Landmark· Paxos· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic
Agios Nikolaos Islet Fortress (Gaios)
39° 12.0′ N · 20° 11.3′ E
The Venetian castle of Paxos, on the pine-covered islet that forms the Gaios harbour wall. It was begun in 1423 by Baron Adam II San Ippolito as a refuge from pirates and Ottomans. Walls, the powder magazine, a cistern and a deep well survive, with views straight down onto the town quay.
Practical
Dinghy across from the quay; it is only a couple of hundred metres. Paxos Map says most of the walls still stand. Boote (2023) notes that the fort is hidden in the forest, only ruins remain, and the view of Gaios is the reward. Greek Wikipedia records that in 1814 a British force, with Theodoros Kolokotronis serving as a major, took the castle from the French without a fight. Access and opening hours are not posted, so check locally before landing; the chapel of St Ioannis also stands on the islet.
Best for
A short dinghy-and-scramble excursion with the best view of Gaios
Nearby
- Gaios Harbour (Paxos)0.1 NM away
- Gaios Outer Anchorages (North & South Entrances)0.1 NM away
- Paxos Port Police & Clearance Note (Gaios)0.1 NM away
- Peak-Season Crowding (Paxos & Syvota)0.1 NM away
- Gaios New Quay & Fuel0.2 NM away
- Gaios Tavernas (Mambo, Taka Taka, Pan & Theo)0.2 NM away
- Paxos Museum (Gaios)0.2 NM away
- Gaios Supermarkets & Bakery0.3 NM away