Erimitis is one of the most dramatic and unspoilt spots on Paxos, a wild stretch of the west coast where towering white cliffs plunge into deep, clear turquoise water. Famous above all for its sunsets, widely regarded as the most spectacular in the Ionian. It is a place of raw natural beauty rather than an organised beach, with no sunbeds, bars or facilities. Reached by a steep path down from near the village of Magazia, or admired from a boat. Erimitis rewards visitors with sweeping scenery and, as the sun sinks into the sea, cliffs glowing gold and pink.
This guide covers Erimitis in full: what it is, where it lies, what the beach is like, its famous sunset, how to get there and what to bring.
Here you will find everything about Erimitis on Paxos: what it is, where it lies on the west coast, what the beach and cliffs are like. Why it is famous for its sunset, how to get there by path or by boat, what to bring given the lack of facilities. Whether it is worth visiting.
What is Erimitis on Paxos?
Erimitis is a wild, dramatic beach and stretch of coast on the west side of Paxos, backed by towering white cliffs and deep turquoise water.
Erimitis is one of the most striking and untouched locations on Paxos and Antipaxos, on the wild western side of the island. It is defined by dramatic white cliffs that drop steeply into deep, crystal-clear turquoise water. Creating a scene of raw, elemental beauty quite different from the gentle, sheltered coves of the east coast.
It is said to be one of the youngest beaches in Greece, created relatively recently by a landslide, which added to the dramatic, sculpted character of the cliffs and shore. The result is a place of wild scenery rather than an organised resort beach, with the emphasis firmly on nature.
Where is Erimitis on Paxos?
Erimitis is on the west coast of Paxos, near the small village of Magazia.
Erimitis lies on the western coast of Paxos, the rugged side of the island that faces the open Ionian Sea, near the small inland village of Magazia. This west coast, in contrast to the sheltered eastern shore with its harbours and coves, is a dramatic line of white cliffs. Erimitis is one of its most spectacular points.
To reach the area, you follow the road across the island towards the village of Magazia. From where signs lead to a dirt track that continues for a couple of kilometres towards the coast. The wild, remote setting, away from the villages and resorts, is part of what gives Erimitis its unspoilt, natural character.
What is Erimitis beach like?
Erimitis beach is wild and unspoilt, a shore of pebbles and rocks beneath towering white cliffs, with deep, clear turquoise water.
Erimitis beach is a place of dramatic natural beauty rather than an organised, comfortable strand. The shore is made up of pebbles and rocks at the foot of the great white cliffs. The water is deep and beautifully clear. A vivid turquoise against the pale stone, ideal for a bracing swim for the more adventurous.
Crucially, there are no facilities at the beach itself: no sunbeds, no umbrellas and no beach bar, so visitors must come prepared and self-sufficient. This lack of development is exactly what keeps Erimitis so wild and unspoilt, and what appeals to those seeking a raw, natural experience away from the busier, organised beaches.
Why is Erimitis famous for its sunset?
Erimitis is famous for its sunset because it faces west over the open Ionian Sea, so the sun sets directly out to sea in front of it.
The great fame of Erimitis rests on its sunsets, which are widely regarded as the finest in the whole Ionian. Because the beach and cliffs face west, straight out over the open sea, the sun sets directly in front of the viewer, sinking into the water in an uninterrupted, spectacular display at the end of the day.
The sky comes alive with rich golden, orange and pink hues. The towering white cliffs catch and reflect the warm light, glowing softly against the deepening blue of the sea. It is a moment of real drama and serenity, and one of the most beautiful natural spectacles on the island.
How do you get to Erimitis on Paxos?
You get to Erimitis by driving across Paxos towards the village of Magazia, then following a dirt track and a steep path down towards the coast. Sturdy shoes are essential for the descent.
Reaching Erimitis takes a little effort, which is part of what keeps it unspoilt. From the villages you drive across the island towards Magazia on the west side. From where signboards lead to a dirt track that continues for around two to three kilometres towards the coast. A hire car or scooter is the easiest way to get to the trailhead.
