Getting around Paxos is fairly straightforward once you understand the basics, but it does depend a bit on where you’re staying and how much exploring you want to do.
The main towns and villages are connected by a single coastal road, so most movement is essentially up and down that spine. Gaios, the main port, is small enough to explore entirely on foot, with shops, tavernas, and the harbour all within a short walk. If you’re staying there, you may find you don’t need transport at all for day‑to‑day wandering.
For moving between Gaios, Lakka, and Loggos, there is a local bus service that runs several times a day, especially in summer. It’s inexpensive and reliable, although not very frequent, so you tend to plan your day around the timetable rather than just hopping on whenever you like. Taxis are available but limited in number, so you often need to book ahead, particularly in peak season.
Many visitors rent a small car, which gives you much more flexibility. The island is compact, so driving distances are short, but the roads are narrow and winding in places. Parking can be tight in the villages, though you’ll usually find spots just outside the centres.
Boats are another big part of getting around Paxos. Water taxis and small rental boats let you reach beaches that are difficult or impossible to access by road, especially along the west coast with its dramatic cliffs. You don’t always need a license for the smaller boats, and it’s a very common way to explore at your own pace.
Walking is also surprisingly viable if you enjoy it. There are lots of footpaths between villages and down to beaches, though some are steep or uneven. It’s a lovely way to see olive groves and quieter parts of the island, but you’ll want good shoes and some sense of direction.
So in practice, most people combine walking for local exploring, a rental vehicle for flexibility, and possibly a boat day or two to see the coastline properly.