How to get to Paxos from Corfu?

Paxos is a wonderful little island on the west coast of Greece. It is situated about 8 kilometres south of the tip of Corfu in a part of the Mediterranean that is called the Ionian Sea. Another well-known Ionian islands are Zakynthos.

No airport on Paxos

Paxos is a relatively small island. With a length of up to 10 km and a width of 4 km, you will find the best of Greece packed into a manageable size: white pebble beaches with crystal clear water, tavernas with delicious food, olive groves, traditional villages, and harbours with colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water.

Read More: Street Food on Paxos

Its small size and mountainous terrain mean there is no airport on Paxos. It makes getting to the island a little more complicated, but at the same time means the island has escaped mass tourism. Reaching the island by sea adds to the charm of holidays on Paxos.

Fly to Corfu

The nearest airport to Paxos is on the neighbouring island of Corfu. In the main tourist season –between May and October– there are direct flights to Corfu from most European countries. Easyjet and Ryanair are among the airlines that fly to Corfu, but there are many more.

In the autumn and winter, the only way of reaching Corfu is with a stopover in Athens. In other words: you fly to Athens first, and then you take a domestic flight to Corfu (a one-hour flight).

From Corfu Airport to the New Port

Corfu Airport is a relatively small and outdated airport. It can get pretty busy here, especially for leaving passengers. However, landing there, moving through security, and grabbing your luggage, can usually be done in a matter of minutes.

The boats to Paxos leave from what is called the New Port. When exiting Corfu Airport’s departures terminal, you cross the road and will find taxis waiting to your left. The taxi ride to Corfu New Port is around 15 euros, depending on the amount of luggage and the time of day. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to get to the New Port, subject to traffic.

Buy your ferry ticket to Paxos

Taxi passengers who request to be taken to the New Port will be dropped off at a roundabout by the entrance. Here, you will find restaurant Sette Venti and a handful of ticket offices. The boats leave at different times throughout, so it’s never a long wait before one leaf.

It is recommended to book your ticket ahead of time, as the boats do get full in the summer season. If you haven’t bought a ferry ticket though, you will have to get one here. You can then choose to enjoy a drink and/or some food at Sette Venti, while you wait for your ferry to leave.

Kamelia Lines

One of the ferry companies operating the Corfu-Paxos route is Kamelia Lines. It has two vessels, the newer Despina and the older Christa. The trip between Corfu to Paxos takes about 45 minutes one way and costs € 25,00. The return voyage works out € 40,00.

Joy Tours

This company uses the Ilida hydrofoil to ferry passengers from Corfu to Paxos and vice versa. The one-way some buses crisscross ride takes about 60 minutes and costs € 24,00.

The ferry ride from Corfu to Paxos

Taking a ferry in Greece is always a rewarding experience, and in particular so when sailing from Corfu to Paxos. Whichever boat you choose, you will have great views of the historic Corfu Town when leaving, and subsequently of the Greek mainland. Once you’re closer to Paxos, you will see the natural harbour of Lakka, and the little coves before reaching your final destination – Gaios, the capital of Paxos.

Alternative: day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos

If you want to visit Paxos and Antipaxos as part of an excursion package, you can take a day cruise from Corfu. Ionian Cruises takes passengers to Corfu’s southern port of Lefkemmi, from which a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos departs. This day cruise passes the natural harbour of Lakka, enters the sea caves on the west coast, and then takes visitors to Antipaxos, before some leisure time in Gaio on Paxos.

What to do after arrival in Gaios, Paxos

If you have booked accommodation in Gaios, you can walk along the waterfront until you reach your hotel, apartment, or villa. The flat and smooth footpath is perfect for wheeling suitcases.

If you have booked elsewhere, you can pick up your rental car or scooter in Gaios. If you prefer to use public transport, there is a bus service that crisscrosses the island three times a day. Another option is using one of the island’s five taxis, some of which will be waiting when the ferry arrives.