Small, green and famously beautiful, Paxi (Paxos) is the jewel of the southern Ionian — an olive-covered island just 25 sq. km. in size, yet dense with sheltered harbours, sea caves and turquoise coves. A yacht charter around Paxi is one of the most rewarding short cruises in Greece, pairing the picturesque ports of Gaios, Lakka and Loggos with the dazzling beaches of neighbouring Antipaxos, all within easy reach of Corfu.
Why Charter a Yacht Around Paxi?
Paxi lies about 7 nautical miles south of Corfu and shares its neighbour's history and lush character — legend even says the two islands were once joined, split apart by a blow from Poseidon's trident. The whole island reads like an endless olive grove fringed by an intricate, deeply indented coastline that is made for exploring by boat. Distances are short, anchorages are close together and the sailing is gentle, which makes Paxi a perfect destination for a relaxed week or a rewarding leg of a longer Ionian route.
- Short, easy hops between Gaios, Loggos and Lakka — ideal for relaxed cruising and first-time charterers.
- Sheltered natural harbours and calm eastern anchorages protected by wooded islets.
- The exotic, aquamarine beaches of Antipaxos just 3 n.m. to the south.
- Sea caves, wind holes and dramatic west-coast cliffs reachable only from the water.
- Excellent tavernas, refuelling and water in Gaios and Lakka.
- Easy connection to Corfu, Lefkada and the wider Ionian for one-way or round trips.
Harbours & Anchorages Around Paxi
Gaios
The capital and main harbour, Gaios sits on the southeast side of the island in a long, protected channel screened by the wooded islets of Aghios Nikolaos and Panaghia. In summer it fills with yachts and has a distinctive Ionian character, elegant waterfront houses, tavernas and a genuinely magnetic atmosphere. Ashore, look for the church of the Holy Apostles, the monastery of the Virgin on Panaghia islet, and the Venetian castle (1423) with its old windmill on Aghios Nikolaos.
Loggos
On the northeast coast, tucked among dense olive and pine woods, Loggos is a small, exceptionally pretty fishing village turned intimate anchorage. Good tavernas line the quay and the surrounding beaches of Levrechio and Marmaria are within easy reach; the old Anemoyanni olive press at the edge of the village is worth a stroll ashore.
Lakka
At the island's northern tip, Lakka lies in a wide, sheltered bay that is one of the finest natural anchorages in the Ionian, a popular overnight stop with clear water for swimming. Nearby are the beaches of Monodendri and Harami, while the sea cave of Hypapanti and quieter coves such as Orkos are best reached by dinghy or tender.
Antipaxos
Just 3 n.m. south of Paxi, tiny Antipaxos is covered in vineyards and ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Vrika and Voutoumi, with their transparent aquamarine water, are the star anchorages for a lunch stop or a swim, while the pebble beaches of Rodovani and Sarakiniko are usually blissfully empty.
Sail Paxi & Antipaxos with Nautilia
Tell us your dates and crew and our team will match you with the right yacht and the best route through Paxi, Antipaxos and Corfu.
When to Sail to Paxi
The Ionian offers one of the gentlest sailing climates in Greece. Summer brings the light afternoon maestro, a northwesterly sea breeze that usually builds in the early afternoon and fades by evening — steady enough for good sailing, moderate enough to keep anchorages calm. Conditions are far softer than the Aegean Meltemi, which is a large part of what makes Paxi so beginner-friendly.
Warm, uncrowded and green, with light winds and quiet anchorages in Lakka and Loggos.
Hot and lively; book Gaios and Antipaxos early and arrive at popular bays before midday.
Warm sea, thinner crowds and reliable afternoon breezes — many sailors' favourite time.
The Dormition of the Virgin on 15 August is celebrated on Panaghia islet off Gaios and is a highlight for anyone cruising the area in high summer. For more detail on Ionian weather and seasonal winds, see our guides on the winds in Greece and climate and weather in Greece.
Explore More of the Ionian
Paxi pairs naturally with its Ionian neighbours. Combine it with the Venetian harbours of Corfu to the north, or extend south toward Lefkada, Kefalonia and Zakynthos for a longer cruise.
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Plan your Ionian sailing route
Where do yacht charters to Paxi start from?
Most charters reach Paxi from a base in Corfu, usually Gouvia Marina, which is about 7 nautical miles to the north. Paxi also works well as a stop on a longer one-way or round-trip Ionian cruise that takes in Lefkada and Kefalonia.
Is Paxi suitable for beginner sailors?
Yes. The Ionian has gentle, predictable winds and short distances between harbours, and Paxi's anchorages are close together and well sheltered. It is one of the easiest and most rewarding areas in Greece for first-time charterers.
Which harbours can I visit around Paxi?
The three main ports are Gaios, the capital in the southeast, Loggos on the northeast coast, and Lakka in the sheltered northern bay. Nearby Antipaxos to the south offers superb daytime anchorages at Vrika and Voutoumi.
How far is Antipaxos from Paxi?
Antipaxos lies about 3 nautical miles south of Paxi, an easy short hop. Its vineyard-covered shores and clear aquamarine beaches make it a popular lunch or swimming stop before returning to Gaios or Loggos for the night.
When is the best time to sail to Paxi?
May to October is the sailing season. May, June, September and October offer warm weather, lighter crowds and pleasant breezes, while July and August are hottest and busiest, so popular anchorages should be reached early in the day.
Can I refuel and take on water at Paxi?
Yes. Fuel and water are available in the harbours of Gaios and Lakka, and both towns have tavernas, shops and facilities for provisioning. Olive oil is the island's characteristic local product and worth taking home.
