Gavdos sights: The top 10 highlights and activities on the island
Updated: 4 days ago
Despite its small size, the mysterious island of Gavdos south of Crete is full of highlights and sights. Not only does it call itself the southernmost island in Europe, but it also boasts beaches, villages and features that cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. Anyone who comes to Gavdos will experience a special, magical place. In this article, 10 highlights of the island of Gavdos are presented to you in a nutshell. But one thing must be said: This list could be much, much longer and only shows a small selection of all the highlights and activities that this great island has to offer.
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#1 Kap Tripiti: the southernmost point in Europe on Gavdos
Almost everyone knows Nordkapp as the northernmost point in Europe. When it comes to the question of where the southernmost point of the European continent is actually located, the answers are often not entirely clear. In fact, the southernmost point of Europe is on Gavdos - at Cape Tripiti to be precise. An imposing rock arch represents the last piece of land before the endless ocean, the Libyan Sea, opens up. A place with a special atmosphere. When you look south from Cape Tripiti, you only feel one thing: freedom. The landmark on the cape is as bizarre as it is unique. An oversized wooden chair marks the southernmost point. The inscriptions “Smile and happines” show what is important in life!
You can find more information about Cape Tripiti under the following link on the website or in my guide book.
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#2 The beach of Agios Ioannis: tranquillity and natural paradise on Gavdos
If you've always wanted to be dropped off on a secluded, beautiful island to enjoy the finest sand, clearest water and total tranquillity, Agios Ioannis is the place for you. An expanse of dune sand with bizarre-looking junipers will amaze everyone who arrives. The tents and hammocks will soon catch your eye, as holidaymakers settle down on the beach and the surrounding dunes to experience the total feeling of freedom. It's a place that can't be found anywhere else in Europe. Equally beautiful, but often much quieter, is Lavrakas beach behind it. You can walk there from Agios Ioannis in around 30-45 minutes.
#3 Sarakiniko: The place in the sand
A similarly beautiful beach, but with a different vibe. Sarakiniko is located in a beautiful bay. Unlike Agios Ioannis, the beach and the village of the same name can be reached by car. In Agios Ioannis, small buildings have been erected in the sand over the last few decades, which blend perfectly into the overall picture. Small tavernas invite you to arrive. You can eat with your feet in the sand or even dance at one or two events. Small accommodations and apartments give you the opportunity to fall asleep to the sound of the sea. The water is crystal clear and the bay is perfect for swimming and diving. Behind the village, groups of trees invite you to linger. Simply a great place.
#4 Pharos lighthouse: one of the highlights among the sights on Gavdos
Not far from the highest point of the island lies “Pharos”, which simply means “lighthouse” in Greek. If you are on Gavdos, you have to visit the lighthouse. From there you can experience what is probably the most spectacular sunset. From there, a view opens up over large parts of the island. On the horizon, you can see the island of Crete on one side and the endless Libyan Sea on the other. The sun sinks in the midst of this sensational scenery.
You can find more information about the lighthouse in the blog article here or, of course, in my book:
#5 Kastri: The charming mountain village in the heart of Gavdos
Life on Gavdos moves at its own pace. You often have the feeling that you have traveled many decades into the past. Kastri is one such place that gives you a sense of this. The small village in the center is the seat of the island administration and thus the administrative center, or the “main town” of the island. Old walls tell unheard stories. It is usually very quiet. The wind whistles through the old walls and the bells of the goats ring from afar. Uncultivated fields around the village give an idea of life in earlier days. Today, a handful of people still live in Kastri. Traditional tavernas and friendly accommodation are inviting. For a general overview of all accommodation on the island, see this blog article. Kastri is in a great location on a mountain. You can admire a great view over large parts of the island and across the sea to Crete.
#6 Potamos: The most beautiful beach on Gavdos?!
