Planning your route in advance means the rest of your week can be devoted to clear-water swims, olive-grove lunches and evenings that end whenever you decide. From our experience, the smoothest Paxos itineraries follow a simple rhythm: fly to the right gateway, connect cleanly to the island, then choose on-island transport that suits how you want your days to unfold. This guide sets out the practical options so you can arrive unhurried and move around with ease.
Paxos does not have an airport. Most travellers fly to Corfu, then continue by ferry or sea taxi to Gaios, the island’s main harbour. In summer there are multiple daily sailings, with journey times that vary by vessel type and sea conditions. A smaller group will arrive via mainland Greece, typically through Igoumenitsa, then take a car or passenger ferry to Paxos.
Corfu International Airport receives direct flights from many European cities in season, alongside year-round connections via Athens. The airport sits close to Corfu’s New Port, making the onward transfer straightforward.
Ferries and hydrofoils run from Corfu to Gaios, with indicative crossing times ranging from around 55 minutes on fast boats to approximately 1 hour 40 minutes on slower services. If your flight arrives late or does not align with scheduled sailings, a private sea taxi offers a flexible alternative.
From Corfu, a mix of hydrofoils and passenger boats operate seasonally, typically completing the crossing in 45–70 minutes depending on the vessel. Conventional ferries take longer and run to a more variable timetable.
From the mainland, a regular car ferry links Igoumenitsa and Paxos in around 90 minutes. This route suits travellers arriving overland or those who prefer to have a vehicle on the island. Summer schedules are fuller than in spring or autumn, so advance booking is recommended for weekend crossings.
If you are on a wider road trip through Greece or arriving by car from Italy via the Epirus coast, driving to Igoumenitsa and boarding the car ferry is straightforward. Vehicle capacity is limited on peak days, so reserving ahead is wise.
On arrival in Gaios, roads are narrow and parking is concentrated at the edges of town. Plan to unload luggage first, then park in the signposted areas to keep arrivals calm and unhurried.
Paxos is compact and quietly rural. Distances are short, yet the island’s character lies in olive-lined lanes, one-way village loops and a coastline best enjoyed without rushing. How you move around should reflect how you want to spend your days.
A car suits families and frequent beach-hopping. Scooters and quads feel breezy for two, though best reserved for confident riders. Bicycles and e-bikes turn hilly backroads into enjoyable morning circuits. And boat days reframe the island entirely, opening up coves that roads never reach.
A simple local bus connects the three main villages — Gaios, Loggos and Lakka. Services increase in summer and are limited outside peak season, so check the current timetable once you arrive. Stops are informal and the driver will pull in when flagged safely. The bus works well for relaxed one-way days, paired with a taxi back in the evening.
Taxis are available on the island, with a rank in Gaios and vehicles bookable by phone. Supply tightens on busy evenings, so organise your pick-up before dessert if you are dining away from your base. Drivers are used to narrow lanes and will know the nearest practical point for villas reached by footpath.
Sea taxis are the island’s time-saving secret. They operate by appointment, connect Corfu and Paxos in roughly one hour, and can run late at night, which is ideal if you land after the last scheduled ferry. They also solve early departures and short breaks when you want to compress the journey and maximise beach time. Weather and sea state always apply, so keep a small buffer on windy days.
From our experience, choosing the right wheels is less about distance and more about the feel you want each day.
A compact car is the all-rounder for Paxos. You will appreciate the shade, the boot for beach bags and the ability to explore both coasts without thinking about gradients. Go small for village parking and narrow lanes. Automatic transmissions are available in high season, though booking early gives you more choice. If your villa is on a track, check ground clearance before you commit to a larger model. For evening trips into Gaios, use the outer car parks and enjoy the waterfront on foot.
Regular bikes suit short hops between nearby coves. E-bikes open up the island properly. Hills become light work and you can string together quiet, olive-grove lanes that most visitors never ride. Helmets are essential. Take lights for dusk returns and plan your routes to avoid the steepest descents into the villages. Many rental outfits provide a charger and a simple cable lock with the bike. Top up at lunch and you will easily cover a full day with photo stops.
Quads are popular in high season and they handle rougher tracks well, yet they demand attention on paved roads. We recommend them to experienced riders who value open-air travel and short distances. Wear a helmet, drive conservatively and never take quads onto beaches or footpaths. Dusty backroads are fun for a morning loop when traffic is quiet.
Two-wheelers are handy for quick swims and daytime errands. They are best for confident riders familiar with uneven surfaces and the occasional olive-leaf slick after rain. As with quads, helmets are non-negotiable. Pack a soft bag that can be stowed securely under the seat and avoid strapping loose items to the back.
From our team’s on-the-ground planning, a few small choices make a big difference.
If you are arriving in the morning, you can often pair a taxi to the port with a fast boat to Gaios the same day. Crossing times range from under an hour on hydrofoils to around 1 hour 40 minutes on slower ferries. If your flight lands late, a pre-booked sea taxi keeps you on schedule.
If your wider itinerary includes Epirus or a road trip through northern Greece, driving to Igoumenitsa and taking the car ferry to Paxos is straightforward. Journey times are about 90 minutes and summer sailings are frequent. It is a practical plan for families who prefer to have their own car on the island.
Summer brings more sailings and later buses. Shoulder seasons are quieter, which suits many travellers, but it pays to check the latest local timings once you arrive. For shorelines that take a little effort to reach, leave earlier in the morning and give yourself space for a long lunch.
Some villas sit above the sea at the end of footpaths or tracks. A soft-sided bag and sensible shoes turn arrivals and departures into a simple stroll. If you are splitting transport, have your car delivered after your first night so you can avoid navigating narrow lanes on day one.
A full boat day resets the week. You will see the island’s west coast cliffs and tiny coves from the right angle and still be back in time for dinner. If wind picks up, switch to a coastal run along the calmer east where bays are sheltered.
Morning flight into Corfu, taxi to the New Port, fast boat to Gaios, and a short transfer to your villa. Late arrivals can swap the scheduled boat for a sea taxi booked in advance. Crossing times from Corfu typically range from under an hour to around 1 hour 40 minutes depending on the vessel.
Drive to Igoumenitsa, board the car ferry for a crossing of about 90 minutes, then take the short coastal road from Gaios to your base. This route is popular with families who want the comfort of their own vehicle and a boot full of beach kit.
Base yourself near Gaios and combine the local bus for village-to-village hops with taxis in the evening. Add one or two boat days to reach coves that roads do not touch. It is an easy way to keep logistics light while still exploring widely.
Mobile coverage is good across the east coast and villages. The west feels wilder, yet you will still pick up a signal on higher ground. Timetables for buses and boats can shift with local events and weather. Check the noticeboards in Gaios for the latest departures, and keep the numbers for your preferred taxi and sea taxi to hand. Local operators often post updates during the season about extra sailings and changes to crossing times between Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Paxos.
If you would like a stay that feels effortless from touchdown to final swim, explore Villa Collective’s collection of exceptional villas on Paxos. You will find homes that pair naturally with these routes and transport choices, plus a team who know the fine details of getting around the island with comfort and ease.
