Aegean Routes - Greece and Turkiye

There are some places…
They look tiny on the map, yet take up so much space in your heart.
Paxos and its little sister right next to it, Antipaxos, are exactly like that.

Paxos: I don’t know if I should call it the definition of calm… or the deepest form of peace.

One of the simplest and most serene corners of the Ionian Islands, Paxos isn’t a place you go with big expectations.
You go thinking, “I just need to get away for a bit”… and somehow, you end up loving it even more.

Gaios, the heart of the island, is small enough to explore on foot.
But even in that tiny harbor, life slows down.

You grab a coffee, sit down… and suddenly realize there’s absolutely nothing you need to rush for.
And that’s exactly where Paxos gets you.

The villages of Longos and Lakka are a whole different story.
If you have time, they make you think, “I’m so glad I came.”
If you don’t… they leave you with, “I wish I had stayed a little longer.”

🚤 Antipaxos (yes, where the series Maestro was filmed) — unreal in its beauty

Reached by small boats departing from Paxos, Antipaxos is… hard to put into words.

The color of the sea is such a vivid turquoise that you start questioning:
“Does this color actually exist in nature?”

Most famous beaches:
Voutoumi Beach
Vrika Beach

🍽️ Food & Drinks in Paxos

One of the best surprises of the island is the food.
You know how you wonder, “Can everywhere really be this good?”
Well… it actually is.

☕ Breakfast: Small cafés by the harbor in Gaios.
Coffee + croissant + the sound of the sea = the perfect start

🥗 Lunch:
Vasilis
Taverna Pounentes

The seafood is so fresh… it genuinely feels like it just came out of the water.

🍷 Dinner & tavernas:
Erimitis (you’re invited for sunset ☺️)
Manesko
To Steki Tou Pappou

🍸 Bars & nightlife:
Taxidi Bar
Taka Taka

At some point, you find yourself saying:
“This is not a place for diets… and it shouldn’t be.” 😄

🏝️ Best beaches

👉 Paxos:
Mongonissi Beach
Kipiadi Beach
Marmari Beach

👉 Antipaxos:
Voutoumi
Vrika

🏨 For boutique hotel recommendations in Paxos, check out www.boutiquesmallhotels.com

Ephesus Hotel, steeped in memories of past eras, is one of the hotels where we feel the most at peace. Every year when we stay, we can’t help saying “What a beautiful place we’re in!” when we wake up to the view and the sounds in the morning.

We think some people truly have what’s called a “green finger,” and Mr. Mustafa is definitely one of them. The hotel’s garden and vegetable patch—along with the front, back, and surroundings—are filled with flowers and trees bursting with incredible vitality. You can tell they’ve been grown with love.

Located in Kirazlı Village (Aydın), has long been a place whispered about from person to person thanks to its architecture, garden, vegetable patch, authentic rooms, and Mr. Mustafa’s sincere hospitality.

Why go? Maybe for the view of the hills that turn green after October; maybe to visit Turkey’s first railway (İzmir–Aydın) and the Railway Museum in Çamlık, just 10 minutes from the hotel; maybe to enjoy a romantic getaway with a loved one in a room with a fireplace; maybe to get a little distance from the soul-wearying noise of fast-paced city life; or maybe to slowly and leisurely explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Ephesus Museum, and the İsa Bey Mosque. After all, it’s only 1 hour from İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
For reservations, you can contact Mr. Mustafa directly: +90 534 206 05 81.

Efes Selçuk, at other times, is one of the Aegean’s most special towns thanks to its history. Şirince is still “charming.” Among our classic restaurant recommendations in the area is Antepli Ramazan Usta’s Kebab House. Whether with ayran or any drink you like, their kebabs are delicious. They also serve a wonderful eggplant dish for those who eat plant-based. Tables spill out onto the street—so if you’re looking for atmosphere, this is the place for you.

Pizza Kallinios, which opened this year, is near the İsa Bey Mosque. Both its café and pizzas—with high-quality ingredients and the flavor of a stone oven—as well as its location, make you truly feel that you’re in a historic city. Don’t miss it!