Nature on Paxos

On Paxos you will see the donkey working, not as often now, but still to a certain extent. It is said that when a Greek lady is widowed and wears black, this is to celebrate being able to put the donkey back outside - the men folk insist they should be kept indoors. A Paxos 'legend' perhaps!

The Ionian Islands are extraordinarily rich in bird life and Paxos is no exception. With both resident breeding birds and migrating birds on their way through the islands, from Africa to Europe in spring and or course, back in Autumn.

The Olive groves that cover Paxos were planted hundreds of years ago by the Venetians, and in spring are home to enchanting displays of wild iris, cyclamen and orchids. On higher land, a scrubby type of vegetation dominates, interspersed with pine trees and Spanish Broom, and the coastal cliffs have their own types of plant including sea-lavender and Sapphire.

Olive trees were introduced to Paxos by the Venetians and the local olive oil is plentiful and of extremely high standard. Many of the Paxos shops display a variety of products made from local olive oil from soap and beauty treatment to culinary oils.

You cannot visit any part of Greece without falling in love with one of the many appealing cats and Paxos is no exception. Souvenir shops sell some wonderful photos of these photogenic creatures as calendars and postcards.

Catch a glimpse of the fireflies which light up the olive groves like a thousand dancing fairies during the month of May. Moths and butterflies are a truly wonderful and colourful addition to the pictures of Paxos.

You will often see a school of Dolphins 'showing off' in the Ionian waters around the Island of Corfu and Paxos. You will see them performing especially around the many boats when travelling to or around Paxos.