The Greek island of Paxos, just south of Corfu, is being highlighted as an affordable alternative to the Maldives, offering similar tropical scenery at a fraction of the cost. Located three hours from the UK, the island still enjoys temperatures of up to 23C in October.
Why Paxos is a Maldives dupe
The Maldives is a bucket-list destination known for its remote location, turquoise lagoons, sugar-white sand beaches and luxury overwater bungalows. However, a week-long trip can cost anywhere from £2,000 to £11,000, making it out of reach for many travellers.
Paxos offers crystal-clear blue waters, boutique holiday villas and a tranquil, unspoilt atmosphere. It is a much quieter part of Greece than Santorini and Mykonos, providing a peaceful retreat without the long-haul flight and hefty price tag.
Island highlights and beaches
The island features smooth white-shingle beach coves, elegant pastel-coloured Venetian architecture, olive-tree-clad hills and white limestone cliffs. A travel expert told Travel and Leisure that Paxos is one of the top nine destinations that "looks like the Maldives", noting its harbour fits only sailing vessels and small boats, which "protects the water’s clarity".
The main port town, Gaios, has a Venetian-style waterfront with restaurants and cafés overlooking the serene waters, along with winding streets and charming shops. Beaches include Paralia Monodendri, the largest, set against dramatic white limestone cliffs with waters comparable to the Maldives.
Getting there and sister island Antipaxos
The sister island of Antipaxos, just 3km south of Paxos, is often called the "Maldives of Europe" for its shallow, vibrant, clear turquoise waters and white-sand beaches. It is reachable by water taxi or shuttle boat from Gaios, with availability needing to be checked outside peak summer months.
To reach Paxos, travellers take a three-hour direct flight from UK airports to Corfu, followed by a ferry service. Flights start from as little as £15 one-way, according to Skyscanner, making the trip a cost-effective alternative to the Maldives' long-haul flight of more than 10 hours from London.
On October weather, TUI shared: "During the day, temperatures are typically warm and range from 18°C to 23°C. The sun shines for reasonable periods, and while humidity is present, it is generally manageable. This provides comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and exploration."
