A Paxos day trip from Corfu is the island’s most popular boat excursion, cruising south to the sea caves of Paxos, the turquoise coves of Antipaxos and the village of Gaios. Boats leave Corfu port around 8am and return near 7pm. This guide covers the itinerary, the swimming stops, the practical details and how to book the cruise.
A day on the water is one of Corfu’s great experiences, a highlight of the wider Corfu boat tours. Paxos and Antipaxos lie just south of Corfu. The sections below cover the trip.
Is the Paxos day trip worth it?
The Paxos day trip is worth it for the trio of Ionian sights it packs into one day: the dramatic Blue Caves of Paxos, the Caribbean-clear coves of Antipaxos and the pretty Venetian village of Gaios. It is Corfu’s signature excursion and a highlight of any trip.
Few day trips combine so much in one outing. The cruise reaches three jewels of the Ionian Sea: the towering sea caves and cliffs of Paxos, the tiny, unspoilt island of Antipaxos with water so clear it draws comparisons to the Caribbean, and the charming harbour town of Gaios. Add the open-deck cruise itself, past Corfu Town, Mouse Island and Mon Repos, and the day delivers swimming, sightseeing and a taste of island life. It is consistently the most booked excursion on the island, and for good reason, set within the wider things to do in Corfu. The itinerary follows a clear shape.
What is the itinerary?
The itinerary sails south from Corfu port, first to the Blue Caves and cliffs on the west side of Paxos, then to Antipaxos for a swim stop of around an hour in its turquoise coves, and finally to the village of Gaios for free time to lunch and explore.
The day follows a relaxed, well-tested route. Departing Corfu port in the morning, the boat cruises down the coast, passing Mouse Island and Mon Repos, before reaching the west coast of Paxos and its famous Blue Caves, where it slows for photos of the rock formations and arches. It then crosses to Antipaxos for the main swim stop, anchoring off beaches such as Voutoumi and Vrika for 50 to 70 minutes in the water. The final call is Gaios, the capital of Paxos, where two to three hours of free time allow lunch and a wander before the return cruise to Corfu, set out alongside the guide to Corfu beaches. The Blue Caves are the scenic highlight.
What are the Blue Caves of Paxos?
The Blue Caves are dramatic sea caves and white cliffs along the west coast of Paxos, where the water glows an intense blue. The largest, the Ypapanti cave, runs some 1,200 metres into the rock and is linked by legend to the palace of the sea god Poseidon.
The caves are the cruise’s most photographed moment. Carved into the steep white cliffs of western Paxos, they form a chain of arches, grottoes and inlets where the sunlight turns the sea a luminous turquoise and sapphire. The boat noses close to the rock so passengers can take in the scale and colour, with the long Ypapanti cave, said in legend to have hidden the palace of Poseidon and Amphitrite, the most famous of all. Sheer cliffs rise straight from the water, dotted with the occasional sea stack. The caves give the trip its scenic drama before the swimming begins, set out alongside the guide to Paleokastritsa and its own sea caves. Antipaxos is the place to swim.
What is Antipaxos like?
Antipaxos is a tiny, unspoilt island just south of Paxos, famous for two small beaches, Vrika and Voutoumi, whose fine sand and astonishingly clear turquoise water are often likened to the Caribbean. The cruise stops here for the main swim of the day.
Antipaxos is the swimming highlight. Barely a few square kilometres and home to only a handful of residents and vineyards, the island is ringed by water of an unreal clarity, shading from pale aquamarine to deep blue over a white seabed. The boat anchors off Vrika or Voutoumi, two small coves regularly named among Greece’s most beautiful, for a swim stop of roughly an hour. Passengers dive straight from the deck or swim ashore to the sand. The water is warm, calm and brilliantly transparent, ideal for snorkelling, set out alongside the guide to Corfu boat tours. Gaios completes the day ashore.
What is there to do in Gaios?
Gaios is the capital of Paxos, a pretty Venetian harbour town sheltered behind a wooded islet. The cruise gives two to three hours of free time here to lunch at a waterfront taverna, browse the narrow streets and shops, and soak up the relaxed island atmosphere.
Gaios offers a gentle finale on dry land. The little town curves around a natural harbour protected by the green islet of Agios Nikolaos, its waterfront lined with pastel Venetian houses, tavernas and cafés. With a few hours ashore, most visitors settle in for a long lunch of fresh fish by the water, then wander the narrow lanes and squares behind the front, browsing small shops and soaking up the unhurried pace of Paxos. Those who prefer can simply relax over a frappé and watch the yachts. It is a calm, atmospheric contrast to the morning’s swimming, set out alongside the guide to Corfu villages. A few practical points help.
What are the practical details?
Boats depart Corfu port around 8 to 8.30am and return near 7pm, with some offering hotel pick-up. Vessels have open sun decks, an air-conditioned hall and a bar. Bring swimwear, a towel, sun cream and cash for lunch, and book ahead in peak summer.
A little preparation makes the long day easy. Most cruises leave Corfu port between 8 and 8.30 in the morning and return around 7 in the evening, with many operators offering hotel transfers from the main resorts for an extra fee. The boats are well equipped, with two open decks for sunbathing and views, an air-conditioned main cabin and a self-service bar selling drinks and snacks, though lunch in Gaios is paid separately. Pack swimwear under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and cash for the taverna. Free cancellation is often available up to 72 hours ahead, set out alongside the guide to the best time to visit Corfu. Booking is straightforward.
How do you book the cruise?
You book the cruise online in advance, especially in July and August when boats sell out, choosing a tour with the swim stop and free time you want. Compare departure points and whether hotel transfer is included, and reserve early for the best price and availability.
Securing a place is best done ahead of time. The Paxos and Antipaxos cruise is the island’s most popular excursion, so in peak summer the boats fill quickly and booking online days in advance guarantees a seat at the best rate. Check what each tour includes, the length of the swim stop, the free time in Gaios and whether hotel pick-up is offered, since these vary between operators. Sitting on the upper deck early gives the best views and shade choice. Many cruises pair naturally with a wider island plan, set out alongside a Corfu itinerary. The questions below cover the points travellers ask most.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Paxos day trip from Corfu?
The Paxos day trip lasts a full day, with boats leaving Corfu port around 8 to 8.30am and returning near 7pm. The time is split between cruising, the Blue Caves, an hour swimming off Antipaxos and two to three hours of free time in Gaios.
Can you swim on the Paxos and Antipaxos cruise?
You can swim on the main stop off Antipaxos, where the boat anchors for around an hour in the turquoise coves of Vrika and Voutoumi. Bring swimwear, a towel and sun cream, as passengers dive from the deck or swim to the beach.
Is the Paxos cruise suitable for families?
The Paxos cruise suits families, with open decks, an air-conditioned cabin, a bar and a long swim stop in calm, clear water. The day is long, so bring snacks, sun protection and entertainment for young children on the cruising sections.