Paxi

General Information Many have probably never even heard of this little island, but it is a lovely place for anyone who wants a really quiet, relaxing holiday.

A very pretty, green and mountainous little pearl, Paxi offers quite a few things to see, wonderful beaches and very hospitable people.

The locals live partly off agriculture, fishing and stock breeding, but to some extent also of tourism. Many of the younger islanders go to one of the larger Ionians islands in summer for work and then enjoy the quiet of their own island in the winter.

History Mythology has it that the lovestruck Poseidon created this island by striking Corfu with his trident, so that he and his new wife Amfitrite could have some peace and quiet.

Even though it might have been inhabited well before then,the Phoenecians are traditionally held to have been the first settlers on Paxi. Even the name indicates it, since Pax meant slate in their language.

The Romans ruled the island from the 2nd century BC, and during the Byzantine time and Middle ages it was constantly attacked by pirates. After various rulers and Crusaders had passed Paxi, the island was taken by the Venetians in the beginning of the 16th century.

At the end of the 18th century, the island belonged to the Napolean army, and for a while, it belonged to the Ionian Union. During most of the 19th century Paxi was a British protectorate. The war of Independence had broken out in 1821 and in 1864 Paxi was liberated.

What to See : Paxi is a sight in itself since it is very pretty, but there is also a Venetian kastro and the cave of Ipapanti.

What to Do :You come here to relax, so bring some snorkelling gear and enjoy the waters! There are sometimes daytrips to Corfu.

Beaches There are some lovely little beaches you can discover of your own, but the best known are at Gaius and Lakka

Nightlife: There are a few bars in Gaius, but don't expect any wild partying. In stead, enjoy warm the summer evenings with a cold drink on one of the quiet little places, or stay plate on some tavern.

Food: You will find that the taverns here serve very good, traditional Greek food. You can also get pizza and pasta at some place.

Shopping: In Gaios there are a couple of shops where you can buy some of the islands renowned olive-oil and more traditional souvenirs.

Getting Around There is a bus connecting Gaios and Lakka, and a few taxis. Apart from that you'll have to walk.

Getting There: There are daily ferryboats between Paxi and Patras. There are also connections with Igoumenitsa .

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