Geography of the island of Gavdos

The Greek island of Gavdos is the southernmost point of Greece and also the southernmost point of Europe, specifically its tip of Tripiti. The island is located about 26 nautical miles south of the Cretan resort of Chora Sfakion. Together with the neighbouring tiny island of Gavdopoula, nicknamed "Little Gavdos", it belongs to the Cretan prefecture of Chania. Unlike the island of Gavdos, the islet of Gavdopoula is not inhabited.

The island of Gavdos, with an area of about 27 km², is mainly covered by low rocks, sand and generally rather rough and dry terrain. The island is mainly covered with pines, cedars and heaths and is full of beautiful sandy beaches. The local subtropical climate and low rainfall bring with it some downsides, notably the lack of fresh water and fertile soil. However, you can spot interesting and rare species of animals here, as Gavdos is an important stopover for birds migrating from Africa to Europe, as well as a refuge for the endangered Mediterranean seal and the giant tortoise.

Settlement of the island - history and present

According to Greek mythology, the nymph Kalypso held Odysseus prisoner on an island called Ogygia. And some claim that this mythical island of Ogygia is the Greek island of Gavdos. Archaeological research shows that the island has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The inhabitants were very active here during the Roman Empire, when they also made much use of the local farmland and plants. During this period, a process of desiccation and erosion began, which unfortunately continues to this day. At the time of the Byzantine Empire, the population of the island was as high as 8,000 people and the island had its own archbishopric. Later, during the Turkish occupation, the island was known as Gondzo, but the local population rapidly declined to about 500 inhabitants (late 19th century). Gavdos came to the forefront of media attention in 1996 when it became a point of contention between Greece and Turkey during NATO exercises.

Today, Gavdos has a year-round population of less than 60, but in summer the number of people on the island rises to 3,000 thanks to tourists, for example. Visitors to the island, however, have to reckon with very limited tourist facilities. There is no source of fresh drinking water, so food and drink must be brought in by boat from Crete. However, thanks to diesel generators, electricity is occasionally available to the inhabitants, and during the main tourist season a doctor and a policeman are sometimes present, but this cannot be relied upon.

However, tourists do not come here for the quality of the tourist services. On the contrary, the island is visited by people who are looking for an authentic and unspoilt Greek landscape and a peaceful way of life in close contact with nature. Gavdos is particularly suitable for camping and hiking. Several small, modest cottages can be rented here, the main advantage of which is the perfect surrounding silence and the magnificent view of the sea. The beaches of Gavdos are also popular with naturists and nudists.

Places of interest on the island of Gavdos

The most important place on the island is the port of Karave. The main town (village) of the island is Kastri, other villages include Fokia or the aforementioned Karave and the southernmost inhabited village is Vatsiana. Gavdos boasts several beautiful sandy beaches such as Sarakino, Agios Ioannis, Potamos, Lavrakas, Tripiti and the pebble beach of Korfos. Its shores are washed by crystal clear sea. During walking tours, you can come across several small and modest churches, the symbol of the island is also the old lighthouse standing at the southwest coast (today it serves as a café) and the so-called rock gate in the south of the island.

Most visitors to the island come here as part of day trips. For swimming, we would recommend either Sarakino or Korfos beach in this case, of course you can also stay at the small beach near Karave. If you want to explore more of the island's interior or venture as far as its southern tip, Cape Tripiti, plan a longer visit instead.

Either way, you may find yourself extending your stay on the island unplanned, as transport links to Crete are rather unreliable. If it's very windy and there are big waves, you could spend several days here. Perhaps for this reason, Gavdos is not a mass tourism destination, but you will find more adventurers and hippies here. However, larger boats usually come from Paleochora, and smaller boats from other Cretan resorts such as Chora Sfakion or Sougia.

More touristic destinations of Crete

Tips for trips on Crete: Cretaquarium (sea aquarium), Zeus Caves, Kournas Lake, Minoan Palaces, Zeus Island, Gramvousa Island, Samaria Gorge, Waterpark Water City

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Crete.