So, you’re wondering where to stay in Paxos? First off – great choice! Paxos is one of a cluster of small Greek islands in the midst of the Ionian Sea. It’s a remote paradise that’s considered one of the lesser-known destinations in Greece, offering a taste of the traditional side of the country without the baggage of mass tourism. Only accessible by car ferry, passenger boat, or high-speed hydrofoil from Corfu, Paxos is a true escape when compared to compadres like Crete, Mykonos, or Santorini.
There’s a backcountry of olive-covered hills, farms speckled with slender cypresses, and little inland villages of rough-stone tavernas. They all slip down to one gorgeous coastline, complete with empty coves of pebbles in the west and sweeps of white sand in the east, home to snorkeling spots and rows of sunbeds. There is also some energy, coming in the form of a world-renowned music festival in late summer. Arrive then if you want to dance the night away under the stars!
The other great thing about Paxos is that it’s got a whole Greek mezze’s worth of accommodation options. There are self-catering cottages, boutique hotels, chic villas, and bigger resorts. Those wondering where to stay in Paxos won’t be short on options, no matter if you’re on a honeymoon or a sun-splashed vacay with the whole family. Here’s our curated list of seven of the very best options…
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Paxos Fairytales House
Located in Gaios, the Paxos Fairytales House is the perfect place for large families and groups. It’s a large apartment which features two bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a single family bathroom. There is also private parking on site, although that’s hardly required since you’re a mere mile away from Kaki Langada Beach. The flat is also just a breath away from the shops, Greek tavernas, bars, and cafes of the most vibrant harbor town on the whole island.
Gaios is the capital of Paxos and offers lots of golden sandy beaches, walks through the village and surrounding areas, as well as plenty of historic treasures. It’s also the perfect spot for launching a daytrip to to Antipaxos. You can hop on boat tours or catch a ferry from the nearby Gaios marina for that.
Address: Paxos, Gaios, 49082, Greece
Best For: Large Families, Groups
Rating: 9.8/10
Harry’s Studio – Self Catering
If you’re looking for somewhere with self-catering accommodation for you and your other half, Harry’s Studio – Self-Catering could just be the perfect choice. Fitted with white-wooden furnishings, a fully-equipped kitchen, air conditioning, and a private balcony, the rooms here will let you sit out and enjoy a romantic dinner in the Greek summer airs. That’s inside the suites. Outside the suites there are oodles of gorgeous terraces strewn with bougainvillea and wild herbs, with stunning views across the mountains and the coast.
There’s also an on-site spa that offers a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials. Bartek Beach and Paxos beach are only a matter of yards away from the accommodation too, which makes it easy to enjoy a day of sunning yourself on the shoreline (one of the main activities on Paxos, just in case you didn’t know!). Oh, and there are loads of activities available for you to participate in off-site in this region, from diving, walking, and playing tennis to cooking classes, fishing, and themed dinner nights.
Address: Gaios, 49082, Greece
Best For: Couples
Rating: 9.6/10
Ranias Apartments
Stay in the center of Paxos at Ranias Apartments and be minutes away from restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. All apartments have air conditioning, WiFi, kitchens, and their own private bathrooms. Some apartments have mountain views or garden views as well as their own terraces. A lot of the apartments at Ranias have 2 bedrooms which makes them perfect for families or a small group of 4 friends.
You are also perfectly positioned for some of Gaios’ major sites such as the Statue of Georgios Anemogiannis and the Paxos museum, which is only a short 5-minute drive from the hotel. Just a short walk away you will find several beaches such as Avlaki Beach, Plakes Beach, Paxos Beach, and Bartek Beach, where you’ll be able to chill out, relax and enjoy the sunshine. There are also plenty of restaurants in Gaios that serve traditional Greek cuisine as well as Mediterranean specialties. You can also cook your own meals should you wish using their kitchen facilities which feature an oven and stovetop.
