We gather at the hotel in the evening for our welcome meeting and a sunset drink. This is a chance to get to know everyone and learn about the plan for our Greek adventure. We can then order dinner and enjoy our first group meal together.

Today, we have an exciting first day as we head to the island of Antipaxos. Here we travel to remote islets off the south coast and circumnavigate their rocky shores. We enjoy the quiet waters before anchoring for lunch on the boat in a nearby bay. You can take some time to relax before the second swim of the day, which follows a coastal route along the western side of Antipaxos. From here we regather and ride the boat back to Gaios, where you will be dropped off directly outside the hotel. You can spend the evening as you wish.

After breakfast, we head to northern Paxos and start our day swimming along the coast towards the fishing village of Lakka. On the way, we pass small inlets and quiet beaches before reaching the Lakka Bay. Then, if traffic allows, we swim all the way into the town where we exit the water and take a well-earned rest with lunch at a beachside taverna.

We base ourselves in this quaint town for the day. The second swim takes us to the north-western side. After which you have the option to either join the boat and return to Gaios or stay local and while away the afternoon in Lakka. That evening, you can enjoy dinner and then arrange a taxi back to the hotel.

Today is a chance for you to relax and enjoy the fantastic hotel and its coastal surrounds. Why not relax by the pool and enjoy views peering over the Ionian Sea? Alternatively, you can wander into Gaios, visit the museum and roam the port town along cobbled streets. This is also the perfect chance to reset before a big morning of swims tomorrow.

After a hearty breakfast, we join the boats and make our way to the north of Antipaxos – ready for a big morning swim. Today, we complete the anticipated crossing from Antipaxos back to Paxos, escorted by boats. We then regroup on the Paxos coast and weave our way through the narrow canal between Paxos and the small island of Mongonissi. We continue on to rejoin the coastline for a relaxing swim into the bay of Mongonissi. There we will stop at the local taverna for lunch before we finish the day with another coastal swim back towards Gaios.

We have an early start today with a morning trip to the caves on the west coast of Paxos. These caves are frequented by tourists, but we aim to arrive when they are still asleep. We explore the caves on boats before exiting and jumping in the water for coastal swims to the bay of Galazio.

We wake for a short farewell swim outside the resort, followed by breakfast. Then we say our goodbyes before going off our separate ways.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking. Please also be aware that there can be strong currents around the islands we swim, whilst our guides and boat safety crew will do our best to select the route to swim with the current, it may change at points during the swim, so ensure you listen to the instructions given.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces, and care should be taken in these areas.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort. 

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip can vary each day depending on the type of swim but includes one larger group vessel piloted by local crew with support from two smaller safety boats, piloted by your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

In line with the requests of the national park, please note the importance of wearing rash vests for sun protection and using only reef safe sun block where required. For your essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don’t currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The fastest and most direct way to reach the start of your trip is to fly to Corfu and catch a connecting ferry to the island of Paxos

Transfer from Corfu airport to Ferry port

There are taxis available at the airport that will provide transfers to Corfu Ferry Port, the journey will take approximately 10-15 minutes and cost between €10-€20. There is also a public bus line available from outside the airport to the ferry port. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs between €1-€2. Please view the bus timetable and more information directly at https://ktelkerkyras.gr/schetika-me-emas/.

Ferry from Corfu to Paxos

The ferry from Corfu Ferry Port to Paxos takes approximately 1 hour and costs €35 for a one-way journey. Please check the ferry timetable and more information directly at https://kerkyralines.com/. There are also ferry journeys available at https://joycruises.gr/.

Connection from the Ferry port to the hotel

Please contact the hotel directly once you have your travel plans confirmed to arrange a pickup from the ferry port to the hotel. This will be at your own expense. The journey is only a 10-minute transfer. Please make sure you organize your transfer in advance, as taxis on the island are limited.

Private Sea Taxi from Corfu to Paxos

The hotel can book private sea taxis from Corfu to Paxos, often these taxis can drop guests off at the hotel, or at Gaios Port which is a 10 minute transfer to the hotel. The cost will range from €450 - €500 and will take approximately 1 hour but could vary due to weather conditions and boat availability.

For a pickup from the ferry port or a private sea taxi please contact the hotel directly at info@agalihotelpaxos.com

Food and Drink

Breakfast

All breakfasts are included in your package and will be taken at the beach front restaurant. It will be a mixture of a la carte and buffet and include hot and cold food as well as tea and coffee.

Lunches

Two of the lunches throughout the week will be included and take on the boat. The remaining two lunches during the week will be taken at local tavernas where you will be able to order off the local menu, a perfect opportunity for any non-swimming partners to join. The final lunch on your day off is another perfect opportunity to explore the restaurants the small Greek island has to offer.

Dinners

Dinners are not included in your package. You will be able to take dinner at the hotel or take a short walk down the hill to the centre of Gaios to enjoy and evening by the port. For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency on Paxos - Greece is Euro €. There are ATMS on the island and in the port of Gaios but lots of local tavernas also take card payments.

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as meals not already included in your package, tourist tax, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc.

In some countries, tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is done entirely at your own discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip. The resort will also present you with an envelope at the end of your stay should you wish to share a tip with the staff.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Greece require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

There is free Wi-Fi throughout the common areas of the hotel and in your hotel room.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.