Voutoumi to Gaios — A Private Day Around Paxos

Few destinations in the Mediterranean rival the raw beauty of Paxos and its tiny sister island, Antipaxos. Emerald sea caves large enough to cruise into. Beaches of such vivid turquoise they appear almost unreal. A coastline unchanged for centuries, accessible only from the water. This private voyage is our most ambitious day cruise — and for those who experience it, the one they remember longest.

Departure Points

Your Paxos experience begins from one of two boarding locations:

From Nydri, Lefkada — cruising south through the Lefkada Canal, past the island of Meganisi and the legendary shores of Skorpios, before crossing open water toward Paxos.

From Preveza Port — heading directly south along the wild Epirus coastline, stopping first at the secluded Fanari and Alonaki Cove before continuing to Paxos and Antipaxos.

Both routes offer extraordinary scenery. Your captain will advise on the best option based on your party's starting location and the day's conditions.

The Route — Seven Extraordinary Stops

Voutoumi Beach, Antipaxos

Your first destination is Voutoumi Beach on Antipaxos — an island so small it has no permanent inhabitants, with water classified among the clearest in Europe. White sand, extraordinary visibility, and a colour of blue that seems improbable until you see it. Arriving early by private boat, you have the beach largely to yourselves before the day-trip ferries arrive from Paxos.

Mongonissi, Paxos

Rounding the southern tip of Paxos, you stop at Mongonissi — a small peninsula connected to the main island by a narrow strip of land, with a perfect horseshoe bay of luminously clear water. This is a quieter, more intimate side of Paxos, away from the famous caves and popular anchorages: a place of olive groves reaching to the water's edge and complete calm.

Gaios, Paxos

The main harbour town of Paxos is one of the most picturesque in the entire Ionian — a narrow channel between the mainland and two small islands, lined with Venetian-influenced buildings in warm terracotta and ochre. Your captain navigates the channel slowly, giving you time to take in the scene. A short stop ashore reveals a village of extraordinary charm: narrow streets, excellent coffee, and the unhurried pace of an island that has resisted mass tourism.

Kipiadi Beach, Paxos

On Paxos's eastern coast, Kipiadi is a small, sheltered pebble beach with water of exceptional clarity, backed by ancient olive trees. This is a place for a long, quiet swim and perhaps some snorkelling over the rocky seabed — one of those hidden spots that doesn't appear in the guidebooks but that locals know well.

Lunch in Parga

Crossing to the mainland coast, you arrive at Parga — arguably the most beautiful town on the Greek mainland coast, with a Venetian castle crowning the headland and a waterfront of extraordinary character. Lunch here is an event in itself: fresh seafood at a harbourside taverna, in a setting that combines Ottoman, Venetian, and Greek influences in a way unique to this part of the world.

Fanari - Alonaki

Alonaki cove at Fanari is one of the most scenic spots on the Greek mainland — a rugged, pine-fringed cove meeting deep turquoise water, with a wild, unhurried beauty that feels entirely removed from the tourist trail. An unexpected highlight on the way to Paxos.

Monolithi

Your final stop before returning to Preveza is Monolithi — a remarkable beach of fine dark sand stretching for kilometres along the mainland coast, backed by a lagoon that is home to diverse birdlife. The water is clear and inviting, perfect for a final swim before heading back, the setting dramatic, and the crowds almost entirely absent. A fitting conclusion to a day of extraordinary variety.

Pricing

The Paxos & Secret Beaches Experience is priced as a private group voyage:

One price. Complete privacy. The entire boat is yours. Fuel is additional and calculated on the day.

Why Go by Private Boat?

The beaches and caves of Paxos are accessible to everyone — but not like this. Public ferries arrive on schedule and leave on schedule. Day-trip boats carry forty passengers and stop for thirty minutes. With AURA, you arrive when you choose, stay as long as you wish, and share the experience with no one but your own party. The difference is unparalleled.

When to Visit Paxos by Private Boat

The Paxos cruise operates from May through October. June and September offer ideal conditions — warm water, calm seas, and fewer vessels in the caves and lagoons. July and August are magnificent but busier; early morning departures are strongly recommended in peak season to reach the caves before the tour boats arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fuel really not included?

Fuel is calculated separately based on your departure point and the day's route. We are always transparent about costs — your captain will provide an estimate before departure. Departing from Preveza, fuel typically adds €80–120 to the total. From Nydri, slightly more.

Can we spend more time at Antipaxos?

Absolutely. The itinerary is a guide, not a schedule. If your party falls in love with Antipaxos — which they always do — your captain will extend your time there.

Is wine included for everyone?

Yes — a private-label wine (700ml bottle) is included for all guests. Additional drinks can be arranged on request.

Can we combine Paxos with another destination?

For the truly adventurous, we can discuss a custom multi-day itinerary combining Paxos with Lefkada or Ithaca. Contact us to design your perfect Ionian journey.

Is Voutoumi Beach accessible by private boat?

Yes — Voutoumi on Antipaxos is one of the primary destinations on this route. By private boat, you arrive before the day-trip ferries from Paxos town and typically have the beach almost to yourselves for the first hour. The beach is anchorable in calm conditions; your captain will advise if conditions make anchoring inadvisable.

Is lunch in Parga included in the price?

Lunch in Parga is not included in the base price — lunch at your own expense at the taverna. Your captain will take you directly to the best harbourside restaurant, and the combination of setting, food, and atmosphere makes it a particular highlight of the day.

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