An article published recently on British Express Site (Home of the Daily and Sunday Express newspapers) focuses on the charming little island of Paxi, the smallest of the Ionian islands which has “bucket-loads of old-fashioned charm” according to columnist Jane Utting.

The article praises the dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves found in the west coast of the island, and the gentler hills and sparkling bays which are found in the east side.

Thanks to the Venetians, who planted olive trees in their thousands in the 16th Century, Paxi is shady and carpeted with wild flowers, making it ideal for walking, Jane adds.

There are around 30 beaches, some accessible by car or on foot, and others only by boat, the writer notes. A popular sandy beach is found on Mongonissi, an islet across a small causeway on the southern tip of Paxi. This is a good place to hire a pedal boat or to try out watersports.

The feature’s writer also recommends a visit to Antipaxi island: “When you visit the nearby islet of Antipaxi you will find two beaches that are frequently voted among the best in the Mediterranean. Vrika has pure white sand while Voutoumi is sandy below the water and both are easily accessible by water taxi from Paxi. Antipaxi is almost uninhabited apart from the locals employed to work in its tavernas and vineyards. Its wine is easily distinguishable as the bottle bears no label.”

Jane Utting concludes her article on the picturesque island of Paxi with a list of 10 things you simply must do when you visit Paxi

1. See traditional Greek dancing at Mongonissi’s beach taverna.

2. Watch the sunset from the Erimitis Bar and Restaurant, found at the end of a winding clifftop road near Magazia.

3. Ogle the luxury yachts over a cinnamon-custard pastry at Café Aveois in Gaios.

4. Buy olive oil – extracted by ancient stone presses – direct from producers in Paxi.

5. Donate spare change in the bright blue PAWS (Paxos Animal Welfare Society) boxes and help keep the island’s cats healthy.

6. Picnic on Erimitis beach, created after a landslide in 2008. It’s a long hike down and ends with steep steps. Alternatively, you can get there by boat.

7. Buy a map and wander the many old goat tracks, discovering forgotten villages hidden by gnarled olive trees.

8. Hop on a boat for a trip to the best view of the towering limestone Tripitos Arch.

9. Visit Ben’s Bar on Monodendri Beach, a laid-back, café-restaurant with sunloungers and deckchairs that’s near a popular snorkelling spot.

10. Catch a recital during the annual Paxi Music Festival, which takes place this year between August 29 and September 6

Source: www.express.co.uk