Why Visit
Smallest in size of all the 7 islands of the Ionian Sea. According to mythology, the island was formed as a result of the Poseidon struck his Trident on Corfu, thus breaking away from it a bit later and named Paxi and was the home of beloved of Poseidon and Amphitrite. This picturesque Island is covered with almost all of the huge olive trees. It is so small that you can easily get around it by foot. On the island there are many small coves and picturesque harbors, and huge rocks with sea caves, capture its beauty.
On the East Coast is Gaios is the largest town with narrow streets and beautiful buildings with characteristic for the Ionian Islands architecture. At the entrance to the harbour are the islets of Panagia, Agios Nikolaos, Moggonisi and Kalcionisi. The island's medicinal springs have been known since ancient times. They beat the key from under the ground and go into the sea. On the basis of their curative waters were built swimming pools. The most famous Springs: Oz′â, Jana and Glyfada.
History
The legend says that Paxi was formed when Poseidon hit Corfu with his trident, which caused its southern tip to come off and form this small island. After this, Paxi become his favourite refugee, because there he could hide his secret romance with the nymph Amphytrite. When it comes to real historical facts, the island of Paxi has been inhabited from the prehistoric times. It is believed that the first settlers were Phoenicians. Since then, it went through several foreign occupations.
The history of Paxi is much related to the island of Corfu, due to their closeness. During the Peloponnesian War, the united fleet of Paxi and Corfu fought on the side of the Corinthians. In 31 BC, this small island was the refugee of Antonio and Cleopatra, before the sea battle of Aktio. In the 2nd century BC, the Romans invaded Corfu and then Paxi. Then this island became part of the Byzantine Empire for seven hundred years.
During these centuries, Paxi suffered constant pirate attacks, which resulted in kidnapping residents, selling them as slaves and stealing goods. In the 13th century, Paxi was conquered by the Venetians, who ruled for about 400 years. The traces of their influence remain until today like churches and ruins of oil presses that date from that period. In fact, the Venetians started an extensive program of olive planting and cultivation. In 1537, the Venetians destroyed the Turkish fleet, which intended to take over Paxi, and pirate Barbarosa plundered the island to take revenge.
In 1797, the Venetians gave the island to the French and Napoleon Bonaparte took control of Paxi. However, the French rule lasted for only one year and then the Russian-Turkish fleet took the administration of the island, who declared Paxi part of the Ionian State. In 1814, the island changed rulers once again and came under the British, after the Treaty of Paris. For the following 50 years, Paxi enjoyed some stability and the British made important improvements in terms of quality of life.
In 1821, the residents took part in the Greek War of Independence, but it was only in 1864 when the Ionian islands, and Paxi in particular, were united to Greece. In 1922, the island received many refugees, after the destruction of Asia Minor. During the Second World War, the Ionian Islands were under the Italian control but the oil trade gave prosperity to the people and saved them from the difficult situations that other Greek places were facing. In the 1950s and the 1960s, many residents were forced to migrate in order to find financial resources.
Museums - Archeological
The small and picturesque island of Paxi have a long history and is home to two museums that will provide visitors the heritage of Paxi through interesting exhibits.
The Folklore Museum of Paxi is highly recommended and it is located at the port of Gaios. The museum depicts the traditional Paxi house in the 20th century with numerous exhibits which indicate the circumstances under which the locals lived. Most of the items have been donated. There is a special section with fossils, pieces of pottery from the classical period and articles from the Venetian rule, including guns. The museum operates since 1996.
The museum also hosts a collection of findings from the Prehistoric times and classical years to the Balkan Wars. The Olive Museum in Lakka is also worth visiting. It is housed in a well-preserved olive oil press and it hosts a large collection of tools and olive production means.
Beaches
Mesovrika, Voutoumi, Logos beach, Monodendri, Levrehio, Harami, Kipiadi, Marmari, Mogonisi, Plakes, Pounda, Agios Nikolaos
Religious Monasteries and Churches
A visit to Paxi is rather rewarding for its natural beauty and the picturesque churches. Tiny chapels and beautiful whitewashed churches hidden in the lush surroundings or on top of the steeps and rocks impress every visitor. Most of them are easily accessed by car while others offer lovely hiking destinations. The churches of Paxi witness the history of the island and attract hundreds of faithful,both locals and tourists.
At the central square of Gaios, the island’s capital you will find the church of Agioi Apostoloi with nice icons and old cistern. In the surrounding islets, Panagia and Agios Nikolaos you will meet the whitewashed monastery of Panagia (dedicated to the Virgin Mary) and the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Ioannis. The paleoChristian church of Agia Marina is found in Porto Ozia, the oldest settlement of Paxi and is definitely worth a visit. In Loggos, a small picturesque village covered in pine trees lies the church of Zoodochos Pigis with wonderful wall frescoes from 1739.