From the end of the track, a path leads down towards the beach and the clifftop viewpoints. The trail down to the shore is steep and uneven in places. Caution is needed on the descent. And closed, sturdy footwear rather than flip-flops is essential for a safe and comfortable walk. Erimitis can also be admired from the water on a Paxos boat trip along the west coast, and its cliffs are a highlight of the walking routes described in our guide to Paxos walks.
What you bring to Erimitis?
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection and a hat, and wear sturdy, closed shoes for the steep path. If staying for the sunset, a torch is useful for the walk back.
Bars or shops at Erimitis, visitors come well prepared and self-sufficient. The essentials are plenty of drinking water, snacks or a picnic. Good sun protection. Including sun cream and a hat, as there is little shade on the exposed cliffs and shore.
Sturdy, closed footwear with good grip is important for the steep, uneven path down to the beach, and flip-flops are not suitable. If you plan to stay to watch the sunset, as many people do, it is wise to carry a torch or use a phone light for the walk back up the path afterwards, once darkness falls.
Is Erimitis worth visiting?
Erimitis is well worth visiting for its dramatic white cliffs, clear turquoise water and, above all, its spectacular sunset, considered the finest on Paxos.
Erimitis is one of the natural highlights of Paxos and well worth the effort of reaching it, especially for lovers of dramatic, unspoilt scenery. Its towering white cliffs, deep clear water and wild. Remote setting offer a striking contrast to the gentle coves and harbours of the rest of the island. Make it a memorable place to explore and swim.
Its greatest reward, however, is the sunset. To stand on the clifftop as the sun sinks into the Ionian and the sky and cliffs glow with colour is one of the most beautiful experiences on Paxos. Reason enough in itself to make the trip. It is little wonder that Erimitis draws visitors seeking romance, photographs and a moment of serenity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Erimitis good for swimming?
Erimitis can be good for swimming. It is quite different from the sheltered family beaches elsewhere on Paxos. Suiting confident swimmers and lovers of wild scenery rather than those seeking calm, easy conditions. The beach lies at the foot of towering white cliffs on the exposed western coast. The water is deep and beautifully clear. Making for a spectacular, refreshing swim in dramatic surroundings. Because this is the open, west-facing side of the island, the sea can be less sheltered than on the calm eastern coast. The shore is pebbles and rocks rather than sand, so water shoes are useful and some care is needed.
There are no facilities, sunbeds or lifeguards, so swimmers be self-sufficient and visit in calm conditions. Families with young children or less confident swimmers prefer the sheltered, shallow beaches at Mongonisi or on Antipaxos, but for adventurous swimmers Erimitis offers beautiful, dramatic bathing.
What time is sunset at Erimitis on Paxos?
The time of sunset at Erimitis varies through the season. There is no single fixed time. But the beach is famous for one of the most spectacular sunset displays in the Ionian whenever the sun goes down. In the height of summer, around June and July, the sun sets late in the evening, while in spring and autumn it sets progressively earlier. Because Erimitis faces west over the open sea, it is perfectly placed to catch the sun sinking directly into the water, with the sky and white cliffs glowing gold, orange and pink. To make the most of it, arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, well before the sun goes down.
You have time to reach the clifftop or beach and enjoy the changing light. Check the local sunset time for your date, allow plenty of time for the drive and walk. Carry a torch for the walk back, as it grows dark quickly afterwards.
Can you visit Erimitis by boat?
Yes, you can admire Erimitis by boat. Seeing its dramatic white cliffs from the water is a notable way to appreciate their scale, complementing the view from the clifftop above. The western coast of Paxos, on which Erimitis lies, is a spectacular line of towering white cliffs plunging into deep blue water. Because this wild side of the island is largely without road access. Boat trips are one of the best ways to explore it. Cruises and self-drive boats travelling along the west coast pass beneath the cliffs of Erimitis. Giving a striking view up at the sheer rock and the chance to swim in the deep, clear water offshore in calm conditions.
This makes Erimitis a natural highlight of a boat trip around Paxos, often combined with the nearby sea caves. The great Tripitos arch and a crossing to the beaches of Antipaxos. Many visitors enjoy both perspectives, seeing the cliffs from the water and returning to walk to the clifftop for the famous sunset.