Paxos Island (Lakka-Gaios, Greece)

Paxos Island (port locode GRPAX), together with Antipaxos, is the largest of Ithe onian Islands (Heptanese) located in the Ionian Sea (Eastern Mediterranean). The Paxi island group covers a total area of approx 30120 km2 (11630 mi2) and has total population around 2,300. Paxos island is serviced by ferries from Igoumenitsa (mainland Greece, crossing time 1,5 hours) and by and hydrofoil craft from Corfu (travel time 1 hour) and from italy - Bari and Brindisi (travel time 4 hours).

Antipaxos is popular for its wine and fine sand beaches. Port Gaios is the island's main port and largest town. In Greek mythology, Poseidon made the isle by striking Corfu with a trident, so that he and his wife Amphitrite could live in peace.

Though it was probably inhabited from prehistoric times, the Phoenicians are traditionally considered island's first settlers. The name could be derived from "Pax", meaning trapezoidal.

The Battle of Paxos (during First Illyrian War / 229 BC) was fought between the fleets of Illyrians and ancient Greeks. From the 2nd century BC the Romans ruled the island. During the Middle Ages and the Byzantine period, it was constantly attacked by pirates. Following various Crusaders and rulers, at the end of 14th century Paxos Island was taken by the Venetians.

During the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), Ionian Islands were taken by the Russo-Turkish alliance and France. In February 1814, the island was conquered by the British, who in 1815 established the Ionian Union. In 1864, the Heptanese were ceded to Greece.

The presence of celebrities, and the development of the coastal area (mostly by Italians) explains why Paxos Island has become one of the most expensive pieces of Greek real estate. 

Paxos Island cruise terminal