternity, haunt of chic Italians in August,
wonderful walking country and impossible not to adore
unreservedly - Paxos is a real
beauty !
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Paxos
is particularly suited to the very young. Most facilities
and amenities are within close proximity and children can be
watched easily from the tavernas - relaxing for the parents.
The island is so green it is hard to believe that water is so precious - but if the electricity fails (an event not frequent - but not unheard of), that's the end of the water too, for the pumps can't raise the water from the cisterns, the only thing to do then is to give a philosophical Greek shrug, wander down to the harbour and have a candlelit dinner by the waterside. But then the reason for going to Paxos in the first place is to forget all about the modern world and let the island weave its ancient and simple spell over you.
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Walk among the olive groves in May
and June, before it grows too hot, and discover the old Paxos, where goats wander among abandoned stone houses, and the ground is carpeted with wild flowers.
Little has changed in Paxos over the years, thanks to careful control of tourism and development. |
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Paxos
has a cultural side too.
Artists,
both amateur and professional, visit the island either
independently or as part of an organized painting holiday.
In
September, the island revels in the unique sounds of a classical
music festival. Young stars from all over Europe join together to
give free concerts during this No-week celebration of music.
As
October arrives, the pace begins to slow as the Paxiots prepare to
return to their own lives.
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Untarnished by mass tourism, Paxos retains a delightfully unhurried way of life that gently forces even the most stressed-out visitor to unwind completely.
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Pages Updated on :
21. August 2007 23:16
Copyright © 2001 VILLA CARDIA.
All right reserved
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