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| Paxos, or Paxi, is a small island in the
Ionian group, that is located just south of its larger, and better known neighbour
Corfu. Gaios
is the islands capital, and also its largest resort and the stopping off
point for the ferries and hydrofoils that service the island. |
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Despite a steady growth in its popularity as a holiday destination,
Paxos has remained reasonably compact, and the maze of narrow streets
containing some good examples of Venetian architecture, means that the
town has managed to retain much of its traditional Greek atmosphere. |
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| To
the north of the island within a large harbour lies the village of Lakka,
which is a popular stopping off point for some of the many flotillas that
sail this area. With 2 main beaches, and others within walking distance,
narrow streets leading down to the waterfront area, and a good selection
of bars and tavernas, it is not difficult to see why those seeking a more
laid back atmosphere choose to return here year after year. Although if
you are looking for a little more action, there is also a selection of
water sports and a scuba diving club with qualified instructors. |
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Loggos is the smallest, and one of the most picturesque resorts on the
island, with beaches each side of the small fishing harbour, from where
small boats an he hired to explore some of the many secluded coves in the
area. The visitor is well catered for, with a bakery, a number of
supermarkets, bars, and a selection of excellent tavernas. |
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History
Although
a small island, Paxos has been inhabited since ancient times, with its
history being closely connected to that of its neighbour Corfu. Due to its
position in relation to the mainland’s of Greece and Italy, the island has
a long record of foreign invasion and occupation. Paxos became part of the
Roman empire in 229 B.C. and this lasted until 733 A.D. when the island
came under the control of the Byzantine Empire, but like the other islands
in the area, it suffered from the threat of pirate raids. After the fall
of the Byzantine Empire, came the Crusaders, and control of the island
went to the Venetians, who ended up running the island for over 400 years.
In 1797 the French took over the island only to loose it to the Russians,
regaining it again in 1807. With the downfall of Napoleon Bonaparte in
1814, came the 1815 Treaty of Paris, which resulted in the island coming
under the protection of the British. During the following 50 years, the
islands infrastructure was greatly improved, with the construction of
roads, and the updating of the sewerage system. During the War of
Independence, that was fought between the Greeks and the Turks, many men
from Paxos fought on the Greek side, and in 1864 in an atmosphere of
strong nationalism, the British gave up control of the island in favour of
the new Greek state. During World War II, the Italians and then the
Germans occupied Paxos, until the arrival of allied forces in 1944. |
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