Lying just to the south of Corfu in Ionian Islands, Paxos extending to just 76 square kilometres (29 square miles) is the smallest island in the Ionians. Too tiny to accommodate an airport makes it less accessible than neighbouring Corfu, so it appeals to people looking for a tranquil, slow-paced authentic Greek experience. It also provides the ideal inspiration for artists with its landscape rich in natural beauty - a palette of olive green, gnarly brown off-set by the glistening greens and blues of the pristine waters.
Paxos – easy on the eye
Painters and potters gravitate to Paxos for the clear light, the lush landscape and the compact prettiness. Today, and over centuries, the island has experienced invasion, colonialism and piracy and been influenced by different cultures and languages. Little harbours and traditional ports are dotted around the island and secret bays are reached only on foot – this is why artists love the island for the climate, the friendliness and sensory adventure.
Local island artists
Until recently, Scottish born artist Fiona Gillies had her works displayed at Pythias Gallery in the island’s vibrant capital, Gaios. The self-taught painter, Vasilis Romanos, originally from Athens, has lived on Paxos since 1995. He continues to experiment using different techniques – the cubist style most lately. Romanos finds huge inspiration from living on the island and every August (3rd -31st August 2024) exhibits his work at the local municipal hall in Gaios. All proceeds from this year’s exhibition will go to the new Paxos Arts Centre https://www.paxosculture.gr/.
Whether you visit Paxos, possibly choosing to take a painting course or ceramic workshop, or do some casual sketching during your stay, there are many places to explore locally and take inspiration. The pretty sleepy villages display a range of architectural styles with shaded streets and cascading geraniums hanging over balconies.
Here are our 3 top suggestions for artistically minded island visitors or just lazy exploring around Paxos…
- Bay of Lakka
The fishing village of Lakka is in the north of Paxos – its natural harbour sheltered by green hills. The calm bay is perfect for swimming or snorkelling and its traditional harbour makes it a favourite place for yachties to anchor and head off to the beach bars and tavernas and enjoy the views over a sundowner or authentic Greek meal. Narrow streets are full of shops and art galleries.
- The Cliffs of Erimitis
Located on the more rugged dramatic west coast of Paxos is Erimitis with impressive views of the imposing limestone cliffs containing underwater caves. A beach can be explored that was created after rocks collapsed in a storm in 2007. From nearby the Erimitis Restaurant https://erimitis.com/ , you can look across to the beach, the cliffs and savour the sunsets that are worthy of a canvas.
- Antipaxos
Take a 15-minute boast trip to Paxos’s baby sister island, Antipaxos and be amazed by the spectacular colours – jewel coloured aquamarine and turquoise waters and pure white sandy beaches. It is picture-postcard perfect for a paintbrush.
