axi, the little green island, seven miles off the coast of Corfu (32 nautical miles from the port of Corfu and 12 nautical miles from the port of Parga) conquers its visitors from the first moment they step ashore.

he towering olive trees which cover almost all its surface, its idyllic little coves and the huge rocks with their sea-caves all impress themselves on the mind. All these features are to be found in an area of less than 25 square kilometres. The ground slopes gently up to the west, reaching an altitude of only 250 metres - Ayios Isavros, the island's tallest 'mountain'. The inhabitants of Paxi, who number about 2,500 are engaged principally in growing olives, fishing and tourism.

	aios, island's capital, is a unique harbour, protected from all the winds, and since it is open at both ends the water is constantly in motion; as a resault, the harbour is always clean and the water is cool.
From Gaios a surfaced road crosses the island on a north-south axis, passing through a seemingly endless forest of olive trees.

he route into the hinterland of the island brings the visitor through numerous small villages which take their names from the families they live there. One shouldn't miss a visit to Longos, a port which took its name from a word meaning forest, because of the dense vegetation which is a characteristic of the area.

lso one should pay a visit to Lakka, a picturesque port on the northernmost tip of the island or take a day trip around the island with a boat enjoying the unique western coasts with high cliffs and blue-water caves.

fter this acquaintance with Paxi and its inhabitants, we can turn our attention to Antipaxi, the little island which lies only three nautical miles to the south of Gaios. In the summer the beaches of Antipaxi are a great attraction to visitors.
	he sea blue-green in the morning and dark blue towards evening is a magnet for foreigners. The sandy beaches are equipped with tavernas and the fast caiques which run over from Paxi many times a day make access easy.
The island has numerous fine beaches around its coast, and visitors are usually able to enjoy the luxury of choosing one just for themselves.

Photos and text taken from "Corfu - Today and yesterday" (Toubis Editions)

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