LOCATION
Gavdos is an island located south of Chania and is the southernmost Greek and European point. It has around 150 permanent residents, while in summers the total number of people exceeds 3500, since it is a frequent choice for both tourists and locals due to the tranquility and freedom it exudes.
The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic era and has been identified with Ogygia, where Calypso held Odysseus captive, while archaeological excavations have documented the presence of the Roman Empire in it. The traveling Gavdos is an easy choice and there are two departure points by boat, Sfakia and Paleochora, while the itineraries are frequent and short. The reason that it is worth visiting Gavdos, is the deep blue beaches, the caves and other beautiful and unusual places that it offers, and it is also a frequent choice for the lovers of camping, hiking and nudism.
On the island there are the beaches Sarakiniko, Ai Giannis, Potamos, Tripiti, Lakoudi, Lavrakas, Pyrgos, Korfos each unique for its beauty while the sights are not missing, such as the lighthouse, the Venetian castle, the Folklore museum, the carved tombs in Lavrakas and the chair of Gavdos. Gavdos is an ideal choice for those who seek tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to enjoy the sea and the sun forgetting the problems of everyday life. A visit will convince you!
SARAKINIKO
The beach in Sarakiniko of Gavdos, is located just 1.5 km north of the port of Karave. You can get here either by bus from Karave or on foot for about half an hour. It is so named by the Saracen pirates who once traditionally used the island as a base. Sarakiniko, like most beaches of Gavdos, is one of the most enchanting beaches in Greece.
AGIOS IOANNIS
Agios Ioannis
Agios Ioannis is a beach that will be unforgettable since it is an earthly paradise! Its endless blonde sandy beach, the dunes and the ancient cedars that appear in the landscape, compose a beautiful image.
FAROS
Gavdos Lighthouse is built a few meters south of the settlement of Ampelos, at an altitude of 368m, on the west coast of the island of Gavdos. It is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in Crete, but also in Greece in general. It was bombed by the Germans in 1942, but today it has been restored and is in excellent condition.
TRIPITI
Tripiti beach is located 7 km south of Karave, in the southernmost point of Gavdos, but also in Europe. In its eastern part it has sand, while in the western part, up to the “nose” of Gavdos, it has large round stones and pebbles. The landscape on the southernmost beach of Europe is wonderful with a trademark of the three large natural arches, the Camarellis, which are formed at the eastern end of the beach. From these holes it gets the name Tripiti. Above the Camarells there is a huge chair made by some Russian scientists, in which you can climb and gaze at the vast South Cretan Sea.
DIANA BEACH
The west side of the island of Gavdos forms many steep cliffs and the view from above is magical. Due to the steep soil, many landslides are created and the whole area is called Aspes (ie landslides). At the base of these cliffs are formed small beaches, mostly rocky, but access is possible only by boat.
The beach that stands out from all on the west side is Diana. Diana can be said to be the second southernmost beach in Europe, after Tripiti which is located a few meters southeast. The beach stands out from the others as it is less rocky, has fine pebbles and has a huge rock at the base of which you can find shade all day.
The beach takes its name from the visit of Princess Diana yacht and Dodi Al-Fayed many years ago.
POTAMOS
The Potamos is one of the most beautiful beaches of Gavdos, with tiled sand and clear blue waters, and is located at the exit of a small gorge that contains plenty of clay ideal for mud therapy. The river is surrounded by sea cedars that reach the beach, and give a picture of a tropical landscape, ideal for a carefree vacation!