Paxi
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Paxoi Παξοί |
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The natural port of Gaios, created by the islet St Nicolas
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 Paxoi
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Location within the region
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| Coordinates: 39°12′N 20°10′E / 39.200°N 20.167°ECoordinates: 39°12′N 20°10′E / 39.200°N 20.167°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Ionian Islands |
| Regional unit | Corfu |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 30.121 km2 (11.630 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Municipality | 2,300 |
| • Municipality density | 76/km2 (200/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
| • Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
| Postal code | 490 82 |
| Area code(s) | 26620 |
| Vehicle registration | KY |
| Website | www.paxi.gr |
Paxi or Paxoi (Greek: Παξοί, pronounced /pækˈsiː/ in English and [pɐˈksi] in Greek) is the smallest island group within the Ionian Islands (the Heptanese). In Greek it is a plural form. The largest islands are Paxos and nearby Antipaxos. Antipaxos is famous for its wine and two of the finest sand beaches in the Ionian Sea. The main town of Paxoi, and the seat of the municipality, is Gaios. The municipality has an area of 30.121 km2. In Greek mythology, Poseidon created the island by striking Corfu with his trident, so that he and wife Amphitrite could have some peace and quiet.
Although it was possibly inhabited from prehistoric times, the Phoenicians are traditionally held to have been the first settlers on Paxos. The name is believed to be derived from Pax, which meant trapezoidal in their language.
This island is noted for the Battle of Paxos, fought between the ancient Greek and Illyrian fleets during the First Illyrian War in 229 BC. The battle is recorded by the ancient historian Polybius (The Histories, book 2, chapter 2).
The Romans ruled the island from the 2nd century BC, and during the Byzantine period and Middle Ages it was constantly attacked by pirates. After various rulers and Crusaders had passed through, the island was taken by the Venetians at the end of the 14th century.
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Wikipedia