Picturesque, verdant and fringed by turquoise seas, the Ionian island of Paxos may be small, but its charm is immense. It’s the kind of place that lingers in your heart - once visited, it is renowned to call you back again and again.
Whether you're drawn to the lively rhythms of a harbourfront evening, the quiet of secluded coves or a perfect blend of both, Paxos has something for everyone. The island’s three main villages (Gaios, Loggos and Lakka) each offer their own unique charm and for those seeking space, privacy, and a touch of luxury, a villa stay could be the ideal choice. Let the Sunvil assist you to finding your perfect home-away-from-home on Paxos.
Gaios
Who it's for: Anyone who loves to be at the heart of the action, with a wide array of dining, drinking and shopping opportunities right on their doorstep. It's also ideal for those who want to be well-connected for excursions and for families with older children who can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
As the largest settlement on the island, Gaios has a charming energy that's hard to resist. The central square is the island's beating heart, especially in the summer evenings, as it fills with the buzz of life, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the surrounding tavernas and the sounds of children playing.
The waterfront promenade is a scenic stroll, lined with colourful buildings - an interesting mix of Venetian, Neoclassical and Ionian, souvenir shops and an eclectic mix of fishing boats, excursion vessels and private yachts. The protected channel, with the private island of Agios Nikolaos, adds to the town's stunning beauty and provides a wonderful viewpoint.
This harbourfront was famously sketched by Edward Lear in 1863.
From Gaios, you can easily access a variety of excursions and water taxis to destinations including the famous Blue Caves, the sandy beaches of Antipaxos and even day trips to the mainland, such as Parga and the Acheron River. For a beach day closer to home, you're a 40-minute walk from the organised beach of Kaki Lagada, while the small, pebbly Gianna beach is located within the town itself. With bus connections to Loggos and Lakka, Gaios also serves as a convenient base for exploring the rest of the island with bus connections and local boat hire.
Loggos
Who it's for: Romantics, artists and anyone seeking a slower pace and an authentic, welcoming community feel. This is the place for people-watching and unwinding.
Loggos is centred around its small, picturesque harbour. Quiet during the day, it comes alive in the evenings as private boats drop anchor and their owners come ashore for a delicious meal and a sundowner drink. The village is known for its warm and welcoming community; once you return, you'll be greeted as an old friend.
A tradition in Loggos is a visit the small café/bars on the small jetty; the perfect spot for a coffee and people-watching during the day. As the sun sets, the music and atmosphere grow more lively, making it a great place for an evening cocktail.
Loggos is also a great starting point for excursions and for private motorboat rental – allowing you to explore the stunning coastline at your own pace. You can also take a popular star-gazing cruise from here. For a beach fix, you're just a short walk south of the village to the beautiful beaches of Levrechio and Marmari.
Much of the accommodation in Loggos does not require a car, including options like Aleca’s Cottage, which is directly on the harbourfront, and The Beach House on Levrechio beach.
Lakka
Who it's for: Families with young children, water sports enthusiasts and those who want a blend of tranquillity and a stylish, low-key scene.
The island’s second largest settlement is seeing a well-deserved resurgence. Lakka is a horseshoe-shaped bay, naturally protected by lush headlands, which creates exceptionally calm waters. This makes it a fantastic location for swimming and watersports, with paddleboarding being a particularly popular activity.
A couple of narrow streets lead to the harbourfront, where you'll find a handful of tavernas. Take a stroll around the headland to reach the secluded pebbly cove of Orkos beach or walk in the opposite direction to the organised Harami beach, which has a taverna and sun beds. The walk to the lighthouse at the tip of the island offers fantastic views of the bay and is a must for any keen walkers.
We are always struck by the colours of the sea here, many hues of blue / aquamarine that contrast beautifully with the gleaming white pebble beaches. We’re sure that you too will be struck in awe.
Villa Accommodation
Who it's for: Couples, families and groups of friends of all sizes who want a "home away from home" experience with privacy, space and a touch of luxury.
Choosing a villa stay on Paxos provides the ultimate in freedom and flexibility. With a private pool and stunning countryside or coastal views, a villa is a private sanctuary. It can also be a more cost-effective option for groups, providing more space than multiple hotel rooms or apartments.
Many villas come with a hire car included in the package, making it easy to explore the entire island at your own pace. Enjoy a morning dip in your pool, a long lazy lunch on your terrace and dinner under the stars. Villas on the west coast offer the perfect vantage point for the setting sun.
For a truly indulgent experience, you can even arrange for a private chef to come to your villa or have food delivered from local tavernas. You can choose a villa with complete privacy or one within easy walking distance of a taverna or village, giving you the best of both worlds.
Why book your Paxos holiday with Sunvil?
With over 50 years of expertise in crafting bespoke travel experiences, Sunvil offers a deep understanding of what makes Paxos special. Our Paxos holidays are thoughtfully designed to highlight the island’s unique charm, from handpicked accommodations in its picturesque villages to tailored itineraries that allow you to explore at your own pace.
Let our team of destination specialists guide you in creating the perfect holiday to Paxos, where tranquillity and natural splendour await. Tel: 020 8568 4499.
