The satellite islands of Paxos and Andípaxi (part two)
The essence of any Villa holiday is freedom and the ability to do what you like when you like. Obviously for most people that simply means making the most of the facilities on offer in your villa, whether that’s soaking up the sun and the view, or simply lounging by the pool. If relaxation is what you’re after, then villa holidays don’t get much better than this. But other people are more adventurous and intrepid: they like to get out and about and explore. Now the Ionian Islands are ripe for that. They’re soaked in history that dates back well over two centuries. If you’re one of these adventurers, then you’ll be spoilt for choice about what to do on your Corfu villa holiday. If you like art and culture, then we’re sure that the island will tick every box. However, if you’re seeking seclusion and total peace and quiet, then there’s only one place to go as far as we can see, and that’s the tiny satellite island of Andípaxi.
Andípaxi lies due south of its larger sister island, Paxos. Connections to the island run from Gáiös throughout the season. It will take around 15 minutes by speedboat, or you can opt for the more leisurely crossing by kaíki service which takes around half an hour. The trip itself has proved to be a very popular day excursion. Now it might seem expensive for what you get, but it’s worth remembering that the route takes in the spectacular caves on the rocky southern tip of Paxos on the way. You never know, you might even spot the occasional flying fish en route. The boat stops at a couple of superb sandy beaches, before going on to the main anchorage and village, such as it is, known as Órmos Agrapídhias. It’s also worth noting that these beaches are infinitely superior to anything you’ll find on the larger sister island.
Not much happens on Andípaxi, and in many ways that’s a large part of its charm. Only 100 people currently live on the tiny island, and yet it is one of the main producers of wine in the Ionian Islands. It’s no surprise therefore when you find that the island is covered in vines, rather than the usual olive groves. The marvellous local red wine is frequently sold not only on the island, but on Paxos too and further afield. It’s also worth noting that it packs quite a punch, and doesn’t necessarily mix well with the midday sun. There is no overnight accommodation available on the island, but there is provision for camping on the beaches for those who choose to do so. The only advice is to be prepared and bring all the provisions you’ll need, as the tavernas that serve the two main beaches of Voutoumia and Vrika both close as soon as the day trippers leave the island in the early evening. For those who are searching for solitude, this is when the real beauty of the island can truly be seen. We bet you’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe as the sun goes down.