Address: Gaios Paxoi, Gaios, 49082, Greece
Best For: Couples & Families
Rating: 9.1/10
Paxos Santa Marina Villas
Situated only 1.9 miles from Gaios Port, the Paxos Santa Marina Villas offer self-catering accommodation ideal for families and couples alike. The stone-built property features a swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers allowing you to soak up the sun without getting sand everywhere. While the one-bedroom apartment is perfect for couples, the deluxe apartment is great for families of up to 3 children. You also have a choice of either a mountain view or a garden view.
On-site you also have access to table tennis where your children will be kept busy and entertained while also finding their competitive streaks. Offsite you can go fishing or hiking for a full day out. Your closest beach is Porto Ozia which is a very short walk away. The beach is perfect for watching the sunset or building candles and sculptures with your children. There are several bars and restaurants within a short distance from the villa. However, you also have the option for a BBQ and can get groceries delivered should you wish to.
Address: Porto Ozia, Gaios, 49082, Greece
Best For: Couples & Families
Rating: 9.6/10
Paxos Club Resort & SPA
Truly relax and unwind at the Paxos Club Resort & SPA, located in the center of Gaios. There’s a large pool with a hot tub for you to lounge by and for the children to swim in and a restaurant with an 1800s dining room. Enjoy breakfast by the pool or in the dining room and sample the taste of traditional Greek cuisine at lunch or dinner. For a romantic getaway treat your loved one to a rejuvenating spa treatment at the Spa and Wellness center. For families, there’s a playground, bicycle hire, and babysitter services.
Just a short distance away you have Monodendri Beach where children can splash around in the sea, bodyboard, surf, and build sandcastles. The resort also offers free transfers to Gaios Port as well as Gaios Beach and Kaki Lagkada Beach. In the Gaios town, there are an array of shops, taverns, cafes, and restaurants to eat at and browse around. If you’re a keen swimmer and want to try your hand in some snorkeling or diving, the clear waters of Paxos offer the perfect conditions to see a huge variety of fish and marine animals. Some scuba diving schools even offer lessons for children ages 8 and up. So the whole family can get involved and create a holiday of a lifetime.
Address: Gaios, 49082, Greece
Best For: Families
Rating: 8.6/10
Torri e Merli – Half Board
Located in the fishing village of Lakka, Torri e Merli – Half Board offers guests a quiet and tranquil stay. All rooms have either a sea or garden view. Breakfast and dinner are also included in the rate and can be enjoyed in the Mediterranean restaurant onsite. Relax by the pool during the day and take a romantic walk along the shore as the sunsets, then finish it off at a restaurant in Lakka town. They pride themselves on being the perfect spot for romantic weddings, honeymoons, and special occasions.
Nestled in an ancient olive grove, you will feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of any major tourist area. The setting of this hotel is idyllic. There’s WiFi throughout the hotel, a swimming pool with loungers to enjoy the sunshine, and a zen spa kiosk to book in a treatment or two. Achieve the ultimate relaxing holiday here and enjoy all the sites and beaches the island has to offer.
Address: Lakka, Lákka, 49082, Greece
Best For: Couples
Rating: 8.4/10
Ilios Hotel
Illios Hotel is located in the north of Paxos, in the small picturesque village of Lakka. Some of the spacious hotel rooms overlook Lakka Port, while others overlook Lakka town. The soundproof windows will ensure you get a peaceful night’s sleep after a long day exploring. There are plenty of heritage sites to see such as the Ypapanti Church at Rantatika and the ruins of Christian Basilica of Ayia Marina.
Backpackers will enjoy the luxury that the hotel providers for a small amount of money. As a family-run business, they pride themselves on offering the best customer service and guest experience during your vacation to Paxos. Staying here, you’ll feel right at home with modern furnishings, amenities, and your own balcony or terrace. The nearest restaurant is approximately 20 meters away, while the nearest beach is only 800 meters away. Car and boat hire is available on request however, a car is no really necessary unless you are wanting to explore further afield or take a trip to Antipaxos. They also offer in-room spa treatments on request for couples looking to indulge and truly relax.
Address: Lákka, 49082, Greece
Best For: Couples, Individuals, Backpackers
Rating: 8.2/10