Trips On Paxos: 'Simply Enchanting'

Paxos is a small group of islands on the west of the Greek mainland. In fact, Paxos is a very small Greek island covering an area of only 30.121 sq km (12 sq mi) and has a population of about 2,500. It has an interesting history in ancient Greek mythology, which explains how Poseidon created the island to provide a peaceful place for him and his wife, Amphitrite.

Paxos is the perfect island for walkers. Walking trips on Paxos will be very enjoyable since this island has scenic views and it is beleieved that God has bestowed this place with amazing beauty and charm. It's not just the steep climbs that will take your breath away - the greenery is surprisingly varied, ranging from ancient olive groves to pine covered areas that are simply breathtaking. The dirt roads have trees on both the sides and most of them lead to quiet beaches that feel they have never been explored. While traveling through the narrow lanes views of old churches, huts, and tiny villages are very common. As Paxos is very small in size you can cover the whole island by foot, though it may take several days.

There are three main routes to walk around the island of Paxos:

1. Through the West Coast of Paxos
2. Through Trypitos
3. Gaios to Lakka

Paxos West Coast can be walked either from Bogdanitika or Magazia and both are good starting points but for the best scenic views it is recommended to travel by boat. While walking west of Bogdanatika there is a smaller settlement called Makratika where one of the junior schools is located. If you continue your walk then you will notice two churches and before arriving at an olive grove and ultimately at a pebble beach with clear water and very few people.

Trypitos, Paxos - There is a bus stop behind the town of Gaios and from there two roads lead inland. The right one is the busy main road and is towards the hill - we don't suggest walking this road. Take the left road( leads past a petrol station) and then high on the left side is Castello Disco. You will see a wide gravel road forking left by a bridge; follow this path for about 700 metres and after this you will find an old house with bee bowles. The path is rough from here but it leads to an old church and a scary graveyard from ancient times. Then a concrete path comes and on passing the road you will find a stoned hut with blue, traditional Greek doors. Walking left from here will lead you to the splendid green valley. Now leave this path and on the right there is a bulldozed track which leads you straight to Trypitos.

Gaios to Lakka - From the back of Gaios there are several hidden paths which lead to the hillside (the preferrred one is via British Cisterna, which is pink painted). However, you can also take the bus and go via the main road. Both routes go inland and will lead you up into Bogdanatika. From here if you walk north there is a sports ground, where you can take a right turning into the wide road, pass through a church of Ag.Haralambos and then from here turn right again and follow the concrete track which leads to the central ridge of the Paxos and pass the highest summit by church Ag.Isavvros at Megali Vigla. From here the tracks lead down to the village of Arvanatika. On going down, turn right and join the main road again which leads you to the south of the village Magazia. Then continue pass the filling station and ignore the left track as it leads to the Sunset bar (though this is a terrific venue to visit in the evening). On going straight to the road you will find the fire station, schools and churches with the exotic greenery all the way. If you continue to proceed you will find olive trees and the church of Ypapanti, then an ancient spring and after that there comes a narrow tarmac lane which leads you to another port of Paxos, called Lakka.

But it is advised for serious or even casual walkers that the guide book "Bleadsdale Walking Map Of Paxos" should be used as a reference. This book is an invaluable source of information for walkers keen to explore Paxos, as it has been written over the last 15 years by an author that has travelled each and every part of the island personally.

So, if you are looking for a peaceful and alluring trip then exploring Paxos by walking is highly recommended. Paxos is the ultimate destination for walking holidays throughout the year.