Corfu and Paxos: how to get to Paxos and Antipaxos and what to do there
Paxos is a small, quiet island south of Corfu, with Antipaxos and its turquoise water next door. You can get there by ferry or on a day cruise from Corfu.
- Ferries from Corfu's Old Port reach Gaios, Paxos's main town, in about an hour to an hour and 20 minutes.
- Out of summer there are only a few sailings a week; in summer there are also organised day cruises.
- Antipaxos, the small island next door, is known for beaches with exceptionally clear water.
If you are in Corfu in summer, a day trip to Paxos and Antipaxos is easy. Check the timetable first, because out of season sailings are rare and a same-day return is not always possible.
What is Paxos?
Paxos (Paxi in Greek) is a small island in the Ionian Sea, south of Corfu. Its main town and port is Gaios. Next to it is Antipaxos, an even smaller island known for beaches with turquoise water. Paxos is green, covered in olive trees and much quieter than Corfu.
How to get from Corfu to Paxos
By ferry: according to Netferry, ferries to Paxos leave from Corfu's Old Port and arrive at Gaios. Corfu's New Port is mainly for ferries to Igoumenitsa, Patras and Italy.
| Detail | What we know (autumn 2026) |
|---|---|
| Operators | Kerkyra Lines and Joy Cruises |
| Crossing time | About 55 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the operator |
| Off-season frequency | About 3 sailings a week, mostly in the afternoon |
| Vehicles | Some ships also carry cars |
| Children | Under 4–5 free without a seat, ages 5–10 half price |
Fares vary by date and time, so check the booking sites. In summer there are more sailings, plus organised day cruises from Corfu that visit Paxos and Antipaxos and return the same day.
From Parga: boats also run in summer from Parga, on the mainland opposite Corfu, to Paxos and Antipaxos.
What to do on Paxos
- Gaios: a picturesque harbour with cafés and fish restaurants.
- Loggos and Lakka: small villages in the north and east of the island.
- Boat trips to the caves: the west coast has cliffs and sea caves reached by boat.
- Antipaxos: small beaches with very clear water, mainly on the island's north coast.
Day trip or overnight?
A day trip is enough to see Gaios and swim at Antipaxos. For real quiet, spend a night or two on Paxos. In summer places fill up fast, so book ahead.
Good to know
- Out of season sailings are few, and sometimes you cannot return to Corfu the same day.
- On windy days sailings can be cancelled.
- There is no kosher food on Paxos. See kosher food and Shabbat in Corfu.
More: the complete Corfu guide, Corfu's best beaches and the Corfu destination page.
What to bring for a Paxos day trip
- Swimsuit, towel and sunscreen: some cruises stop for a swim at Antipaxos.
- Water and a hat: Antipaxos's small beaches have little shade.
- Cash: at some beaches and small kiosks, cash is easier.
- Seasickness tablets: on windy days the sea can be choppy, especially on small boats.
- Watch the time: find out when the boat returns to Corfu and don't be late. Out of season there may be no later sailing that day.
FAQ
How long is the ferry from Corfu to Paxos? Between about 55 minutes and 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the operator and ship.
Where does the Paxos ferry leave from in Corfu? From Corfu's Old Port, not the New Port used for ferries to the mainland and Italy.
Can you do Paxos and Antipaxos as a day trip? Yes, in summer there are day cruises from Corfu. Out of season sailings are rare, so check the timetable first.
Is there a ferry to Paxos in winter? Yes, but only a few times a week. Check the current timetable before you plan.
