Paxi (Paxos)

Paxi is the smallest ot the six main Ionian islands. When you step ashore at Gajos, the island's li!tle port, you'lI tind an exquisite miniature world just waiting to be discovered. ene ot the a!traetions ot th is island is lts size; it is 50 tiny (10 km. long and 4 km. wide) thai you ean easily walk trom one side to the other. At the same time, it is 50 thiek with grapevines and olive trees thai the whole plaee is like one big garden. Along lts eastern eoast, just a stone's throw away, are the smaller islands ot Panagia, Agios Nikolaos, Mongonissi and Kaltsonissi. During your stay on Paxi, you will tind wondertul beaehes and translucent waters, perteet tor
swimmjnig, snorkeling and tishing. You should not miss taking a trip around the island in a motor launeh, tor a look at lts speetaeular white elitfs, punetuated by delightful eoves and intriguing gro!toes.

Photo made by Siska Zwart at the harbor of Paxi

On the east side of the island sits Gaios, lts capital and biggest village. lts charming 19th century houses, threaded by narrow lanes, lie at the end of a closed "fjord", surrounded by trees and shrubs. At the entrance to th is picturesque harbour you can make out the islets of Panagia and Agios Nikolaos with lts Venetian castie and windmill. Laka is a little seaside settlement with a tiny harbour, built on a sheltered bay whose coasts are covered with olives and pines. lts low houses are particulary distinctive, painted in interesting shades of brown
and indigo. The grotto of Ypapanti is only 2 nautical miles from Laka by motorboat.
If you should happen to be in Pax i on the 15th of August, you'lI want to follow the faithful who gather at the Monastery of Panagia (Moni Panagias). The festivities last all day and all night, winding up
in Gaios with dancing in the main square.

Pleasant excursions may be made to Panagia, Agios Nikolaos, Mongonissi and j$:altsionissi. From Paxi it is .also possible to visit Parga on the mainland, a small town with a Venetian lortress and a wonderlul beach, and Andipaxi, a tiny island 3 nautical miles (30 minutes away) Irom Gaios.
About 120 people live on Andipaxi. lts slopes are practically covered with grapevines and ijs beaches are superb. Totally unspoilt, quiet Andipaxi serves as a reluge lor these seeking solitude, simplicity and serenity.

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