Exploring the Greek Isles: A Perfect Day Trip Around Paxos and Antipaxos
Taking a boat trip around Paxos and Antipaxos is a fantastic way to fully experience the immense blues surrounding these beautiful islands. Known for their crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and dramatic coastlines, Paxos and Antipaxos offer a slice of paradise that feels a world away from the crowded hotspots of the Mediterranean. Here’s how to make the most of a day on these magical islands.
Getting Started: Booking Your Boat Trip
Whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a group, arranging a boat tour around Paxos and Antipaxos is quite simple. From the port in Gaios, Paxos’ largest village, you’ll find a variety of tour operators offering full-day or half-day trips. Many of these tours include stops for snorkelling, beach time, and visits to sea caves, so be sure to ask about the itinerary to match your interests. If you’re staying in Lakka or Loggos you can arrange a transfer to Gaios for a small surcharge. I booked my ticket online and was lucky to be able to hop on the last trip of the season in mid-October.
If you’re more independent, consider renting your own boat for the day. A boating licence isn’t required for smaller vessels, and this gives you the freedom to set your own pace and explore secluded coves at leisure.
Setting Out from Gaios
Our journey began at the charming port town of Gaios, departing at 10:15 in the morning. The boat glides through a picturesque narrow channel between Mongonissi and the round islet of Caltsonisi, where we can see rocky formations that set the stage for the stunning caves we’ll explore.
Highlights of Paxos and Antipaxos
Blue Caves of Paxos
One of the main highlights is visiting the breathtaking Blue Caves, located along the western coast of Paxos. These caves, with their towering limestone walls and vibrant blue waters, create a surreal atmosphere. The sunlight filtering through the clear water gives it an electric turquoise hue, perfect for photos and a quick dip if the waters are calm.
Ortholithos of Paxos
A highlight of our journey is Ortholithos, a massive vertical rock that stands imposingly out of the crystal-clear water. According to local lore, the Greek god Poseidon created Ortholithos to represent his own vitality and passion for the sea goddess Amphitrite. The towering rock and large, beautiful cave on the opposite shore create a captivating scene, making it feel as if this site was crafted by the gods. Swimming near Ortholithos and exploring the cave’s depths is a must-do; the contrast between the rock formations and the sky is truly breathtaking.
Galazio Bay and the Tripitos Arch
The name “Galazio” means light blue, and this bay perfectly lives up to its name. The water here appears to glow, making it feel like a slice of heaven on earth. After a refreshing swim, we head to Tripitos Arch or “Kamara,” an impressive natural stone arch formed over the ages. Anchoring near this natural wonder allows you to swim beneath the arch, surrounded by the deep blue-green waters of Paxos—a mesmerising experience for swimmers and photographers alike.
Antipaxos: Voutoumi Beach
Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos is famous for its incredibly soft white sands and shallow turquoise waters. This is the perfect spot to relax and unwind for a couple of hours. You can swim, snorkel, or even enjoy a beach picnic. The views are stunning, with lush green hills serving as the perfect backdrop. I think that the waters here are some of the nicest I have ever experienced. There are also two local tavernas if you’d like to try Greek cuisine in this beautiful setting, unfortunately they had closed for the season when I visited.
A day trip around Paxos and Antipaxos is a journey to the heart of Greek island beauty. From mythical rock formations to serene beaches and surreal blue caves, this is an experience that captures the essence of the Ionian islands.