11 must-visit things to do in Antipaxos (with map)

If you are looking for things to do in Antipaxos, we will warn you from the beginning: it is a tiny island, with no towns, no hotels, and no cars… and yet, it has the most incredible water we saw in over two months touring the Ionian Islands. We went as a day trip from Paxos, where we stayed for 12 days in mid-September, and we came back with the feeling of having seen something unlike anything else in Greece.

In this guide, we will tell you the 11 things to do in Antipaxos that are really worth it, including a map, real prices, how to get there from Paxos or Corfu, and where to sleep so you can organize your visit without wasting time.

Antipaxos Summary

Before we start, one fact that puts everything into perspective: in Antipaxos there is not a single ATM, supermarket, or pharmacy. It is an island of vineyards, concrete paths, and three or four tavernas that open in season. You must bring everything else yourself.

1. Vrika Beach, the postcard of Antipaxos

Vrika is the first stop for the water taxi and, for us, the most beautiful beach in the Ionian Islands. It is a crescent of fine white sand, with the sea floor so shallow and clear that the water takes on a turquoise color that looks edited. And it is not: we tried taking photos without filters, and they came out the same.

The best part is that entering the water is smooth and without rocks, something extremely rare in this part of Greece, where almost all beaches are pebbly. That is why it works so well if you are traveling with children or simply don’t want to struggle with water shoes.

It has two tavernas, sunbeds, and umbrellas for rent. One detail to keep in mind: the boats from Corfu arrive around noon, and the beach changes completely. If you can, take the first water taxi of the morning from Gaios, and you will have almost an hour of Vrika all to yourself.

TIP: If your idea is to relax on a spectacular beach, you can spend the whole day here. Otherwise, if you want more adventure, you can continue walking to the next locations (bring water, a hat).

2. Voutoumi Beach, the most impressive blue on the island

Voutoumi is a five-minute boat ride from Vrika and is the other star attraction. The ground changes here: it is white pebbles instead of sand, and that light floor is exactly what gives the water that luminous celestial color seen in every photo of Antipaxos. There is a seafood taverna on that beach, and in season, there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.

A practical tip: bring water shoes. The pebbles are comfortable enough to lie your towel on, but walking into the water barefoot can be uncomfortable. There is a beach bar and sunbeds, although they are usually few in number and get taken quickly.

3. Mesovrika, the wild cove between the two beaches

Between Vrika and Voutoumi is a third, much lesser-known cove: Mesovrika. It is small, pebbly, with no sunbeds, no bars, and nothing else. And that is the charm of it.

Since water taxis don’t stop there, most visitors don’t even know it exists. Many travelers point to it as the quietest of the three, and from what we saw from the water, they are right: while Vrika was much more crowded at midday, Mesovrika had four people.

You can get there by diverting from the trail that connects the two large beaches, or directly by your own boat if you rented one in Gaios. If you go, remember that there are absolutely no services: water, food, and shade are your responsibility.

4. The trail from Vrika to Voutoumi, one of the must-sees in Antipaxos

This is the walk almost no one does… Behind the Vrika tavernas begins a concrete path that climbs through vineyards and pine trees to Voutoumi. It takes about 20 or 30 minutes, depending on how often you stop to take photos.

It is uphill and lacks shade in several sections, so it is better to do it early or late in the afternoon, always with water on you. The good news is that the effort pays off: halfway there, the most beautiful views of the whole island appear, with both bays and the sea in the background.

Also, it is the way to see the interior of Antipaxos, which is practically a continuous vineyard. By walking, you understand why the island is better known for its wine than for its inhabitants.

5. The Bella Vista viewpoint/restaurant, above Voutoumi

From Voutoumi Beach, a long (very long, we warn you) staircase goes up to the Bella Vista restaurant. Perhaps you could go up just for the view, although it makes sense to stay for a drink while you look at the bay from above. Mind you, reviews say it has a fairly high price (though it has a privileged view).

It is probably the point where the color of the water in Antipaxos is best understood: from there, you see the full gradient, from the transparent turquoise of the shore to the deep blue of the channel that separates the island from Paxos.

The prices are those of a restaurant with a privileged view on a Greek island without competition, which is to say, high. If you are on a tight budget, go up a little, look, take the photo, and go back down.

6. Eat fresh fish at a Vrika taverna

In Vrika, there are two tavernas right on the beach, and one of them, Captain Spiros, earned a reputation among those who arrive by boat. Grilled octopus, catch of the day, and Greek salad: you don’t need much more.

Here is the fact that almost no one tells you and that is useful to know beforehand: in several of these tavernas, the rental of sunbeds is tied to consumption. In some cases, they discount part of the umbrella price if you eat there, and in others, they ask you to book a table to use the sunbeds. Ask as soon as you arrive so you don’t have any surprises.

