Paxos, Antipaxos & the Blue Caves: The Ultimate Day Trip from Corfu
If you do one boat trip from Corfu, make it this one. The Paxos, Antipaxos and Blue Caves excursion is the island's most popular day trip – and for good reason. You sail south to the green, low-key island of Paxos, marvel at its sea-sculpted Blue Caves, then swim in the unreal turquoise water of tiny Antipaxos, often called the "Caribbean of Greece." Here's exactly what to expect and how to make the most of it. It's the headline trip in our Corfu day trips guide.
The journey
Trips depart from Corfu Town, Benitses or Lefkimmi in the south (Lefkimmi means a shorter crossing). As you sail out, you pass the Old Fortress and the Kanoni coastline before heading across open water towards the Paxos archipelago, around 12 km off Corfu's southern tip.
The Blue Caves of Paxos
Along the rugged west coast of Paxos, the boat noses into a series of sea caves and arches where the water glows in extraordinary shades of blue and emerald. This is a protected NATURA 2000 area, home to rare wildlife including monk seals, and the dramatic white cliffs and grottoes make for unforgettable photos.
Swimming at Antipaxos
The highlight for many is Antipaxos, a tiny island just south of Paxos with a handful of beaches – Vrika, Voutoumi and Mesovrika – whose white pebbles and sand turn the sea a luminous turquoise. The boat anchors for a swim stop in water so clear it barely looks real. Bring a snorkel.
Free time on Paxos
Most trips include free time in a Paxos harbour town – usually Gaios, the pretty main port set behind a wooded islet, or sometimes Lakka in the north. Wander the waterfront, grab lunch at a taverna, browse the shops, or simply soak up the laid-back Paxos pace before sailing back.
Practical tips
- Book ahead in July and August – this is the most popular trip on the island and boats fill up.
- Choose your departure port wisely: leaving from Lefkimmi in the south means much less sailing time (and easier parking) than from Corfu Town.
- Arrive early to get good seats and a shaded spot on busy boats.
- Bring: swimwear, a towel, snorkel gear, sun cream, a hat, water and some cash for lunch and drinks on Paxos.
- Sea conditions matter – if it's windy the crossing can be choppy; take motion-sickness tablets if you're prone.
How to book and get there
Book through our Paxos–Antipaxos tours listings or the wider tours & activities directory, or contact us to arrange it with a transfer to your departure port. Fit it into your trip with our Corfu itinerary, and for more turquoise water back on Corfu, see the best beaches in Corfu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Paxos and Antipaxos day trip worth it?
Yes – it's widely rated the best boat trip from Corfu. The Blue Caves of Paxos and the Caribbean-blue swimming water at Antipaxos are genuinely spectacular, and you get free time to explore a pretty Paxos harbour town as well.
How long does the Paxos Antipaxos boat trip take?
It's a full-day excursion, typically leaving mid-morning and returning late afternoon. The exact timing depends on your departure port – sailing from Lefkimmi in the south is considerably shorter than from Corfu Town.
Where does the Paxos Antipaxos trip depart from?
Boats leave from Corfu Town's port, and also from Benitses and Lefkimmi in the south. Lefkimmi departures involve a shorter, calmer crossing and are handy if you're staying in southern Corfu.
What should you bring on the Paxos Antipaxos boat trip?
Pack swimwear, a towel, snorkel gear, sun cream, a hat, drinking water and some cash for lunch on Paxos. If you're prone to seasickness, bring tablets, as the open-water crossing can be choppy on windy days.
Are the Blue Caves of Paxos suitable for swimming?
The boat usually pauses at the caves for viewing and photos, while the main swim stop is in the clear water at Antipaxos. Conditions at the caves depend on the sea, and the area is a protected NATURA 2000 zone.
