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PAXOS: THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY DESTINATION FOR WRITERS, ARTISTS………AND EVERYONE 23 November 2009 by Margaret Longes Whether you are interested in writing, painting, photography, or simply want to escape from the rat race and relax, the tiny Greek island of Paxos provides the ultimate holiday destination. Paxos is a really beautiful island, with stunning scenery and wonderfully clear light. On the West coast there are dramatic cliffs, while on the East coast there are pretty villages and scenic bays. Inland, most of the island is covered in olive groves, which in Spring and Autumn are carpeted with wild flowers. The island has, for the most part, escaped the effects of mass tourism: there are just three main villages, all of which have retained their traditional Greek charm; there are roads but not too many cars; there is public transport but still only five taxis and one bus; and there are tourists but fortunately the type who want Paxos to remain as Greece always used to be. In fact, the island has hardly changed in the past 20 years. But what is it that makes Paxos so special and such a perfect holiday destination? It’s the fantastic clear light on the silver olive trees and the crystal clear water. It’s the perfume of jasmine, honeysuckle and the myriad of other wonderfully bright flowers that are to be found across the island from early spring to late autumn. It’s the wonderful silence that is only interrupted by the occasional bird singing, the buzzing of cicadas or the chip, chip, chipping of a stone-mason. And it’s the chance to re-discover the simplicity of the old Greece with its village life and family-run tavernas, its network of century-old donkey steps, disused olive presses, ancient wells and cisterns, and abandoned old stone houses so patiently awaiting restoration. For those interested in writing, painting, photography or yoga, special interest holiday operator Paxos Life Activities has just launched its 2010 programme of holidays and courses to encourage them to visit the island and tap into the peace and beauty of its inspirational landscape, in order to arouse their senses and enable them to develop their creative powers to the full. The friendly and informal holidays are suitable for all levels of ability and offer the best of both worlds: the chance to have a holiday in an idyllic location, while at the same time doing something very worthwhile in an environment where there are few distractions. Accommodation is in shared villas with their own pools and spacious terraces set in the shade and tranquillity of the olive groves above the village of Loggos, and in The Manor House, an imposing Venetian building and one of the most famous houses on the island, that has stunning views over Loggos harbour and across to the mountains of mainland Greece. The holidays are not aimed at single travellers but anyone travelling alone and wishing to spend their time in the company of a group of like-minded people would be perfectly at home here. They are equally suited to couples and larger groups. And for anyone who wishes simply to relax, then specialist tour operators such as Travel à la carte, a family run company that has been bringing visitors to Paxos for 30 years, can offer a wide range of properties both in and around Loggos for as little as two days. At the time of writing, places are available on all Paxos Life Activities’ holidays and courses in 2010. For full details of Paxos Life Activities’ Special Interest Holidays in Greece or to book, visit www.paxoslife.co.uk or contact Chris Griffiths (email chris@paxoslife.co.uk or tel 0151 3245366) or Margaret Longes (email margaret@paxoslife.co.uk or tel 01444 258048). For details of Travel à la carte’s villas and apartments on Paxos, visit www.travelalacarte.co.uk.
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PAXOS: Please Keep Me Informed: |
PAXOS Travel a la carte
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