Prices are quite a bit higher than in Paxos, which is expected on an island where everything arrives by boat. If you want to save money, bring your own food and use the free part of the beach.

7. Snorkeling on the rocks at the southern end of Vrika

One of the things to do in Antipaxos that we enjoyed the most was going snorkeling on the rocky points at the ends of the bays. The visibility is impressive: you can see the rocks on the bottom in detail at several meters deep.

Don’t expect giant corals or schools of fish; it’s the Mediterranean. What you will find are rock walls, small caves, salema porgies, sea breams, and that blue that gets clearer as you surface.

Bring your own mask from Paxos or your home country: there is nowhere on the island to rent equipment. And always swim close to the shore, because in high season, the boat traffic is constant, and not everyone is watching.

8. Rodovani Beach, in the north of the island

Rodovani is at the northern tip of Antipaxos and is one of those beaches you only get to if you have your own boat or if you join an excursion that includes it. We saw it from the water on the way, but we didn’t get off.

Many travelers recommend it for that very reason: it has no services, no shade, and no crowds. It is a stretch of pebbles with the same blue as the other two, but without the choreography of boats that forms in Vrika starting at noon.

If you rent a motorboat in Gaios, add it to your route. If you are coming by water taxi, it is likely you won’t get to see it.

9. The hermitage of Agios Emilianos

The only church on the island is Agios Emilianos, in the high area of the southeast. We didn’t make it there, so we are telling you based on what we were told in Paxos and what those who have visited it say.

It is a simple, white chapel, surrounded by vegetation and with wide views of the sea. Many travelers mention it as the quietest corner of Antipaxos, which is saying quite a lot on an island of twenty inhabitants.

At the southern tip of the island, there is also a 19th-century stone lighthouse, although those who have gone there say the hike takes more than an hour over dry, shadeless terrain. For a day trip, it is too much.

If you are spending the whole day and feel like walking beyond the beaches, going inland is the only way to see Antipaxos beyond its bays. Mind you: trails are unmarked, it’s hot, and there are zero services on the way.

10. The cliffs of the west coast and the seal cave

The west face of Antipaxos is exactly the opposite of the east: vertical walls, no beaches, and strong waves. It is only seen from the water, and many excursions skirt around it on the way back to Paxos.

In that area is the Kalogiris cave, known because monk seals—a species endangered in the Mediterranean—take refuge there. Access is restricted and controlled, so it is not a tourist stop: it is a place to be viewed from afar and respected.

If the sea is rough, the boats simply do not approach this side. It happened to us that we had a perfect day on the beaches and returned along the protected route, so don’t take it for granted.

11. Touring Antipaxos by your own boat, one of the things to do on the island

If we have to choose a single recommendation, it is this: rent a motorboat that doesn’t require a license in Gaios and circle the island at your own pace. That is what makes the difference between seeing two beaches packed with people and truly getting to know Antipaxos.

With your own boat, you can arrive early at Vrika, move to Mesovrika when the large boats from Corfu appear, eat in Voutoumi, and end the day in some nameless cove on the east coast. All that on a 5 km² island.

A useful tip if you go by motorboat: the bay surrounding Antipaxos Marina is a good place to anchor and is usually much quieter than the two large beaches, especially at midday, when the boats from Corfu arrive.

In Gaios, there are several rental companies, and it is best to book one day in advance in high season. Also, factor in the fuel cost separately and always check the wind forecast before leaving, because the channel between the two islands can get choppy in the afternoon.

Where to sleep in Antipaxos

Let’s be clear: you can barely sleep in Antipaxos. There are no hotels or towns, just a handful of private villas and houses that are rented out in season, with no services nearby and transport only by sea. It is a lovely option for those looking for total disconnection, but very impractical for a first-time visit.

What we did and what we recommend to everyone is to stay in Paxos, a 15-minute boat ride away, and visit Antipaxos for the day. In Gaios and Loggos, you will have tavernas, supermarkets, boat rentals, and the water taxi departing from the same square. If you want to see everything the larger island has to offer, we tell you all about it in our guide to things to do in Paxos.

In this map, you can compare prices and availability of accommodations in Paxos and the surrounding areas for your travel dates:

See available accommodations in Paxos

How to get to Antipaxos

You can only reach Antipaxos by sea, and there is no airport or direct connection from the mainland. These are the three real options.

By water taxi from Gaios (the best option)

It is the fastest way and the one we used. Boats leave from the main square in Gaios around 10 in the morning, take about 15 minutes, and make two stops: first Vrika and then Voutoumi. The price is around €25 per person round trip, paid in cash upon boarding.

The last return boat usually leaves in the mid-afternoon, between 4 and 5 PM, depending on the company and the weather. Confirm the return time when you buy the ticket, as there is no Plan B if you get stranded on land.

