Family Adventure in the Tranquil Beauty of Paxos, Greece

Echoes of History and Art in Paxos

Today, Paxos revealed more of its serene charm, blending historical intrigue with the simple pleasures of local craftsmanship. It was a day of gentle exploration, perfect for soaking in the island's unique atmosphere with my family. I’m finding that each day here brings a deeper appreciation for the unhurried pace of life and the beauty that surrounds us.

Our day started, as it often does, with a delightful breakfast at Carnayo Restaurant Bar & Catering. Nestled among olive trees, just a short walk from the sea, Carnayo offered an authentic taste of Paxiot cuisine. Hans enjoyed a hearty omelet, while Sofia devoured her pancakes with gusto. I opted for the vegan moussaka, which was absolutely delicious. It's always a treat to find such flavorful plant-based options, and this one certainly didn't disappoint. I even made a mental note to try and recreate it back in Berlin, using the fresh produce from our local farmers market. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it a perfect start to our day.


Discover Carnayo Restaurant Bar & Catering in Gaios - where exquisite Greek flavors meet exceptional hospitality in a charming setting.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet corners of the world, where history whispers and artistry thrives.

After breakfast, we set out to explore the historical Cistern of Gaios. This ancient marvel, located just outside the village, is a testament to the island's rich past. Built during the British occupation, the cistern once served as a vital water source for the town. As we walked around the site, I imagined the people of Paxos relying on this structure for their daily needs. It's fascinating to think about how such a simple yet ingenious design played such a crucial role in the community's survival. Sofia was particularly intrigued by the large, round mouthpieces and the staircases leading down to the water reservoir. Hans, ever the engineer, admired the structural integrity of the cistern, noting the elaborate design and the quality of the stonework. We learned that the Cistern of the Holy Apostles, also in Gaios, is the second-largest on the island, with a capacity of 600 cubic meters. It's amazing to think about the scale of these structures and the effort that went into building them so long ago.


Discover the Cistern of Gaios, an ancient marvel that highlights the rich history and breathtaking beauty of Paxos Island, Greece.

Next on our itinerary was the Ortholithos, an impressive rock formation situated off the coast of Paxos. We decided to take a small boat tour to get a closer look, and I’m so glad we did. As we approached the towering rock, I was struck by its sheer size and the way it stood defiantly against the crashing waves. The water around Ortholithos was crystal clear, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Sofia was thrilled to spot colorful fish darting around the rocks, and Hans couldn't resist taking a dip in the refreshing water. I, meanwhile, enjoyed soaking up the sun and marveling at the stunning scenery. It's moments like these that remind me why I love traveling so much – the chance to witness the raw, untamed beauty of nature.


Explore the breathtaking stone sculptures of Ortholithos, a serene tourist attraction in Greece that blends nature's beauty with artistic craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, we indulged in some local shopping in Gaios. I was on the hunt for unique souvenirs and handcrafted items, and I wasn't disappointed. Our first stop was an olive wood & crafting shop, where we found a treasure trove of beautifully crafted items made from local olive wood. From kitchen utensils to decorative pieces, every item was crafted with care and precision. I ended up buying a set of olive wood bowls for our kitchen back in Berlin. I love the idea of bringing a little piece of Paxos into our home, and I know these bowls will be a constant reminder of our time here. Sofia, of course, had her eye on a small wooden toy, which she promptly named Olive.


Explore the charm of Gaios at the Olive Wood & Crafting Shop, where handcrafted olive wood treasures await to be discovered.

We continued our shopping spree at a few other local boutiques, where I found some lovely handmade jewelry and stylish clothing. It's always a pleasure to support local artisans and businesses, and I was impressed by the quality and craftsmanship of the items on offer. We also stopped by PAXOS BOOKSHOP, picking up a few Greek language workbooks for Sofia to keep up with her language learning.

As lunchtime approached, we found ourselves at Paxos Burger House. After a morning of exploring, we were all craving something hearty and satisfying, and burgers seemed like the perfect choice. And they were! The burgers were juicy and flavorful, and the fries were crispy and perfectly seasoned. Sofia declared it the best burger she'd ever had, which is high praise coming from a six-year-old. Hans and I both agreed that it was a delicious and satisfying meal, and the cozy atmosphere of the burger house made it even more enjoyable.


Discover Paxos Burger House in Gaios: A must-visit destination for delicious gourmet burgers on your Greek island adventure.

In the evening, we decided to try Volcano for dinner. This restaurant came highly recommended, and we were eager to see what all the fuss was about. We weren't disappointed. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. We ordered a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Greek specialties. Everything was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were bold and authentic. Sofia, surprisingly, devoured a plate of grilled octopus, which is not something she would normally eat back home. It seems that the fresh sea air and the relaxed atmosphere of Paxos have broadened her culinary horizons. Volcano is also known as a bar, so I enjoyed a cocktail while Hans had a glass of local wine.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine in Gaios, where tradition meets flavor in a delightful culinary journey.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll along the harbor, soaking in the sights and sounds of Gaios at night. The town was bustling with activity, but there was still a sense of peace and tranquility in the air. We stopped at Gajos, a local bar, for a nightcap before heading back to our vacation rental. Sipping on a refreshing drink, I reflected on the day's adventures and felt grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of Paxos with my family.


Experience tranquility at Gajos in Gaios, a serene bar offering refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Paxos.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we plan to explore Konani Beach and Kanoni Harbour. I'm particularly excited to visit Konani Beach, as I've heard it's one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. I'm also looking forward to browsing the PAXOS BOOKSHOP, as I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting reads. And of course, we'll be sure to sample some more of the local cuisine, with breakfast at Blue Grotto, lunch at Nassos, and dinner at La Piazza.

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Paxos has a way of slowing down time and allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or simply enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones, this island has something to offer everyone. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't wait to see what adventures tomorrow would bring. I am so glad we decided to come to Paxos, it is truly a hidden gem.

Tomorrow, we're planning on heading to Konani Beach and Kanoni Harbour. I've heard Konani Beach is stunning, and I’m eager to see it for myself. We'll also grab breakfast at Blue Grotto, lunch at Nassos, and dinner at La Piazza. I’m also hoping to find some time to visit PAXOS BOOKSHOP. It's been a day of simple pleasures and profound beauty, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow holds.

The best journeys are those that lead us not only to new places but also to new perspectives.