the quiet main town of gaios, which has retained its elegant venetian architecture, acts as the island’s harbour and social centre. the two other villages of note are loggos and lakka, with their tiny cluster of houses and cafes. however, the natural beauty of paxos lies in its charming countryside. hire a boat and explore the island’s coastline, visit different coves or beaches daily, or hike through the interior’s olive groves and pine forests. meanwhile , the cliffs around erimitis beach are home to a network of caves called ‘blue caves’ due to the vivid colour of the seawater.
dining on paxos can rival any great culinary hotspot despite being such a small island. take a seat at erimitis, an elegant and upmarket establishment perched high up on cliffs of the west coast, where fresh grilled octopus and prawn linguine are served alongside unbeatable sunset views. for low-key, beachfront dining, try ben’s bar in loggos, with its boho-chic vibes and menu of wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads from the kitchen garden. paxos is notable for its distinctive golden olive oil, made from the island’s subtle lianolia olives and, for the most part, organically farmed. moreover, paxos’ even smaller neighbour, antipaxos, is blanketed in vineyards and the home of a selection of rare but celebrated wines.
with no international airport and only a few hotels, paxos has remained an exclusive island, strictly for those in the know. the island is a particular favourite of high-society italians – for example, the southernmost tip of paxos is home to the palatial holiday villa of the fiat-owning agnelli family, whilst several leading figures in the arts & culture scene return to holiday on the island every summer.
set above the turquoise waters of kaki lagada on paxos’ eastern coastline, sunrise is a stone-built villa positioned within more than 4,000 sqm (43,056 sqft) of terraced gardens and olive trees, with uninterrupted views extending across the ionian toward the mountains of epirus and the outline of corfu beyond. the property occupies a naturally elevated setting between gaios and loggos, while a private pathway leads directly down to the beach only moments below the house.
built almost entirely from local stone, the villa reflects the architectural character of the island through thick masonry walls, arched verandas, shaded terraces, and pale timber ceilings that soften the strong mediterranean light. the house sits comfortably within its landscape, surrounded by cypress, olive groves, and low coastal vegetation that preserve both privacy and a constant visual connection to the sea.
arrival takes place through landscaped grounds and private parking areas before the house opens toward a broad stone terrace facing east across the water. the main living spaces have been designed around this view, with large openings drawing daylight through the interiors throughout the day. high beamed ceilings, natural stone walls, terracotta-toned flooring, and woven textures create a relaxed atmosphere that feels distinctly ionian rather than overtly formal.
the principal living area combines a lounge with a stone fireplace, dining space, and open kitchen beneath a continuous vaulted ceiling. full-height glass doors slide outward onto the shaded veranda, allowing the indoor and outdoor spaces to function as one during the summer months. from almost every position within the room, the sea remains visible through the arches and terraces beyond.
the villa includes six bedrooms and six bathrooms arranged across multiple levels, allowing privacy for family and guests alike. four principal bedrooms feature built-in wardrobes, private balconies or terraces, and open views across the ionian. the materials remain simple and tactile throughout, with linen fabrics, timber details, and soft neutral tones balancing the stone architecture.
outdoors, the terraces unfold gradually toward the pool level, where a curved swimming pool follows the contours of the landscape and faces directly toward the sea. a shaded dining area with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and barbecue sits beside the pool terrace, positioned for long afternoons outside as the light shifts across the coastline. nearby, a covered daybed pavilion overlooks the water, while a hydromassage jacuzzi is set discreetly into the terrace edge.
the lower level of the property introduces a more private wellness area, including a gym, infrared sauna, chromotherapy showers, and massage space. natural stone continues throughout these interiors, maintaining continuity with the rest of the house while creating a cooler atmosphere during the height of summer.
the gardens descend gently toward kaki lagada beach, one of the island’s quieter coves, where clear shallow water meets pale stone and dense greenery. despite the peaceful setting, both gaios and loggos remain within easy reach, offering harbourfront tavernas, small cafés, and the understated rhythm that defines paxos life.
as evening settles over the eastern coastline, the terraces remain illuminated by the final light across the sea, with sailing boats anchored offshore and the outline of the mainland gradually fading into blue.
