Getting from Mykonos to Paxos

Paxos is one of the smallest and most charming islands in the Ionian and has been quietly captivating visitors for decades without ever losing its character. It is tiny enough to walk across in a few hours but has three distinct harbour villages, each with its own personality, olive groves that are centuries old covering most of the interior and a coastline on the western side with sea caves and turquoise water that is as good as anything in Greece. It has attracted a loyal following of people who come back year after year and the island absorbs them without feeling overrun. Getting there takes a bit of planning but it is worth every step.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Paxos. Paxos sits in the northern Ionian and is served primarily by ferries from Igoumenitsa on the mainland and from Corfu to the north. Getting there from Mykonos means flying to Preveza or Corfu via Athens and then making your way to the ferry connection, or travelling overland from Athens to Igoumenitsa which takes around 6 to 7 hours by car or bus. The ferry from Igoumenitsa to Paxos takes around 1.5 hours.

What about flying?

Paxos does not have an airport. The nearest airports are Preveza to the south and Corfu to the north, both of which have ferry or boat connections to Paxos through the summer season. The journey from Mykonos goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to either Preveza or Corfu, followed by the ferry or water taxi across to Paxos. Corfu is generally the more convenient gateway with more frequent connections. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Corfu via Athens and take the ferry down to Paxos. It is the most straightforward approach and Corfu has good onward connections to Paxos through the summer season. Once you are on Paxos hire a scooter or a small boat if you can, explore the sea caves on the western coast and make the short trip across to Antipaxos for the afternoon. Give it at least three or four days. Paxos is an island that reveals itself slowly and it is better for it.