the quiet main town of gaios, which has retained its elegant venetian architecture, acts as the island’s harbour and social centre. the two other villages of note are loggos and lakka, with their tiny cluster of houses and cafes. however, the natural beauty of paxos lies in its charming countryside. hire a boat and explore the island’s coastline, visit different coves or beaches daily, or hike through the interior’s olive groves and pine forests. meanwhile , the cliffs around erimitis beach are home to a network of caves called ‘blue caves’ due to the vivid colour of the seawater.
dining on paxos can rival any great culinary hotspot despite being such a small island. take a seat at erimitis, an elegant and upmarket establishment perched high up on cliffs of the west coast, where fresh grilled octopus and prawn linguine are served alongside unbeatable sunset views. for low-key, beachfront dining, try ben’s bar in loggos, with its boho-chic vibes and menu of wood-fired pizzas and fresh salads from the kitchen garden. paxos is notable for its distinctive golden olive oil, made from the island’s subtle lianolia olives and, for the most part, organically farmed. moreover, paxos’ even smaller neighbour, antipaxos, is blanketed in vineyards and the home of a selection of rare but celebrated wines.
with no international airport and only a few hotels, paxos has remained an exclusive island, strictly for those in the know. the island is a particular favourite of high-society italians – for example, the southernmost tip of paxos is home to the palatial holiday villa of the fiat-owning agnelli family, whilst several leading figures in the arts & culture scene return to holiday on the island every summer.
set above the eastern coastline of paxos between gaios and loggos, sunrise occupies an elevated position within more than 4,000 sqm (43,056 sqft) of private grounds, overlooking the ionian sea towards the mountains of epirus and the outline of corfu beyond. a private pathway connects the property directly to kaki lagada beach below, while the setting remains notably secluded and immersed in the natural landscape of the island.
constructed primarily from local stone, the villa draws on the architectural traditions of paxos through its solid masonry construction, generous covered terraces and balanced relationship with the surrounding terrain. the house sits comfortably within its setting, with the architecture following the contours of the land and maintaining uninterrupted sea views from its principal living areas and outdoor spaces.
the interior is arranged around a series of connected living spaces that face east towards the water. large openings allow daylight to move through the house from early morning onwards, while high ceilings, natural materials and a restrained palette create a sense of calm throughout. the main living area combines lounge, dining and kitchen spaces beneath vaulted ceilings, with wide glazed doors opening directly onto the covered terraces and establishing a seamless connection between the interior and the landscape beyond.
the villa comprises six bedrooms and six bathrooms arranged across multiple levels, allowing both privacy and flexibility of use. each bedroom maintains a direct relationship with the surrounding landscape, whether through private terraces, balconies or framed views across the sea. natural materials continue throughout the private accommodation, creating consistency between the architecture and its setting.
outdoor living forms an integral part of the property. a series of terraces extends from the house towards the pool level, where the swimming pool is positioned to take full advantage of the elevated sea views. covered and open-air spaces are distributed throughout the grounds, creating a variety of settings that remain connected to the coastline and the wider ionian landscape. the orientation of the property ensures that both the terraces and principal living spaces remain closely connected to the changing light and colour of the sea throughout the day.
a dedicated wellness level introduces additional accommodation for relaxation and fitness, including a gym, sauna and treatment areas. the same material language continues throughout these spaces, reinforcing the architectural coherence of the villa while creating naturally cooler interiors during the warmer months.
the grounds descend gradually towards kaki lagada, one of the quieter bays on paxos, where the property′s direct access to the shoreline further strengthens its relationship with the sea. despite the peaceful setting, both gaios and loggos remain within easy reach, providing access to the harbours, restaurants and everyday amenities that define life on the island.
the elevated position, direct beach access and uninterrupted views establish a rare connection between the house and the coastline. as the light softens across the ionian in the late afternoon, the landscape unfolds uninterrupted from the terraces to the horizon beyond.
