Two small Ionian islands south of Corfu: Paxos with the pretty port of Gaios, olive groves and sea caves, and tiny Antipaxos with turquoise beaches backed by vineyards.
Paxos and Antipaxos are two small Ionian islands lying roughly 40-50 km south of Corfu Town, and together they make one of the most popular boat day trips in the Greek Ionian. The crossing to Gaios, the sheltered main port of Paxos, takes about one hour on a fast boat, while full-day excursion boats leave from Corfu Town or Lefkimmi and are away for around 10 hours. Excursions typically cost about €47-55 per person, and the seasonal Corfu-Gaios fast boat is about €35 one way, so independent travellers can also build their own day. Boats run mainly from May to September, and a morning departure is essential to make the island stops worthwhile.
Gaios is the highlight of Paxos: a pastel-coloured waterfront wrapped around a harbour sheltered by the islets of Agios Nikolaos and Panagia, lined with tavernas and cafes. Olive groves cover much of the interior, and excursion boats often add a trip along the western cliffs of Paxos to visit sea caves and the Ipapanti cave, which are only reachable from the water. Antipaxos, a short hop south of Paxos, is far smaller and quieter, with vineyards running down to white-pebble beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika, where the water takes on a vivid turquoise tone. Most operators allow time for a swim at one of these beaches.
A typical day begins with an early departure from Corfu, a cruise along the Paxos coast and caves in the late morning, then a swim stop at Voutoumi or Vrika around midday. Lunch is usually taken in Gaios, where waterfront tavernas serve grilled fish, local olive oil dishes and Ionian wines, and visitors have an hour or two to wander the lanes before the afternoon return. Antipaxos has only a few simple beach tavernas, so many visitors bring water and snacks. Late spring and early autumn offer calmer crowds, while July and August are the busiest and hottest months. Sea conditions can cancel sailings, so confirm the departure the day before.
| Distance | About 40-50 km south of Corfu Town by sea |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour by fast boat each way; excursions last about 10 hours |
| Getting there | Boat: seasonal fast boat or full-day excursion boat from Corfu to Gaios, Paxos |
| Cost | Shared day excursions about €47-55 (~$54-63) per person; fast boat about €35 (~$40) one way |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Gaios harbour, 49082 Paxos, Greece |
How to get there
- Excursion boat: full-day Paxos and Antipaxos cruise from Corfu Town or Lefkimmi, roughly €47-55 (~$54-63)
- Ferry: seasonal Corfu-Gaios fast boat, about €35 (~$40) one way
- Private speedboat charter from Gouvia marina (priced per group)
Location
Gaios harbour, 49082 Paxos, Greece
39.1980, 20.1860 View on map
Highlights
- Gaios, a pastel harbour town sheltered by two small islets
- Boat visits to the sea caves along the western cliffs of Paxos
- Swimming at Voutoumi and Vrika beaches on Antipaxos
- Lunch of grilled fish at a Gaios waterfront taverna
- Vineyards and olive groves visible from the boat deck
Tips for visiting
- Book the full-day excursion a day ahead in July and August, when boats fill up.
- Bring a hat, sun cream, towel and swimwear; shade is limited on Antipaxos beaches.
- Take motion-sickness tablets if sensitive; the open channel can be choppy in afternoon wind.
- Carry water and snacks for Antipaxos, where beach tavernas are few and basic.
- Check the departure the day before; sailings are cancelled in strong winds.
When to visit
May, June and September offer warm swimming water with fewer crowds than July and August. Depart in the morning to reach the beaches before the midday rush.
Accessibility
Boarding involves gangways and steps, and the Antipaxos beaches are reached by tender or steep paths, so the trip is difficult for wheelchair users. Gaios harbour front is mostly flat and easier to walk.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does the boat from Corfu to Paxos take?
The fast boat to Gaios takes about one hour each way. Full-day excursions are away for roughly 10 hours, including sea cave visits and swim stops.
How much does a Paxos and Antipaxos day trip cost?
Shared excursions cost about €47-55 per person, and the seasonal fast boat to Gaios is about €35 one way. Meals and drinks are extra.
Which beach on Antipaxos is best?
Voutoumi and Vrika are the best-known beaches, with clear turquoise water over white pebbles. Both are backed by vineyards and have limited facilities.