Katsimatika on Paxos: Traditional Settlement

Katsimatika is designated as a traditional settlement under Government Gazette 594/Δ/1978. This gives the place a distinct cultural connection within a stay on Paxos. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can therefore consider whether a designated traditional settlement is as important a focus for you as activities on the water or longer walks. When choosing a location, your decision can take into account not only activities, but also whether the settlement character and routes on Paxos suit your travel interests.

A route near Katsimatika

A recommended road route from Lákka to Gáios is 12 km long and runs along the western, inland side of Paxos. It passes close to Katsimatika, as well as Magaziá and Vlahopoulátika; all three settlements are designated as traditional. The route takes about 2.5 hours on foot. This gives you a concrete estimate for planning your time if you want to include a route across the island in your stay. Check current road conditions before setting out.

There is more to see on Paxos than this route. A network of paths runs through dense, ancient olive groves and connects picturesque settlements. Venetian cisterns, old olive mills and warehouses on the island also recall the village’s former productive life. The landscape and traces of earlier work offer different points of interest for planning your trip to Paxos.

Compare travel interests across the Ionian Islands

The Ionian Islands also offer routes with different walking times. On Paxos, the route from Lákka to Gáios takes about 2.5 hours on foot. On Antipaxi, the approximately 7.9 km Agrapidia–Lighthouse–Spring–Agios Aimilianos–Voutoumi route is considered moderately difficult and takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. These time estimates help you gauge the length of two walks. The Antipaxos route is also rated as moderately difficult.

If water sports are a key part of your holiday, you can compare other options across the Ionian Islands. Vasiliki Beach on Lefkada is one of the world’s best windsurfing spots and offers suitable conditions for slalom and freestyle; Ai Giannis on Lefkada is a kitesurfing hotspot. Nydri has an organised centre for water skiing, wakeboarding and inflatable water toys such as banana boats and rings. These examples show how your choice of island relates to the activities you want to focus on. With its designation as a traditional settlement, Katsimatika offers a different cultural emphasis.

The Ionian Islands also offer a variety of nature and culture. Ithaca has archaeological treasures, as well as hidden caves and sheltered, lushly vegetated bays. On Antipaxos, you’ll find Voutoumi Beach and crystal-clear waters with coral reefs. Kefalonia is home to Myrtos Beach and Melissani Lake Cave; rare Kefalonian fir trees grow in Ainos National Park. When looking for a holiday rental, you can consider whether the traditional settlement and walking routes on Paxos should be the main focus, or whether you would prefer to prioritise other landscapes and activities in the Ionian Islands.

Discover more destinations: Kokkini Parelia, Agios Mattheos, Kassiopi, Giannades, Róda, Argyrades, Afion, Corfu.

Return to the main travel overview: Corfu.