Is a day trip to Gavdos worth it? Why you should stay longer!
Gavdos, the southernmost island in Europe, exerts a magical attraction on many travellers. Anyone visiting Paleochora, Chora Sfakion or Plakias in south-west Crete may ask themselves the question: is a day trip to Gavdos worthwhile? At first glance, it seems tempting to experience the wild nature, secluded beaches and authentic atmosphere of the island in just one day. But in reality, a day trip to Gavdos is usually not a sensible decision. Why is that? I'll explain that here.
#1: Travelling to Gavdos: Long crossing makes a day trip impossible
The regular Anendyk ferry connects Gavdos with the Cretan harbours of Paleochora and Chora Sfakion. The crossing between Gavdos and Crete takes between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the route. However, this is not the main problem. The ferries do not have a long stay on the island. They usually only load and unload. Passengers, important goods, mail, everything comes by ferry. Once the exchange has taken place, the boat sets off again to reach the south coast of Crete in the afternoon. So you will have at most half an hour before the boat leaves again - usually even less.
#2: Gavdos Cruises no longer exists
Until 2 years ago, the island could be reached within an hour from Chora Sfakion. A speedboat ‘Christa’ sped across the Libyan Sea. At the steering wheel was a real Sfakiot with a long black beard - as rough as the sea. In the summer months, the boat was usually completely full. Not surprising, as it was both quicker and cheaper to get to Gavdos. A day trip was possible with Gavdos Cruises, even if it was only very short. You had a few hours to explore the island at a rapid pace. Unfortunately, the company went bankrupt and so far there are no imitators to fill this interesting gap in the offer.
#3: Private boat tours by speedboat - the expensive choice
Some private providers (e.g. in Paleochora or Plakias) offer speedboats for day trips to Gavdos. The crossings to Gavdos are fast, but come at a high price. A booked day trip costs around 1300 to 1500 euros. The tours usually start in the morning and can be customised. Various points on the island can be visited. There is also time for short explorations. When the sun gradually sinks into the sea, the tour returns to Crete. There is no doubt that such an excursion is an unforgettable experience - but fun has its price.
Where to book a private tour to Gavdos in Plakias: https://plakiasboattours.com/
Where to book a private tour to Gavdos in Paleochora: https://www.paleochoradiscover.com/boat-tours
#4: How many days should you stay in Gavdos?
Let's be honest: the true magic of Gavdos only unfolds when you stay on the island for at least a few nights. The longer, the better. Settle in and enjoy instead of rushing around the island. It is precisely this tranquillity and relaxation that makes the island so special. Take the time to enjoy the secluded beaches and stroll through the cedar forests at sunrise. Catch the rhythm of the island. What's more, the most beautiful places are spread far and wide across the island. If you want to see Cape Tripiti, go to the lighthouse and walk to Potamos, but spend the night in Agios Ioannis, you will need several days to cover these programme points anyway. Gavdos needs time. Take your time. If you only have one or two days, don't plan too many excursions on the island. Concentrate on one area of the island and enjoy the places all the more for it. Once you've been to Gavdos, you'll be back. You can explore the rest of the island next time.
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