Anti-Paxos Island

Introduction to Antipaxos

Antipaxos is a tiny, idyllic island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its vineyards and some of the most exquisite beaches in Greece. With fewer than 50 permanent residents, Antipaxos offers an unparalleled level of tranquility and seclusion, making it the perfect destination for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy locations. The island's clear blue waters and white sandy beaches create a paradise-like setting, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sun in a serene environment.

Geographical Location

Antipaxos lies just 3 kilometers south of Paxos, making it an easy day trip for those staying on its larger neighbor. Despite its small size—only about 5 square kilometers—Antipaxos boasts a stunning coastline adorned with some of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking coves and beaches, such as Voutoumi and Vrika. The island is predominantly covered with vineyards, which produce grapes used in the production of local wines, adding to its rustic charm. The terrain, while mostly flat, offers gentle walks through lush, vine-laden landscapes, providing panoramic views of the Ionian Sea surrounding it.

Getting to Antipaxos

Getting to Antipaxos: Easy and Accessible by Boat

Reaching the picturesque island of Antipaxos is a breeze, making it an ideal day trip from Paxos. The island is generally accessed via boat tours, offering stunning views and a delightful journey across the Ionian Sea.

You have a couple of great options to get there:

1. Rent Your Own Boat: For those seeking freedom and adventure, renting your own boat is a fantastic choice. This allows you to explore at your own pace, discover hidden coves, and enjoy a personalized experience. Several rental agencies on Paxos offer a variety of boats to suit different needs and preferences.
   

2. Island Hopping Tours: Alternatively, you can join a small cruise or an island-hopping tour. These tours are a convenient and popular option, offering scheduled trips that include stops at Antipaxos and other beautiful locations around the area. These cruises often provide insights into the local history and culture, making the journey both informative and enjoyable.

Whether you opt for the independence of a rented boat or the ease of a guided tour, getting to Antipaxos is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and serene beauty of this charming island.

Top Famous Beaches in Antipaxos

Voutoumi Beach

One of the most photographed beaches in Greece, Voutoumi is famous for its striking azure waters and white pebble sands. The beach is accessible by a footpath that descends from the cliff above, offering spectacular views. Boats also frequent this beach, making it easily accessible from Paxos. Location

Vrika Beach

Vrika is another stunningly beautiful beach on Antipaxos, known for its soft white sand and shallow, clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Like Voutoumi, Vrika is also accessible by boat from Paxos. Location

Lesser-Known Beaches in Antipaxos

Rodovani Beach

A secluded cove not far from the more popular spots, Rodovani offers visitors a quieter alternative. It features the same crystal-clear waters and scenic views and incredible sunsets but with fewer crowds. Access is typically by boat, adding to its secluded feel. Location

Sarakiniko Beach

Less frequented by tourists and accessible via a trail or by private boat, Sarakiniko offers peace and tranquility away from the busier main beaches. The beach is surrounded by lush greenery, adding a touch of nature to its beautiful seascape. Location

Mesovrika Beach

Nestled between Voutoumi and Vrika, Mesovrika is a smaller, pebbly beach that offers a mix of sun and shade and excellent conditions for snorkeling. It's a perfect spot for those looking to escape the usual day-tripper routes. Location

Activities and Attractions

Antipaxos, although a tiny island, offers visitors a delightful range of activities centered around its natural beauty and tranquil setting. Here’s what you can do while visiting Antipaxos:

1. Beach Hopping

The top activity on Antipaxos is exploring its stunning beaches. Voutoumi Beach, with its turquoise water and white sand, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Nearby Vrika Beach offers similar allure with easy access and excellent conditions for swimming. Both beaches are ideal for relaxing and enjoying the pristine natural environment. You can explore some of the best beaches here. Rent a Boat

2. Snorkeling

The clear waters around Antipaxos are ideal for snorkeling. The sea life around the island is vibrant and offers snorkelers a chance to see a variety of Mediterranean marine fauna in crystal clear visibility. Both Voutoumi and Vrika are excellent spots for this activity. Scuba diving

3. Picnicking

With such scenic views, picnicking is a favorite activity. Many visitors bring their own picnics to enjoy on the beaches or under the olive trees, making for a peaceful and scenic dining experience. The local tavernas also offer take-away options that you can enjoy in your chosen picturesque spot.

