Corfu to Paxos & Antipaxos: Blue Caves Boat Tour with Lakka Stop

Summary

Corfu boat journey through Paxos caves Antipaxos swim and Lakka village

You’ll cruise from Corfu past ancient fortresses and along wild coastlines before wandering Lakka’s peaceful streets and tasting local food. Swim in Antipaxos’ unreal blue water and slip into Paxos’ glowing sea caves—with a local guide sharing stories along the way. It’s a day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color—the sea around Corfu looked almost fake, like someone turned up the saturation. We drifted past the Old Fortress, sunlight bouncing off those old stones, and our guide (Maria—she switched between English and German like it was nothing) pointed out Mon Repos Palace. The smell of salt mixed with something sweet from the bakery stalls near Kanoni—I caught it for a second before we pulled away. I didn’t expect to feel so far from everything so quickly.

Lakka was quieter than I thought it’d be. A few locals sat outside a taverna, arguing gently over coffee. I wandered narrow streets that smelled like laundry and grilled fish, bought a little bottle of olive oil (the shop owner insisted it was her cousin’s), then found my way down to one of those beaches west of the village. The water was cold at first—clear enough to see pebbles and my own toes. Lunch was fried sardines and bread that left flour on my fingers. I tried to order in Greek; Li laughed when I butchered it but helped me out anyway.

Back on the boat, we hugged the rocky coast of Paxos—white cliffs with shadows that made them look even taller. Then came the Blue Caves. Honestly, photos don’t get close: inside, everything glowed blue underneath us, and there was this echo when someone spoke too loud. Maria told us about the monk seals living here—didn’t spot one but kept looking just in case. The air felt cooler inside those caves; I got goosebumps.

Last stop was Antipaxos for swimming. The sand felt soft underfoot, but mostly it’s that color—turquoise that messes with your sense of distance. Some folks snorkeled; I just floated for a while staring up at clouds moving fast overhead. On the way back to Corfu, everyone got quiet for a bit—tired maybe, or just letting it all sink in. Even now, sometimes when I hear seagulls or smell seaweed, I think about that day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Corfu sightseeing and Paxos islands tour

• Boat sightseeing of Old Town Corfu
• View Old Fortress and Kanoni by boat
• See Mon Repos Palace and ancient Corfu
• Walk and shop in Lakka village
• Lunch at sea view restaurant in Lakka
• Swim at nearby Lakka beaches
• Enter Blue Caves of Paxos
• Admire Erimitis cliffs and Tripitos Kamara
• Swim and snorkel at Antipaxos Paradise beach

Top questions

How long is the boat trip from Corfu to Paxos & Antipaxos?

The full day tour includes stops at Lakka village, two Blue Caves in Paxos, and swimming at Antipaxos before returning to Corfu.

Is lunch included on this Corfu boat tour?

Lunch isn’t included but you can enjoy lunch at traditional tavernas in Lakka village during your free time ashore.

Are guides available in multiple languages?

Yes, live guiding is offered in English, French, German & Italian on most days; Russian and Romanian are also available on select days.

Can you swim during this day trip from Corfu?

Yes, there are swimming opportunities at beaches near Lakka village and at Paradise beach on Antipaxos Island.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; boarding takes place at the port in Corfu Town.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health but is suitable for all physical fitness levels otherwise.

Will we visit both Paxos and Antipaxos islands?

Yes, the itinerary includes stops at both islands plus exploration of two Blue Caves by boat.

What’s included

Your day includes a multilingual local guide onboard (with audio options in select languages), sightseeing by boat around Corfu Town’s Old Fortress and Kanoni area, free time to explore or eat lunch in Lakka village on Paxos island, entry into two Blue Caves by boat, plus swimming stops at beautiful beaches on both Paxos and Antipaxos before returning to Corfu port in the evening.