Lakka Lighthouse: A Guiding Light Through History
Explore Paxos' Lakka Lighthouse: a historic beacon offering scenic views and a glimpse into the island's maritime past.
Lakka Lighthouse, situated on the northern edge of Paxos, has a history dating back to 1825. The British initially constructed it, and its first lantern was lit on June 1, 1831. The original mechanism featured a reflector system of 10 parabolic mirrors. In March 1913, disaster struck when the lighthouse collapsed into a 200-meter-long ravine due to subsidence. Fortunately, no lives were lost. A new lighthouse was constructed in 1919 at a nearby location called “Kuera”. It featured an updated lighting system capable of emitting three white flashes every 24 seconds, visible from up to 26 miles away. The lighthouse was bombed during the Italian-German occupation in World War II but was restored and relit in 1952. Today, the square stone tower stands as a beacon of history and resilience. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, the grounds are accessible and offer views of the Ionian Sea. A chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas, built by lighthouse keepers who rescued an icon of the saint during the 1913 collapse, remains a significant symbol of the lighthouse's enduring legacy.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk from Lakka village to the lighthouse.
- Bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of the coastline.
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
A brief summary to Lakka's Lighthouse
- Paxi, 490 82, GR
- +306948875437
Getting There
-
Walking
From the center of Lakka village, head north towards the waterfront. Follow the coastal path that leads to the lighthouse. The walk is approximately 1 km and should take about 15-20 minutes. The path offers views of the coastline. There are no costs associated with walking to the lighthouse.
-
Public Transport
Take the local bus from Gaios, the main town of Paxos, to Lakka. Buses run frequently during the day. From the main bus stop in Lakka, walk towards the harbor area and follow the coastal path to Lakka's Lighthouse. The walk takes about 15-20 minutes. Bus fare from Gaios to Lakka is approximately €2-€3.
