A Day on Antipaxos: Vrika, Mesovrika and Voutoumi
Antipaxos is the small island just south of Paxos, with fewer than 50 inhabitants, vineyards, no hotels and no car ferry. Most people know it for the turquoise water of its northern beaches, and it makes the classic day trip from Paxos.
Water taxis and excursion boats leave Gaios through the day in summer and take about 15 minutes. Boats are scarce from October to April, and the tavernas only open in season, so plan a visit between late spring and September.
1. Vrika
Most boats drop you at Vrika, a beach of soft white sand that slopes gently into shallow, electric-blue water: the easiest of the three for children and weaker swimmers.
In summer there are tavernas with sunbeds and umbrellas, and a landing stage for the boats.
Good to know: Arrive on an early boat: the beach is at its best before the excursion boats come in.
Vrika: crowds, parking & wind today →2. Mesovrika
Between Vrika and Voutoumi, Mesovrika is a pebbly bay with clear water and no tavernas, sunbeds or landing stage, so it stays much quieter. It's about five minutes on foot from either beach.
The rocky edges of the bay are the best snorkelling of the three.
Good to know: Bring water from Vrika: there's nothing to buy here.
Mesovrika: crowds, parking & wind today →3. Voutoumi
Voutoumi is the island's largest beach: pale pebbles on the shore, sand underwater and water that stays vivid blue even under cloud. It gets deeper faster than Vrika.
There's a taverna on the beach with sunbeds, and another high on the hill above with a view over the bay. The walk from Vrika takes about half an hour on a dirt road and path, with some uphill.
Good to know: Do the walk early or late: there's little shade, and midday in July is hot.
Voutoumi: crowds, parking & wind today →