Paxi

Infobox Greek Isles
name = Paxi
native_name = Παξοί
skyline = Gaios panoramic.jpg
sky_caption = The natural port of Gaios, created by the islet "Pontikonisi" (center) resembles a fjord. Panoramic view of both entrances: Islet and monastery of "Panagia" to the North (left) and main settlement to the center and South (right).


coordinates = coord|39|12|N|20|10|E
chain = Ionian Islands
isles = 7
area = 30.121
highest_mount =
elevation =
periph = Ionian Islands
prefect = Corfu
capital = Gaios
population = 2438
pop_as_of = 2001
postal = 490 82
telephone = 26620-
license = KY
website = [http://www.paxi.gr/english/index.html www.paxi.gr]

Paxi (Greek: Παξοί, pronounced "Paksi" in English ) is the name given to the smallest group of the Ionian Islands (the Heptanese). In Greek it is a plural form and it refers to a complex of islands, the largest of which are Paxos and Antipaxos (a smaller nearby island famous for its wine, which is almost impossible to purchase in shops or tavernas, and two of the finest sandy beaches in the Ionian Sea). In Greek mythology Poseidon created the island by striking Corfu with his trident, so that he and wife Amphitrite could have some peace and quiet.

History

Although possibly inhabited from prehistoric times, the Phoenicians are traditionally held to have been the first settlers on Paxos. The name is believed to be derived from Pax which meant slate in their language.

The Romans ruled the island from the 2nd century BC, and during the Byzantine period and Middle Ages it was constantly attacked by pirates. After various rulers and Crusaders had passed through, the island was taken by the Venetians at the end of the 14th century.

During the Napoleonic wars the Ionian Islands were taken by the French, a Russo-Turkish alliance, and finally by the British, who established the Ionian Union in 1815. In 1864, together with the rest of the Heptanese, Paxos was ceded to the Greek state.

Geography

The island is approximately eight miles in length and tipped up towards the west. The west coast is dominated by steep white, chalky cliffs that are greatly eroded at sea level, and harbour many 'blue caves' which can be explored on launches departing from Gaios. Much of the attractive landscape is still covered in olive groves. These stretch from Lakka, the harbour community in the north, through Magazia to Gaios, the capital. Olive oil making, soap manufacture and fishing were supplanted by tourism as the main industry in the mid sixties, resulting in a construction boom which has greatly altered the coastline around Gaios, the 'capital' of the Paxiot "demos" (community). There are ferry and jetfoil connections daily with Kerkyra (Corfu) and with the mainland at Parga, as well as a regular seaplane service to Corfu Town in the tourist season. Excursions to Albania (the resort of Saranda and the magnificent Greco-Roman settlement of Butrint) can also be arranged with the local jetfoil operators.

Foreign Residents

Among recent well known semi-permanent British inhabitants were Audrey Good, former commander of the UN refugee bases in Epirus following the Greek Civil War, Albert Finney, the late actor Peter Bull (author of 'It isn't all Greek to me') and actress Susannah York, who can often be spotted in one of the Loggos tavernas during the summer. Some members of the Agnelli family (of FIAT fame) have recently built a palatial holiday home - complete with "faux" medieval tower - on a small island (Kaltonisi) situated near the southernmost tip ('the heel') of Paxos, close to the popular beach of Mongonissi. The presence of such residents, and the relentless development of the coastal area (mostly by Italian nationals) explains why Paxos has now become one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Greece. One of Loggos's landmarks, the so-called 'Manor House' was put on sale for 1.6M€ in 2006.

Paxos is part of a European network called Cultural Village of Europe. It hosts a yearly classical music festival (founded by John Gough, and now organised by the Guildhall) which has built a solid reputation over the years, and now attracts some of Europe's finest young performers. This festival usually takes place in late August/early September. The 2008 festival takes place between August 26 and September 4. Concerts are held in the now-disused school of Longos, Paxoi.

Communities and settlements

*Antipaxos (nearby island)
*Mogonisi (nearby island)
*Nisaki or Panagia (nearby island)
*Katsonisi (nearby island)
*Apergatika
*Argyratika
*Aronatika
*Dalietatika
*Gaios (seat)
*Gramatikeika
*Lakka (second biggest settlement)
*Longos (third biggest settlement)
*Magazia
*Makratika
*Ozias
*Platanos (or Fontana / Fountana)
*Porto Longos
*Velianitatika (or Veliantatika)
*Vlachopoulatika
*Zenebissatika

Transportation

The island is serviced by hydrofoils and ferry boats from the mainland Greece port of Igoumenitsa (1.5 hours), hydrofoil boats from Corfu (1–1.5 hours) and from Bari and Brindisi (4 hours). There is no airport but there is a privately owned seaplane service (7 minutes from Corfu town).

Dialect

In Paxos they speak a dialect which resembles that of Corfu and has a similar prosody. It is heavily influenced by Italian. There is a [http://www.translatum.gr/etexts/bogdanos/paxos-glossary.htm glossary of Paxiot expressions] one can refer to.

References

External links

* [http://www.paxi.gr/english/index.html The official page]
* [http://www.paxosfestival.org.uk/ Paxos International Music Festival]
* [http://www.corfuvisit.net/default.asp?id=34&mnu=5&LangID=English The Prefecture of Corfu official page]