Frenzy for Paxos – Fixed at 100% occupancy after Maestro at Papakaliatis

Can a moving image create a destination? However, it can. If this destination really proves to be worth the expectations, it is very likely that it will continue to be a favorite of travelers. We see this in several places in Greece lit up with the glow of Hollywood, or even European cinema.

For decades “Infinite Blue” has been an inexhaustible incentive for thousands of French people to visit Amorgos every year – and not only. We see this happening all the time and in various places around the world, as travelers can’t wait to live even for a while within the frame of their favorite movie. It is no coincidence, after all, that many countries invite film productions, giving them deep discounts on their expenses, so that they may appear in their place in some scenes. The same is happening in Greece, where we’ve recently seen filming in every corner of the country.

Gaios, a wonderful sheltered port

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Unsplash

This time it was the turn of the Paxos, lit by Maestro Christophoros Papakaliatis. The accomplished artist has always wanted to shoot in a place where he has a lot to remember from his summers. He even did a few scenes 20 years ago for “Watch Me,” but his dream has always been to do something bigger there. Finally the maestro was made with the help of local people, local clubs and the municipality who provided solutions in all the circumstances that were required.

Today, therefore, anyone trying to find a room on Paxos will fail. For months now, occupancy has been at 100%. Apart from the Italians who surround the islands every year with their boats, this year is the time when the Greeks also show great interest in spending some days of freedom there. However, the winners are those who thought about it early. Surely, everything shows that this summer for Paxos will last longer than ever. It should be noted that Christophoros Papakaliatis’ mother, Willy Malamy, also has rooms for rent on Paxos, who, it has been said, never stops picking up the phone to politely answer no to potential tourists on Paxos because the accommodation is constantly full.

Paxos, summer 2023
A boat stops at the small port of Gaios. Luggage in hand and great anticipation. Like other sirens, Paxos invites us to walk through it, pour ourselves over it, and enjoy the fruits of its hospitality. The green that spreads and pours into the depths of the sea, which in turn gracefully brings out its charm to attract us. Greens, blues and purples shimmer when the sun hits them, while at the same time the bottom – clear as a mirror of the sky – is waiting to be discovered.

Avlaki Beach

Cluny Jolly Beach, Paxos

Expectations about Al Jazeera have grown since the broadcast of the series by Maestro Christophoros Papakaliatis. There, on Paxos, an eccentric musician goes to run a festival and ends up falling in love with life, the island and its people. This romantic moment is what all travelers are looking for, no matter how lost they are in the problems and dryness of everyday life. And maybe Paxos. They really managed to deliver it.

In this small corner of the Ionian region, the traveler discovers another character, that of calm. Only 5.5 hours from Athens, with access by boat from the port of Igoumenitsa or by plane to Corfu and boat from there, this island seems to preserve the legend of its existence to this day. A sanctuary created by Poseidon to house his love affair with the Nereid Amphitrite. The beaches on Antipaxos, on Fotomi – one of the most beautiful in Greece – look as if they were made by God. Antipaxos generally has a rare beauty and is wild with its deep blue waters, imposing rocks and caves, which makes us love the Ionian even more.

Instagram: @paxos_island_greece

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Laka Village, Paxos

Blue Caves, on the western side of Paxos. Instagram: @paxos_island_greece

Trypitos, a natural rocky arch in Paxos. Instagram: @paxos_island_greece

Kipiadi, Virka and Marmari are for the visitor a more secluded option that brings them closer to nature. From the comfort of sun loungers at Ben’s Bar in Manadendri, to the wild beauty and towering white cliffs of the uncluttered coast of Erimitis, the island’s beaches seem like the fantasy of a poet in love.

And while camels are at sea, people on land long for union. In its picturesque little alleys, with their huge white steps and cosmopolitan houses reminiscent of the Italian countryside, music reigns. And it is no coincidence that a series about her was filmed there. One walks by and sees people smiling at him and treating him. Classical music plays in taverns, voices come out from the windows of houses, singers who make us laugh. It is 9 pm and the door to a ballet school is open, and inside a group of children can be seen dancing. This is Paxos, a place that holds all creativity and all human expression. From their music festivals that bring together musicians from as far away as Ireland, to Basil’s Tavern, music is the dominant element on the island.

Futomi Beach in Antipaxos. Instagram: @paxos_island_greece

Credit: Getty Images/Ideal Image

As a visitor, one can stay in individual villas – The Thinking Traveler and Ionian Villas are the best options, where they feel like one of the permanent residents of the island, or in simpler homes that can be found on Airbnb and Vrbo. And since there is no music without good food, the island matches both. From traditional taverns, such as the green square of Polokos, to the Son Winery, to the restaurants of Carnayo, Thalassa and La Rosa di Paxos, the culinary journey is endless. Sofrito, stews, even cabbage dolmades with minced crab, the island’s quirky Greek cuisine offers it all. The crown, of course, are the lobsters and big fish, the spoils of fishermen from the generous sea of ​​Paxos.

The character of the island emanates peace. That is why it is better to ride a motorcycle than a car – because the roads are very narrow. Alternatively, you can approach the island by boat, as it has many beaches with limited access and small harbors ready to welcome you. To live the full Paxos experience, take a mat and a towel in hand and lie down on its warm sandy beaches. However, rest assured that wherever you go, you will be welcomed by warm hospitality, good food, and sweet music.
Image credit: Getty Images/Ideal Image