A natural stone arch resembling a bridge over the Ionian Sea, and sea caves accessible only by water, give Paxos a distinctive coastal perspective. Trypitos is this natural stone arch. The caves are accessed differently: they are reachable exclusively by sea. This gives you a choice between two different natural features—the bridge-like shape of Trypitos and caves accessible only by sea.
Coast and Boat Trips
A boat tour to the sea caves departs from Gaios and includes the large Ypapanti Cave and the Achai cave system, among other destinations. The named stops make the trip specific: the route includes both a large cave and a cave system. Check the latest tour details for your travel dates, as no fixed departure time is specified.
Most beaches are easy to reach via the road network. Their character is defined by clear water, greenery reaching the shore, and secluded coves. This gives you two different ways to explore: the beaches are shaped by their shoreline and road access, while the sea caves are accessible exclusively by water.
Churches, Fortress and Island Culture
In 1423, Adam II San Ippolyto began construction of Saint Nicholas Castle on Paxos with the approval of Venice. The fortress was intended to protect the inhabitants from pirates. The date, patron and purpose together tell the story of a specific defensive role. The Church of Saint Spyridon provides another point of reference: it is listed in Paxos’s first church register, dating from 1686.
On Panagia Islet, the Church and Monastery of Panagia Vellianiton were probably built at the beginning of the 17th century. A tall, whitewashed wall surrounds the complex. The Paxos Folklore Museum was founded in 1996 by the Cultural Association of Paxos to preserve the island’s cultural heritage. These examples represent different aspects of the island’s history: a building with a defensive purpose, a church register, a religious complex and an institution dedicated to preserving cultural heritage.
A recurring event is also part of the cultural calendar: the Neroladia Festival takes place annually in Gaios, usually in late July. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the specific festival dates for your travel dates.
Trails Through Olive Groves
An excellent network of trails runs through dense, ancient olive groves and connects picturesque settlements. Two routes offer different distances. The hike from Lakka to Gaios is about 12 kilometres long, takes around two and a half hours and reaches a maximum elevation of 241 metres. Despite the elevation gain, it is considered relatively easy.
The route from Loggos via Orkos Beach to Lakka is considerably shorter, at about five kilometres; its elevation difference is 162 metres and is described as moderate. These details help you compare the distances: the shorter route goes via Orkos Beach, while the longer one connects Lakka and Gaios. The Lakka–Gaios route also lists the walking time and maximum elevation, while the route via Orkos Beach gives the elevation difference.
Getting There by Air and Ferry
A connection from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” goes via Corfu Airport and then by ferry to Paxi (Gaios). On this route, the flight takes between one hour and one hour 15 minutes; the ferry crossing takes 55 minutes. Check schedules and operators for your travel dates, as these can change. This lets you plan the two legs of the journey separately before exploring Paxos according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Zakynthos, Lefkada, Kefalonia, Corfu, Ithaca.
Go to the main travel overview: Ionian Islands.
