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.
alkyoni sits quietly above the ionian coastline on the northern side of paxos, surrounded by olive groves, cypress trees and the layered greens of the island landscape. from its elevated position, the villa looks outward across an uninterrupted sweep of sea that extends from corfu toward the distant albanian mountains and the mainland coastline beyond. the setting feels both expansive and sheltered, with the house carefully positioned to capture changing light throughout the day and the soft evening colours that settle across the horizon at sunset.
the architecture draws from the traditional language of the ionian islands, combining pale façades, terracotta roof tiles, arched covered walkways and wrought-iron detailing. stone terraces step gradually through the grounds, creating a natural transition between the villa and the surrounding landscape. mature trees frame the property and provide shade during the warmer months, while the elevated orientation allows sea views to remain present from nearly every part of the house and gardens.
inside, the principal living spaces are generous yet relaxed in character. vaulted timber ceilings and exposed wooden beams bring warmth and scale to the main sitting room, where a fireplace anchors the space during the cooler seasons. large openings connect the interiors directly to the terraces beyond, allowing sea breezes and natural light to move easily through the house. the palette remains understated and practical, with pale stone flooring, soft neutral tones and timber details reflecting the easy rhythm of island living.
the kitchen and dining areas continue this atmosphere of informal comfort, arranged to maintain visual connection with the surrounding terraces and coastline. morning light enters gently through the eastern side of the house, while the western terraces become the natural gathering point as the sun lowers toward the sea. a bowl of lemons left on the dining table catches the late afternoon light drifting in from the terrace doors.
three bedrooms are arranged to maximise privacy and orientation toward the sea. large windows and balcony doors frame uninterrupted ionian views, while the upper-level rooms open onto terraces that feel suspended above the surrounding trees. bathrooms are spacious and bright, finished in pale stone and soft green accents that echo the landscape outside. a separate games or recreation room provides additional flexibility for family living and longer stays on the island.
outdoor living forms the heart of the property during the summer months. wide terraces wrap around the villa, creating multiple areas for dining, reading or simply watching the changing colours of the coastline. the swimming pool sits slightly below the principal terrace, surrounded by olive trees and bordered by sun loungers positioned toward the view. the architecture responds naturally to the terrain, with shaded arcades and pergolas helping regulate light and temperature throughout the day.
alkyoni is located within walking distance of monodendri beach, where clear turquoise water meets a quiet stretch of coastline lined with small tavernas. the harbour village of lakka lies approximately two kilometres away, providing access to cafés, local shops and the relaxed maritime atmosphere that defines northern paxos. the villa’s elevated setting allows both privacy and proximity to the island’s most established coastal areas without compromising the sense of seclusion.