All info about Paxos, in the ➜ Guide to 15 must-visit things to do in Paxos

By local ferry to Antipaxos Marina

There is a much cheaper local ferry, costing just over a euro, that connects Paxos with the island’s only port. On Google Maps, it appears as Antipaxos Marina, and in many guides, you will find it as Agrapidia: it is the same pier on the east coast, and it is also where the few neighbors who live there all year round keep their cars. The problem with the ferry is twofold: it only runs on certain days of the week and leaves you far from the beaches, with a half-hour steep climb ahead. It is only useful if you have plenty of time and a limited budget.

By day trip from Corfu

If you are in Corfu and not staying in Paxos, the only alternative is to join a boat excursion. These are long days, lasting between 8 and 10 hours, that combine the blue caves of Paxos, some time in Gaios or Lakka, and a swimming stop in Antipaxos. It is a lot of boat time for little island time, but it resolves the visit in a single day.

If you are putting together your full route through the country, our section on trips in Greece might be useful, featuring guides to other islands like Kefalonia or Milos.

Travel insurance for Antipaxos

This is a point you should not overlook. In Antipaxos, there is no health center, pharmacy, or on-call doctor: any problem is solved by returning by boat to Paxos or directly to Corfu. Add to that the fact that most accidents of this type happen exactly where you least expect them, with rocks, steep stairs, and motorboats involved.

We always travel with IATI travel insurance, which covers medical assistance, transfers, and water activities like snorkeling—something not all policies include. By booking IATI through our link, you also get a permanent 5% discount.

If you want to compare before deciding, in our guide to the best travel insurance for Europe, we analyze coverage and prices from the main companies.

Excursions to Antipaxos

If you are going to visit Antipaxos from Corfu, the classic excursion is the one that combines the blue caves of Paxos with a swimming stop in Antipaxos and free time in the town. It is the simplest way to see both islands if you only have one day available.

See excursion to Paxos and Antipaxos from Corfu

If, on the other hand, you are sleeping in Paxos, forget about organized excursions: the water taxi or a rental boat give you much more freedom and are quite a bit cheaper.

Map of things to do in Antipaxos

We leave you with the map with the 11 things to do in Antipaxos marked one by one, including the beaches, the trail between Vrika and Voutoumi, and the points that can only be reached by boat. You can open it on your phone on the day of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Antipaxos

How much does it cost to go to Antipaxos from Paxos?

The water taxi from Gaios costs around €25 per person round trip, paid in cash upon boarding. The local ferry is much cheaper, just over a euro, but runs only on certain days of the week and leaves you at Antipaxos Marina, the island’s only port, far from the main beaches.

Can you sleep in Antipaxos?

You can, although the supply is minimal: there are no hotels, only a few villas and private houses that are rented in season. Since there are no supermarkets, pharmacies, or land transport, most travelers stay in Paxos and visit Antipaxos for the day.

What is the best beach in Antipaxos?

It depends on what you are looking for. Vrika is the only sandy one and the best if you are with children or prefer to enter the water without stones. Voutoumi has the most impressive blue and a spectacular view from above. Mesovrika is the quietest of the three because it has no services.

How much time is needed to see Antipaxos?

A full day is more than enough to get to know the three main beaches and do the trail that connects Vrika with Voutoumi. If you want to reach the southern lighthouse or the hermitage of Agios Emilianos, you will need to stay overnight on the island.

Can you go to Antipaxos from Corfu for the day?

Yes, with the boat excursions that leave every morning between May and October. These are 8 to 10-hour days that include the blue caves of Paxos, free time in the town, and a stop to swim in Antipaxos for approximately one hour.

Is it necessary to carry cash to Antipaxos?

Yes, and it is important. There are no ATMs on the island, and several tavernas and sunbed services work only with cash. It is best to withdraw euros in Gaios before boarding and budget for the water taxi, sunbeds, and food for the day.

When is the best time to visit Antipaxos?

From June to September, which is when the boats and tavernas are operating. We went in mid-September, and it seemed like the ideal time: the water is still warm, it is hot, and there are far fewer people than in July and August.

Our final conclusion on Antipaxos

After more than nine years of traveling and touring the Ionian Islands for over two months, Antipaxos was etched in our memories for one very specific reason: the color of the water. We are not exaggerating when we say it is the best we saw in Greece, and that includes much more famous beaches.

Now, let’s be honest. Antipaxos is not a destination in itself: it is the best excursion you can take from Paxos. It has no town, no nightlife, and not much to see beyond its beaches and vineyards. If you come expecting a classic Greek island, you will be disappointed.

Our advice is simple: stay in Paxos, wake up early, take the first boat, and, if your budget allows, rent a motorboat to move around by yourself or go on an excursion. This way, all the things to do in Antipaxos that we told you about in this guide stop being a quick excursion stop and become one of those days you talk about for years afterward.

And if you are organizing the rest of your itinerary, we leave you our guide on how to plan your trip step by step. Have a great trip!

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