Paximadia islets

The Paximadia Islands are twin uninhabited islets located off the Gulf of Messara, situated approximately 12km south of Agia Galini. At a distance, they appear as one due to their proximity, but on closer inspection, they are separated by a slender channel known as Bogazi. The locals often refer to these islands as the “Elephant” due to their resemblance to a reclining elephant when viewed from the Messara plane. The collective length of these islets is roughly 3km.

Contrary to common belief, the Paximadia Islands are not merely large barren rocks in the sea, but they also harbor beaches. The smaller of the two islands, the East Paximada, boasts four exquisite tiny beaches with clear waters and picturesque pebbles. These islands are accessible via tour boats departing from Kokkinos Pirgos and Agia Galini.

The West Paximadi, though lesser-known, possesses its own unique charm. It houses a beautiful beach named Varkaki. Starting from Varkaki, the western edge of the island stretches out to the cape of Sakouleva. Sakouleva is a striking spot, often wavy and adorned with a plethora of vibrant colors due to the presence of various rock types on Paximadia. The entire Big Paximadi is a wild landscape with steep cliffs culminating in a pyramid peak, with Sakouleva being the most awe-inspiring spot. A boat ride allows you to reach the edge of Sakouleva and its imposing rock formation. The view extends to the cave of Tzigounas, the largest among the numerous caves on Paximadia.

Historically, these minor islands were under the rule of Phaestos, a powerful and affluent city. They were then known as the Islets of Dionysoi, named after Dionysos, the god of wine. Local lore suggests that the goddess Artemis and nymph Vritomartis hunted here frequently. They were also called Litoai or Letoae, after the goddess Lito, mother of Apollo and Artemis, who was worshipped in Phaestos. One legend even implies that Lito gave birth to Apollo and Artemis on these islands. Presently, they are known as Paximadia, as their form resembles Paximadia, a traditional dry bread named after the Hellenistic cook, Paximus.