Lakka: one of the four main villages of Paxos, with a population of 400, lies at the northernmost tip of the island.It is hidden in a striking, deeply indented bay, which protects it from the prevailing southerly winds. Even though, during the summer, its harbour is full of yachts, it does not lose its pristine quality and the waters are always clear and clean. There are several well-appointed cafes and tavernas. West of Lakka there are three fine beaches in succession, the best-known being Harami, and here you may enjoy fine swimming.

Loggos: is a picturesque village, in a lush green setting of olive trees and pines, with several fish tavernas and bars. It is located five kilometres from Gaios, and has 200 inhabitants. The wall frescoes in the Church of the Source of Life (Zoodohos Pigi), whose existence was mentioned as early as 1739, are particularly interesting.

 

Gaios:is the capital, the centre of commerce and culture, and the main port of the island. The islet of Saint Nicholas, a natural breakwater, has a Byzantine fortress and two tiny churches.During the summer, Gaios becomes very cosmopolitan, and people dress carefully for their evenings out. The Cultural Centre of Paxos is based in Gaios, with a theatrical group and an orchestra. Between Gaios and Lakka lie around 15 beaches for fine swimming, among them Arkoudaki, Orkos, Monodendri, Glyfada and Levrecchio.

 

The islet of the Virgin Mary: is located in Gaios Bay and has a church dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, which is built on an early Christian cruciform church, of which one part remains as the sanctuary.

Mongonisi: is a beautiful bay in the south east of the island.

Ozias: is the oldest settlement on the island, with a population of 250. The churches of Agia Marina and Agios Stefanos date from the 6th century and have great historical value, even though today they lie in ruins.

Kaltsionisi: a tiny, emerald island on which there is a small church dedicated to Saint Spiridon, dating at least from 1686.

The sea caves: the west coast of Paxos is precipitous, with sheer cliffs and sea caves. The fame of the island owes much to this majestic natural beauty. Locals say that the great cave which lies below the village of Vassilatika communicates with the Church of Ypapanti. More certain, however, is the fact that during the Second World War the Greek submarine Papanikolis sheltered inside the cave, an indication of its huge size.

From the lighthouse at Lakka a footpath winds down to Planos, a lovely beach which you can reach without a boat. But you will need a boat to reach Achai, a fantastic beach with eroded stones and rocks providing a fine setting for fun in the bright blue sea.

Antipaxos: despite its sparse population (20 people only), has two or three tavernas and about 50 houses, which are mostly occupied only during the summer or at weekends. There is an adequate road. You can get there by means of a boat excursion from Gaios, or you can hire a boat and explore the island. The superb eastern beaches, with their golden sand and many-hued water, are famous throughout the Ionian. The southern part of the island, rocky and atmospheric, forms delightful small beaches such as Rodovani, with caves, Helidonograva for example, and rocky islets such as Daskalia. Inland, the church of Agios Emilianos is worth a visit, and was restored in 1864. The island is planted all over with vines of such varieties as 'troukaniaris', 'korakas', 'korinthi', 'petrokorinthos' and fidia', from which the locals make a strong wine of the best quality - one which you will not easily find in the shops (its price is around 7.50 euros a kilo) but if you do find it, make sure to enjoy some!