Getting from Zakynthos to Paxos

If you are heading to Paxos from Zakynthos you are making your way to a small island in the northern Ionian Sea, with 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 a direct seasonal ferry from Zakynthos to Paxos running once daily in summer, operated by Lefkada Palace, taking around 10 hours 15 minutes. It is a long day at sea but connects the two islands without going through the mainland. The more practical alternative for most travellers is to take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and then travel north by road to Igoumenitsa for the daily ferry to Paxos, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Getting there by air

Paxos has no airport. The nearest airport is Corfu. Flying from Zakynthos to Athens and then Athens to Corfu, followed by the seasonal ferry from Corfu to Paxos taking around 1 hour, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

If the direct seasonal ferry aligns with your dates and you want the sea journey, take it. For most travellers the most practical approach is to fly to Corfu via Athens and take the ferry across to Paxos. If you are travelling with a car, take the ferry from Zakynthos to Kyllini and drive north to Igoumenitsa for the daily ferry to Paxos from there.