Getting from Crete to Paxos

If you are heading to Paxos from Crete you are going to one of the most beautiful small islands in the Ionian, a tiny island of ancient olive groves and turquoise coves with a Venetian harbour at Gaios that is one of the most charming in Greece.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Crete to Paxos. The island is connected to the mainland via Igoumenitsa, with daily ferries to Gaios taking around 1 hour 30 minutes. Getting to Igoumenitsa from Crete means flying to Athens and then either flying on to Ioannina and taking the bus, or flying to Corfu and taking the seasonal ferry across to Paxos.

Getting there by air

Paxos has no airport. The nearest airports are Corfu and Preveza. Flying from Crete to Athens takes around 50 minutes and then Athens to Corfu takes around 50 minutes, followed by the seasonal ferry from Corfu to Paxos taking around 1 hour. Total travel time via Corfu is around 4 to 5 hours and is the most practical flying option.

Your best option

Fly to Corfu via Athens and take the seasonal ferry across to Paxos. It is the fastest and most practical approach from Crete. If you are travelling with a car, fly to Athens, drive to Igoumenitsa and take the daily ferry to Gaios from there.