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What may
impress you most, however, is the sea;
crystal waters shading from pale turquoise to dark ocean-blue, and so
clear that you can study the sea-bed from the rocks or the bow of a boat.
In the beautiful natural sea caves on the west coast, the water becomes an
almost luminous blue as the sun's rays are reflected off the submerged
rocky floor. Thus the caves are known as the 'Blue Grottos'.
Hospitality is a sacred duty to
Paxos, as you will find out right from the beginning of your stay. As
direct descendants of the Ancient Greeks, Paxiots have an extremely
friendly disposition and readily did you.
Their warm smiles welcome you into their shops,
tavernas and homes, creating the perfect easy going atmosphere for you to
relax and unwind on this beautiful island. Their goodwill is infectious,
and before you know it you will be greeting them back and will return home
feeling almost Greek yourself!!
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.
Walking in Paxos is a delight. Hidden by olive trees,
in fields covered by wild flowers, you will discover old churches,
develict mansions still proudly standing and whispering tales of past
glory, old stone windmills, picturesque secluded landscapes, enchanting
sunsets.
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? Moreover, many of
the delicious coves on the east coast can only be reached from landwards
by foot, along narrow paths threading through the gnarled trunks of the
ancient olives.
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. |
