History and sights of Paxos

History of Paxos

The history of Paquet roughly coincides with the history of Corfu. The main influence on the fate of Pake was the Venetian rule, which continued more than 400 years. During this era the famous fortress on the islet of Agios Nikolaos near the port of Gayos (15th century) was built and the cultivation of the olive, which occupied almost the entire island, gradually changed the life of the island. In 1537, near the island, the famous Paxian naval battle between the Christian fleet commanded by Andrea Doria and the Turks, who were defeated and their 12 galleys were captured and taken in tow to Messina. In 1810 the Paxians rebelled against the French and turned to the British for help. However, the British finally established their authority over the Paxies in 1814 and remained here until 1864, when the Paxies were reunited with Greece.

Paxos Attractions

The picturesque port of Gayos is the capital of the island. Near the port there are two small richly vegetated islets protecting it from the bad weather. One is Panagia (Virgin Mary) with its monastery of the same name, and the other is Ai-Nikolas (Saint Nicholas), which forms a picturesque fjord with the opposite shore, into which small boats enter when they head for the pier.

On the island of Ai-Nikolas are a Venetian fortress and windmill. Gaios gets its name from one of the disciples of the Apostle Paul - Gaius, who preached Christianity to the locals, and then died and was buried on the island. The houses in Gaios, preserving the traditional Ionian architecture, narrow streets with small stores, bars and cafes create a welcoming atmosphere. Near the harbor are the Historical Archives, the Library and the Church of the Holy Apostles with frescoes. There are two small beaches south-east of the port.

The road from Gayos crosses the island from south to north through an olive grove. On the right side (5.5 km) of Gayos, on the shores of a small bay, stands the picturesque village of Longos. The road ends at Lakka, another picturesque village on the shore of a closed bay. Near Lakki is a beautiful sandy beach Haramis and the Byzantine Church of the Purification.

Visit the steep west coast, whose sea has wonderful colors and where there are underwater caves. Traveling from Gayos to the southeast you will find the coast of Ozias, near which there are the islets of Mongonisi and Kaltsonisi. Going from there to the north-west, you will see in the following order: Tripitos, a natural rock bridge, the cliffs of Musmoulis, the cave of Orfolifos, which has a huge monolith at its entrance, Erimitis, the cave of Kastanida at the base of a sheer cliff 180 m high, and finally the cave of Ipapanti (the Purification), where seals live, 2 nautical miles from Lakki.

Anti-Paxos Attractions

Antipaxos is covered with vineyards. The most popular wine is the so-called black wine, produced on the island. It can be tasted in the tavernas located on the most popular beaches of the island.