Gavdos: the southernmost island in Europe. Get a little taste of what Gavdos is all about.
Updated: 3 days ago
If you look south towards the open sea on Crete's south coast, you can see the outline of a lonely and mystical island. What is this place and what makes it so special? An island that is supposed to be paradisiacal and perfect? Far away from major tourism, with just 100 inhabitants? A place where you can camp freely on the beach, directly under the starry sky, which is said to be one of the best in Europe? You'll find all the answers on my website and in my travel guide, and in this article you'll get a little taste of what Gavdos is all about.
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Even during the boat trip from Crete to the southernmost island in Europe, you can see the small island of just under 30 km² on the horizon. It forms the last outpost off the north coast of Africa. Cap Tripiti marks the southernmost point of Europe. From there it is only 260 kilometers to the Libyan mainland. In between is the endless deep blue ocean - the Libyan Sea. Gavdos is remote. Everyday life on the island and its pace is completely decelerated. A place far removed from the fast-paced spirit of our times. The inhabitants live a quiet and modest life. They are closely connected to nature and the elements. A small stone house, a few sheep and chickens, a small garden, the sea and the Greek sun are all you need to lead a happy life.
In total, just under 100 people live on the island permanently. Then there are the visitors who come to the island every year. There are not many, as the remote island in the Libyan Sea is not yet a household name for many. In the months of July and August, several thousand tourists make their way to Gavdos.
Most vacationers come to Gavdos to camp on the beach. However, if you want to discover the island without having to sleep in a tent, you can also rent one of the smaller accommodations. You can find an overview of various accommodations and apartments on the island here. Local families offer small, cozy private apartments in the traditional architectural style of the island for a small fee. Every guest is welcomed with warmth and open arms - hospitality is still a way of life here. All arrivals are well looked after. However, you should not expect 5-star quality. Rather, it's about an authentic vacation experience without having to lay it on thick.
The tavernas are similarly authentic and traditional. On Gavdos, there are many classic traditional restaurants of high quality and even more charm. You can eat with your feet in the sand or enjoy a great view of the sea while being well looked after by the families in the restaurant. The ingredients used often come directly from their own garden or from their own animals.
Gavdos is very small - just 30 km². Theoretically, everything is within walking distance. There are small, well-developed roads for motorized vehicles. But there are no petrol stations! Gavdos is not even connected to the national electricity grid. They make do with diesel generators. If the generators fail or are switched off, then it's just dark. In the high and low season, buses run on the island to make it easier to get from A to B. However, it is also possible to travel by car, as the ferries allow you to drive your own vehicle. You can even rent a car on Gavdos.
The journey and the entire stay should be well planned. If the weather does not cooperate, the boats may not sail and the stay will have to be extended until the weather permits a crossing again. The island can only be reached from Crete. A small car ferry usually sails to Gavdos 5 to 6 times a week - even in winter. You can find all departure times directly on my website.
Whether single travelers, small groups or families with children. Whether young or old. On Gavdos you will meet a wide range of people. Gavdos offers you a special kind of vacation experience. However, if you are looking for a club vacation, love shopping and attach great importance to beach entertainment, you are unfortunately in the wrong place on Gavdos. There are no hotels or shopping malls to be found far and wide. There are six mini-markets across the island that will provide you with the most important items.
The island offers ideal conditions for an active and individual vacation. Due to its small size, you can explore it perfectly on foot. There are a number of attractive and scenically spectacular hikes and excursion destinations to choose from. The striking lighthouse is at the top of every excursion list on Gavdos.
The coastline is dotted with numerous beaches, often reminiscent of a South Sea island. Endless dune landscapes and bizarrely growing trees adorn the view. One of these beaches was even named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world a few years ago. Almost all the beaches are virtually deserted. There are no sun beds or sun umbrellas. With the exception of Sarakiniko and Korfos, all beaches can only be reached on foot or from the sea. Considering the small size of the island, you will be amazed at the variety of landscapes Gavdos has to offer. This also applies to the various beaches.
The beauty of the island is not the only trump card; the weather is also an argument for coming to Gavdos. Gavdos is located in the southern Mediterranean and is therefore exposed to the Mediterranean climate. Hot, dry summers and mild winters characterize the weather. The intensity of the sun and the number of hours of sunshine per year is one of the highest in Europe. The average annual temperature is 21 degrees. Almost 280 rain-free days almost guarantee sunshine. Interesting fact: While it is cloudy and rainy on the neighboring island, Gavdos is mostly spared, as the clouds remain in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and act as a protective shield. Accordingly, nature on Gavdos is adapted and special. Unlike Crete, some parts of Gavdos feel like an African island. Sand dunes, junipers, shrubs and pine forests cover the island's surface. Some plant species can only be found on Gavdos outside of Africa!
Gavdos stands for tolerance, openness and individuality. This place holds countless secrets and fascinations. A place that opens up and wants to be discovered. A place that is simply different - incomparable to anything else.
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