4. Walking and Hiking

Explore the island’s terrain on foot. Antipaxos is small enough to be walked across in a day, but it has numerous trails and paths leading through the vineyards and olive groves, and along the beaches. It’s a gentle way to explore and enjoy the quiet beauty of the island. Explore the paths

5. Wine Tasting

You can sample local wines from small family wineries in Antipaxos either by enjoying them at local restaurants or by asking locals to share their homemade wine with you. This offers a unique taste of the island's rich viticultural tradition and warm hospitality.

6. Photography

The picturesque landscapes of Antipaxos make it a wonderful location for photography enthusiasts. Whether it’s capturing the azure seas, the lush greenery, or the quaint character of the island, photography lovers will find plenty of captivating subjects.

7. Relax and Unwind

Above all, Antipaxos is the perfect place to simply relax. Its slow pace and natural beauty offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to unwind and recharge in a serene setting.

Antipaxos is a very small and largely undeveloped island, which is part of its charm. The activities available primarily revolve around enjoying its natural beauty and tranquil environment. While the list provided covers the main activities visitors typically engage in, here are a few more subtle ways to enjoy the time on Antipaxos, which can enrich your visit:

1. Kayaking and Paddleboarding

For those looking for a bit more adventure, kayaking can be a fantastic way to explore the coastline at your own pace. It's a quiet and intimate way to see the island’s hidden coves and beaches that might otherwise be inaccessible. Go Kayaking

2. Fishing

Joining a local fisherman for a day can provide not only an authentic glimpse into the island life but also an opportunity for a hands-on fishing experience. It’s a peaceful way to spend the day and enjoy fresh fish, possibly cooked right on the boat.

3. Sunset Watching

Due to its unspoiled horizons and clear skies, Antipaxos offers some spectacular sunsets. Find a quiet spot on the west side of the island in the evening and enjoy the stunning display of colors as the sun dips below the horizon. Here you cna find the best spots to watch the sunset in Anti-paxos. See the spots

4. Swimming

While this might sound simple, spending time in the gentle waves, floating and swimming in the warm Ionian waters can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. The beaches of Antipaxos are perfect for long, leisurely days spent in the water.

5. Star Gazing

With minimal light pollution, Antipaxos is a wonderful place for stargazing. On a clear night, the sky is lit with stars, making it an ideal setting for astronomers and romantics alike. Beaches are perfect spots for star gazing as they are less crowded during night and there is no light around the area.

6. Engage with Local Residents

With so few inhabitants, the opportunity to engage with locals can provide insight into the simple and traditional ways of island life. Such interactions can be as fulfilling as they are educational, adding depth to your visit.

These additional activities are more about immersing yourself in the tranquility and untouched beauty of Antipaxos. They emphasize slow tourism and the appreciation of simple, natural experiences, which are the true essence of this small island paradise.

7. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tours

Several dive centers in Paxos offer scuba diving excursions to Antipaxos, where divers of all levels can explore the rich underwater environments that include coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks. These centers provide full equipment rentals and certified instructors to guide the tours, ensuring a safe and educational experience. Snorkeling trips are also popular, as the water clarity around Antipaxos is exceptional, making it perfect for observing marine life just below the surface. Go scuba diving

8. Boat Tours

Boat tours are another great way to see Antipaxos, often including stops at popular beaches like Voutoumi and Vrika, where participants can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax. These tours sometimes include onboard refreshments and offer various itineraries, some focusing on leisure and others on exploration. Rent boat