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The sky was beginning to turn pink over Levrechio beach in Paxos when the Sunvil driver dropped us off at Marmari Beach House in Loggos. I had spent all day pinching myself that we had actually arrived in Greece, and had a whole week in this beautiful place. You can’t really take travel for granted nowadays, but before I left Gatwick, I had been given a thorough checklist from Sunvil on what I needed to get to Greece and how to avoid any nasty surprises.
As Greece was on the amber list, and I’ve had both my Covid vaccinations, I didn’t need a PCR test before travelling. The Greek government requires all visitors to fill out an online passenger form, for which Sunvil sent me the link. It was much easier to fill out than the cumbersome Passenger Locator Form the UK government requires returning visitors to fill out 48 hours before returning home.
The Sunvil rep in Paxos, the ever-helpful Effie, gave me clear information on how to get the mandatory antigen test done 48 hours before I had to return home. The microbiology laboratory at Gaios was right beside the bus stop, and the fee was €30. After a wait of 20 minutes, I was given a printout with the negative result. The only other requirement was to book a day two PCR test after our return to the UK, for which Sunvil offered a discount with Randox, costing £43 instead of £48. This kit was waiting for me when I got home.
Once I had to return to Corfu airport, the Sunvil reps there took all of the information at check-in, so there was nothing else that had to be checked either at the gate or on arrival at Gatwick. What could have been a paperwork nightmare turned out to be a very straightforward affair.
That left plenty of time to enjoy Paxos, which was as magical as ever. Although it was my third visit to the island, it was my first time staying in Loggos rather than the usual Lakka. I had spotted Marmari Beach House the previous year while walking from Levrechio to Marmari beach, little realising I’d end up staying there this summer. Just thirty metres from Levrechio beach, a five-minute walk to Marmari beach and a five-minute walk to Loggos harbour – it was hard to find a more perfect spot.
Every time I had been to Paxos, I got the same response from friends: “Did you go to Antipaxos?” My answer was always no, and this time something had to be done about it. Panos Boat Tours in Loggos offers a day out on a small boat (maximum 35, but reduced to 30 because of Covid) exploring the southern and western coasts of Paxos before heading over to Antipaxos. Occasionally the skipper would drop anchor and the 20 of us on board would dive into that gloriously clear water. For €35 for a day out, including snacks, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the week. I couldn’t believe I had been depriving myself of this joyous day out all these years.
Everything about that week strengthened my love for this tiny island, whose extraordinarily beautiful beaches, exquisitely pretty villages and pleasantly laid-back pace of life drew me back once again – and will do so again in the future.
Mary Novakovich
9th September 2021
Sunvil's holidays are designed by passionate travellers just like you. Our reservations experts and product teams, many of whom have been with us for many years, are passionate about our destinations and, through their personal, first-hand knowledge can answer any questions that you may have. They are well qualified to advise and recommend, based on your own holiday criteria. We can point you to those special, little-known places, some not found even in guidebooks.
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