Getting from Astakos to Paxos

If you are heading to Paxos from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to a small island in the Ionian Sea, relatively close in geographic terms on the western side of Greece. It has ancient olive groves, turquoise coves and a Venetian harbour at Gaios that is one of the most charming in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Astakos to Paxos. Astakos ferry connections are limited to Kefalonia and Ithaca. Getting to Paxos means driving north from Astakos to Igoumenitsa, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via Arta and Ioannina, and then taking the ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxos, which runs daily and takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Alternatively drive to Igoumenitsa and take the ferry to Corfu, then the ferry from Corfu to Paxos.

Getting there by air

Paxos has no airport. The nearest airport is Corfu. Astakos has no airport either. Driving from Astakos north to Igoumenitsa and taking the ferry to Paxos avoids Athens entirely and gives a total journey time of around 4 to 5 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos north to Igoumenitsa and take the ferry across to Paxos. It is the most natural and direct approach and avoids Athens entirely. If you are traveling with a car, the Igoumenitsa to Paxos car ferry takes your vehicle directly to Gaios, as the Corfu to Paxos ferry does not carry vehicles.