Many visitors to Gavdos agree that Potamos is the most beautiful beach on the island. Getting there involves a rocky but beautiful hike that is well worth the effort. Potamos is the mouth of a wide and impressive sandstone gorge. Looking at this gorge, you will be surprised at the diversity this small island has to offer. Potamos itself is characterized by its shimmering red sand. The sand is fine and slopes particularly gently into the water. A perfect place to spend an entire day. If you have the time, you should stay until late afternoon or evening. When the sun is low in the sky, Potamos offers a wide variety of colors and shadows. A perfect retreat in total tranquillity.
#7 Sunrises and sunset: magical moments on Gavdos
I have been coming to Gavdos several times a year for many years and have lived on the island for several months. In addition to the beauty of this island, one of these beauties makes me freeze in a special way: the time of the sunrises and sunsets. No picture in the world can convey the mood and the feeling. On Gavdos, the golden hour becomes a magical hour. Colors and mood enter into a play. The scene changes every second. Simply indescribable. The sun sinks into the sea and a feeling of freedom arises. You can see the golden sky, the endless sea and the dunes on which the sand is carried in the wind. And the smell of southern Greek herbs. Let yourself go. Find a quiet place and a moment where you can enjoy the silence and watch the spectacle. You can watch one of the most spectacular sunsets from the lighthouse. But you can also experience beautiful sunsets from Lavrakas or Pyrgos - where you are usually completely on your own. And it's often worth setting your alarm clock early in the morning. Because there is hardly anything more beautiful than seeing the day and the island awaken. On Gavdos, you are literally kissed awake by the sun.
#8 Hiking on Gavdos: the best routes for adventurers of all kinds
Gavdos is a small hiking paradise. As an active vacationer and hiking enthusiast, you can choose from a variety of hiking routes. Different tour options are available according to your personal preferences: pure coastal trails, paths through wild forest sections, small gorge ascents, as well as ascents and descents. Trails are often well developed and signposted. Orientation is easy. There are tours of different lengths to choose from for all levels of ability. In my Guide Book you will find a variety of detailed and well-researched tour descriptions for great hiking experiences and excursions on Gavdos.
#9 Vatsiana: A village full of history and traditions
Gavdos is not only a place of nature, but also a place of history. Life hundreds of years ago was different and followed its own rules. Even more so than today, life was characterized by self-sufficiency. The island's population was on its own. No electricity, hardly any contact with the outside world. If you walk through the almost deserted villages on the island today, you can only imagine what life was like in the past. But you can imagine it very well, as many things have been preserved exactly as they were long ago. A trip to Vatsiana feels a little like traveling back in time. Get involved and enjoy your time among the walls.
#10 The unique nature of Gavdos: Flora, fauna and beautiful landscapes
Gavdos is a natural paradise that fascinates with its untouched and diverse landscape. Despite the small size of the island, you will find an amazing variety of plants and animals that make Gavdos a special experience. Particularly impressive are the dense stands of old juniper trees, especially in the area around Agios Ioannis as far as Lavrakas and Sarakiniko. These trees, which include species such as Juniperus phoenicea (Phoenician juniper) and Juniperus macrocarpa (large-fruited juniper), lend the landscape its characteristic fragrance and charm. Some of these juniper trees are several hundred years old and have survived in the barren, windswept dunes. They have developed an amazing root system that helps them survive in the sandy, dry environment.
The importance of these ancient trees goes beyond their aesthetic beauty - they play a central role in the island's fragile ecosystem by providing a habitat for many animal species and stabilizing the soil. This makes it all the more important to protect and respect these natural wonders. So please never break off branches or roots from the trees and do not leave any garbage of any kind behind.
The wildlife of Gavdos may seem inconspicuous at first glance, but on closer inspection there is much to discover. Rare birds such as peregrine falcons and eagles migrate over the island, and lizards can be spotted on the hiking trails and, with a bit of luck, even sea turtles on the coasts.
The landscape itself offers incredible diversity: dramatic cliffs, gentle sand dunes and vast cedar forests characterize the island's landscape. Hikers and nature lovers will come across spectacular views that make you feel as if you are standing on the edge of the world. This mixture of untouched nature, barren beauty and peaceful beaches makes Gavdos a unique natural experience. In order to preserve this beauty for future generations, it is essential to treat and protect the island's nature with the utmost care.
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