Forget Santorini: Here's Greece’s secret island with the bluest waters and no mass tourism

In the heart of the Ionian Sea, just south of Paxos and a stone's throw from the coast of Corfu, lies a little corner of paradise that still escapes mass tourism. Its name is Antipaxos, one of those islands that seem to guard their beauty: almost unreal turquoise waters, translucent seabeds and an atmosphere a world away from the hustle and bustle of popular destinations.

The island of Antipaxos is so small that there is no real road network: here, you can only get around on foot. From the main beaches and the small port, footpaths wind their way across the island through vineyards, Mediterranean scrub and sea views. More than just about getting around, these walks are slow, short, but an integral part of the experience.

How to get there

Getting to Antipaxos requires a bit of planning, but it's well worth it. The most convenient and popular way to get there is to embark on a boat trip from Paxos or directly from Corfu. Before booking, however, it's worth checking that the trip includes a stopover for swimming and exploring the island, and is not limited to a panoramic tour.

More autonomy? You can take the ferry to Paxos and then hire a small taxi-boat at the port of Gaios. For travelers on a more comfortable budget, hiring a private motorboat remains the ideal option for total freedom: it allows you to organize the day at your own pace, explore hidden coves and enjoy the island away from the crowds.

Antipaxos is a small oasis in the Ionian Sea, uncluttered and luminous, where everything revolves around three beaches that define the island's character.

Antipaxos beaches

Vrika Beach is the easiest to get to: clear sand, turquoise sea and shallow waters make it accessible to all. It's also the best equipped, with deckchairs, umbrellas and tavernas serving simple dishes all day long. This is precisely why it's one of the most popular beaches, especially for visitors who are only on the island for a few hours.

Voutoumi Beach is the most spectacular. Here, the coastline alternates between sand and pebbles, while the sea constantly changes color, from turquoise to emerald green. As the water becomes deep very gradually, it's perfectly suited to less experienced swimmers or families. Despite its modest size, it's well equipped and lined with several tavernas.

Mesovrika Beach, located on the island's north-eastern slope, is the most discreet. Smaller and less crowded, this stretch of coastline is made up of white rocks and pebbles, bathed by crystal-clear waters. It's undeveloped, and it's precisely this simplicity that gives it its charm, especially for snorkeling enthusiasts. For restaurants and other amenities, you'll have to go to Vrika or Voutoumi.

Three beaches, three different ways of experiencing Antipaxos: the most comfortable, the most emblematic or the wildest.

When to go and some practical advice

As is often the case with the most beautiful islands, Antipaxos is not immune to the pressure brought about by tourism. In the middle of the day, the boats multiply and the beaches fill up. The best time to enjoy the island in peace is early morning or late afternoon, when the big boats have already left.

There are beach clubs and a few tavernas on the island, but places fill up very quickly: booking in advance or arriving early is almost essential. It's worth bearing in mind that Antipaxos doesn't have a large accommodation infrastructure: staying overnight is possible, but the options are extremely limited. The most popular solution is to stay in Paxos, which is much better equipped, and then head to Antipaxos for one or more day trips.

It's an island to be discovered at your own pace, taking your time and respecting its unspoilt natural environment.