An ancient Greek legend claims that Poseidon, the god of the sea, severed with his trident a piece of the island of Corfu, to make a secluded haven for him and his love, Amphitrite. That clipping of an island was Paxos, and the inspiration for this myth is obvious up to this day; Paxos is simply breath taking!
Its history is rich and colourful; from ancient times, Paxos and the rest of the Ionian isles have been under the rule of several conquerors. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, French, Russians, Turks, Italian and Germans, they all left their small mark on the island, shaping its character into this colourful esprit of its few – but joyful – habitants. It has even shaped its culinary traditions, resulting in a fusion of cuisines, mainly Greek and Italian that is truly delicious and inspiring!
The islands history is depicted in its buildings; charming chapels and quaint churches from several centuries past, traditional mansions and scenic cobblestone alleys, they showcase the rich heritage of Paxos. You can admire remains of the island’s past in the Paxi Museum, the Venetian fortress of Agios Nikolaos and the English Governor’s House, in the architectural style reminiscent of its Venetian era and the picturesque alleys of Gaios, Lakka and Logos.
