Natural Landmarks
The Blue Caves
Along the western coast of Paxos, a series of stunning sea caves draws visitors from around the world. The most spectacular cluster lies near Erimitis beach, where the crystal-clear waters shine with an otherworldly blue hue. The largest cave, Ypapanti, can accommodate small cruise boats, allowing visitors to venture inside its magnificent chambers. A collapsed roof in one cave creates a natural skylight, offering photographers exceptional opportunities for capturing the interplay of light and water.
To visit the Blue Caves, you can either join an organized boat tour from Gaios or Lakka or rent a private boat. Morning visits often provide the best conditions, when the sun’s position highlights the caves’ stunning colors.
Tripitos Arch (Kamara)
The Tripitos Arch stands as one of Paxos’s most impressive natural formations. This limestone arch, rising more than 20 meters high, formed from a collapsed sea cave and now offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. While appearing narrow from above, the arch is wide enough for careful visitors to walk across.
You can reach Tripitos by sea or via a hiking trail from Ozias village. The trail requires proper footwear, as the final section becomes steep and rocky. For those driving, use GPS coordinates 39.182751,20.185422 to find the parking area, then walk about 300 meters to reach the arch.
Scenic Viewpoints
Paxos offers several breathtaking viewpoints that showcase the island’s beauty:
- Gaios Balcony: Overlooks the old port and town, providing panoramic views of the harbor
- Kastanida: Offers sweeping views of the west coast cliffs and Erimitis beach
- Bousanas: Perfect for watching sunsets over Lakka bay
- Galazio: Named for the light blue waters below, this clifftop location provides unmatched coastal views
Historic Maritime Structures
Lighthouses
The Lakka Lighthouse (Faros), built in 1825, stands as a testament to Paxos’s maritime heritage. This 10.7-meter square tower underwent reconstruction in 1919 following a landslide and still operates today. The lighthouse complex includes a three-bedroom stone house and offers impressive views of the northern coastline.
The Antipaxos Lighthouse, dating from 1906, sits on the southeastern edge of the smaller island. Its automation in 1992 marked the end of an era for lighthouse keepers, but it continues to guide ships with its distinctive white flash visible up to 12 nautical miles away. Learn more about visiting Antipaxos.
Castle of Saint Nicholas
Built in the 15th century to defend against pirates and Ottoman forces, the Castle of Saint Nicholas occupies a strategic position on its namesake islet opposite Gaios. Most of its walls remain intact, including the gunpowder magazine, observation post, and a deep well that still contains water. The castle represents one of the finest examples of Venetian military architecture in the Ionian Islands.
Cultural Heritage
Religious Sites
As detailed in our cultural activities guide, Paxos houses 64 churches despite its small population of 2,500 residents. Notable examples include:
- Ypapanti Church (1601): The island’s only Byzantine-style church, featuring a double dome and marble altar-front
- Agion Apostolon: A well-preserved church mentioned in records from 1686, featuring important icons
- Agia Triada: Distinguished by its pink and white bell tower and biblical frescoes
Two early Christian ruins from the 6th century AD, Agia Marina and Agios Stefanos, offer glimpses into the island’s ancient religious history.
Traditional Architecture
Venetian influence shapes much of Paxos’s architectural heritage, evident in the tiled roofs and neoclassical buildings throughout Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos. Historical windmills dot the landscape, with the Loggos Mill and Lesianitis Mill standing as protected monuments of the island’s agricultural past.
Agricultural Heritage
Olive groves blanket the island, with an estimated 300,000 trees introduced by the Venetians in the 16th century. Many trees reach heights of 7 meters or more, unusually tall compared to mainland Greece. Traditional stone presses still process olives between October and March, producing high-quality oil using time-honored methods.
Historical Sites and Museums
The Historical and Folklore Museum in Gaios, housed in a 1906 school building, displays artifacts ranging from prehistoric times to the Venetian period. Exhibits include fossils, pottery, traditional furniture, and agricultural tools.
In Loggos, the Old Soap Factory has been transformed into an art exhibition space while preserving its industrial heritage. The building provides insight into the island’s historical soap-making industry, which utilized local olive oil.
Practical Information
According to our seasonal guide, the best time to visit is May to October. For transportation around the island, check our transportation guide.
- Transportation: Rent a car, scooter, or bicycle to explore the island
- Photography: Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photos
- Accessibility: Some sites require moderate hiking; wear appropriate footwear
- Guided tours: Available from Gaios and Lakka for both land and sea attractions
Whether you’re interested in natural wonders, historical sites, or cultural attractions, Paxos offers a rich tapestry of experiences that reward thorough exploration. Its compact size allows visitors to see many highlights in a few days, though a longer stay permits a deeper appreciation of this enchanting Ionian island. For more information about exploring the island, check out our complete guide to Paxos.