Advice on choosing accommodation in Paxos

Selecting your property

Our properties vary in their locations, standard and suitability and the important thing is to discuss your requirements in detail with us so that we can do our best to find exactly the right property for you. We will answer all your questions with knowledge and honesty – this is our promise to you, but do remember that at the end of the day we will be giving personal opinions and you will be making a personal decision. We will give you all the assistance we possibly can.

Noise

The question we are asked most often is: "will the property be quiet?" Whilst there are no officially licensed discos or nightclubs in Lakka and Loggos, there are tavernas and bars which play music and they are places which encourage laughter and enjoyment. People’s perception of noise can vary greatly and we are naturally anxious to offer the most detailed advice possible about any noise which may affect your holiday. It may be no more than the early morning banter of the fisherman or it could be a little bar which keeps later hours than you do. Remember also that the peak season is always the noisiest on the island where the nights last longer and the mornings start earlier. We will tell you with complete honesty what to expect at your holiday accommodation and will advise of any possible noise factor that we know of.

Plumbing and wiring

Greek plumbing and wiring is different and more primitive than in most other parts of Europe. Not many properties have baths as water is such a precious commodity. Showers are therefore much more common. Occasionally appliances such as showers give off minor static shocks which almost always are linked to the earthing system in the house. In this event just inform our local office as we can stop the problem easily and quickly. The narrow gauge plumbing means that it is necessary to put loo paper in a lined pedal bin which is cleared by the maid. These arrangements apply to all villas in the Greek Islands.

Water supply

There is no natural water on Paxos. The island is supplied by rainwater from the 2 reservoirs, 2 desalination plants and water imported by tender from Corfu if needed. It is therefore necessary to use supplies sparingly and because of this none of our houses are fitted with washing machines or dishwashers. Again for this reason most of the houses are fitted with showers rather than baths. We would recommend bottled water for drinking.

Wildlife

Mosquitoes, rats and lizards are endemic to all Mediterranean countries and precautions need to be taken to ensure that they do not intrude upon your holiday. We know that it is only common sense but unattended food is likely to attract unwelcome guests! In Paxos, rats sometimes live in the olive trees and groves but if they become a nuisance or encroach please let our local office know as we have tried and tested effective ways of removing the problem.

Our accommodation

Our villas and apartments are typically Greek in style. They are simply furnished and all have kitchens/kitchenettes with fridges and all have bath or shower rooms. The level of sophistication varies from property to property and our UK office will give you detailed information and prices on all our accommodation. All properties benefit from maid service, and bed linen and towels will be changed twice weekly. The essence of Greek accommodation lies in its simplicity and charm. Some of our properties are more luxurious, some even boast beautiful swimming pools, but most are built in simple traditional fashion. Villas with pools will tend to be a lot more expensive than villas without. You are paying extra for the benefit of the pool, rather than for a higher standard of accommodation. The beauty of Paxos is that it remains an unspoilt Greek island.

Air conditioning

Quite a few of our houses now have air conditioning installed – please look in the respective property accommodation boxes where we will list this facility if applicable. However, where houses do not have air conditioning there will be an electric fan in each bedroom.

A few definitions

Studio
An open-plan sleeping/sitting room with integral kitchen/ette area and separate bathroom/shower room.

Apartment
Has bedrooms which are separate from other rooms.

Balcony
An outside area with room for chairs but no other furniture.

Terrace/Patio
An outside area with room for a table, chairs and sunloungers.

Kitchen/Kitchen Area
A full cooker is provided for more comprehensive self-catering.

Kitchenette
A Baby Belling (small grill/oven) with 1–3 rings, sufficient for preparing snacks and very simple meals.

Bathroom
As the name suggests has a bath, usually with hand-held shower as well as sink and toilet.

Shower Room
Has shower, sink and toilet. Some showers are fixed and some are hand held.

Sea View
This means a clear view of the water, possibly over rooftops of other buildings in the foreground. Where no sea view is mentioned, none exists.

Swimming Pool
Large, unheated and in some cases without shallow end. Check with our office for exact details.

Sitting Rooms
These are very rare in Paxos properties Just a few villas have rooms with sofas and comfortable chairs – check for details.

Weather
Hard to predict anywhere these days but in general May and late September – warm bright days with sweaters advisable for evenings. June and early September – hot sunny days with temperate evenings. July and August – very hot sunny days and warm evenings (particularly August).

Beds
Usually firm and, unless stated, all beds are single.

Bed linen and towels
Bed linen and towels will be changed twice a week.

Extra Beds
Always ask us about moving extra beds into our accommodation. We are flexible enough to do this whenever we are able – if it is physically possible we will be happy to oblige and we will charge a much discounted rate for the extra person. Extra beds will always be Z beds.

Beaches
All beaches on Paxos are shingle, pebble and stone. The beaches in Lakka Bay are unusual in that the shingle gives way to flat golden sand as you enter the water. With no waves, the sea is like an enormous swimming pool and therefore safe for toddlers and children. You need to wear jelly-shoes, espadrilles or flip-flops on all Paxos beaches. The exceptions are the man-made beach at Mongonisi in the south of Paxos, or Anti-Paxos which has sandy beaches to rival the Caribbean.