Greece: Five perfect islands - Paxos is overcrowded, but for good reason
Andreas Fritsch
· 10.08.2025
Greece is a top destination for island hopping. Whether it's the Aegean or the Ionian Sea, there's always something appealing to be found. But a few Greek islands are particularly special. Tips for the island of Paxos from cruising expert Andreas Fritsch.
If Corfu didn't have this little jewel in the south as a neighbour, only half of the charter crews would start from Corfu. But anyone who has experienced the island once is happy to come back and rave about it - unless they were there in high season. Because the Ionian Sea is now pretty crowded in summer, and so is Paxos. But still, whenever I'm there, I like the island even if you're now moored in the bays with dozens of other yachts.
There are two main reasons for this: The fantastically beautiful, turquoise bay of Lakka, which glows in the sun, and the winding, almost fjord-like harbour of Gaios. The former is surrounded by wooded hills and rocks in front of the small village of the same name. It has perhaps a dozen moorings on the pier (water and electricity available), otherwise you anchor here - except in strong northerly winds, when there is swell in the bay. The sandy bottom holds well. If the bay is very crowded, deploy a shore line in the western part.
Click here for the other parts of our "Five perfect islands" series:
Lakka - Greece straight out of a picture book
Lakka is exactly the right mix of bars right on the water, restaurants in the alleyways behind, a very good bakery, a few good shops with local products and, of course, the sandy bay where you can refresh yourself after the heat of the day. It doesn't take much more than that to make sailors happy.
In Gaios you are right in the centre of the action
Gaios, on the other hand, is a total contrast: the narrow northern access road meanders like a river through the hills and along the densely wooded island of Agios Nikolaos in front of it. Only after a sharp bend does the view of the town and its well-protected harbour become clear. You look for a spot and are right in the middle of the action, the gangway or wooden plank usually falls almost between the chairs of the restaurants and bars. Often crowded with tourists from the mainland during the day, it gets quieter in the evening and the small, winding streets with their fish market, church square and many restaurants and cafés unfold their charm. Simply moor at the pier with a bow anchor, but be careful, some places in the north are reserved for excursion boats from 10 am to 5 pm!
Calmer alternatives
If Lakka is too crowded, you can anchor on the east coast off the small village of Longos on the way south in very calm weather. The tiny pier is usually busy, with luck two yachts will fit there. At night, however, there is always swell from passing ships. However, the bay is ideal for a day stop. There are three nice bars and restaurants on the shore. In the evening, when the lights come on, the tiny village with the pier is very picturesque.
There is a similar alternative south of Gaios: Mongonisi Bay. A large bay with many anchorages, and a few on a pier, but there are a few rocks there, be careful with the oars! in summer there is a bar on the beach. Flotillas often anchor here.
How to get to Paxos
Charter start from Corfu in the north or Levkas in the south. Large fleet selection. The area is thermal in the summer, with light winds in the mornings and evenings.
Worthwhile excursions
If you spend the night in Lakka, you can sail along the west side of Paxos the next day before too many thermals and therefore swell build up there and visit one of the three Blue Grottoes while swimming or in a dinghy. In Gaios, opposite the town harbour, an old Venetian fortress is hidden in the forest on the island of Agios Nikolaos. Only ruins remain, but the view of Gaios is very beautiful.
Restaurant tips for Paxos
- In Lakka: The "Fanis Bar" with its fantastic terrace right on the bay is THE place for a sundowner or a beer on the pier. Stasinos" is a good choice for dinner later on.
- Gaios: The "Mambo" south of the harbour. It has a good and rare selection of traditional dishes such as kleftiko, rabbit stifado, etc.
