Europe’s southernmost island, Gavdos, in southern Crete: here are 8 must-do things to do in Gavdos!
Gavdos is a small Greek island off the coast of Crete (40 kilometers to the south) in the Libyan Sea, and is Europe’s most southerly island outside the remote islands (its southernmost point is at Cape Tripiti). Inhabited for more than 5,000 years, it has a population of just a hundred permanent inhabitants on 27 km². Isolated from mass tourism by its location, Gavdos is devoid of any major tourist infrastructure, guaranteeing you a wild, natural holiday where life seems to be out of time.
A land of piracy, Venetian, Byzantine and Roman influence, a place of exile for communists under the Metaxas dictatorship, Gavdos has become a haven for hippies in search of peaceful nature on the bangs of civilization.
It’s also a popular destination for its landscapes of sandy dunes, turquoise beaches, scrubland, pine and juniper forests, and incredibly well-preserved fauna: Gavdos is an important stopover for migrating birds.
What to do in Gavdos For those of you visiting Gavdos from Crete, here’s a top 8 list of things to do in Gavdos.
1. Karavé
The island’s « capital » is a small port on the east coast of the island, serving as a link between Gavdos and Crete. There are only a few houses, a cafe and a few rooms available for rent in Gavdos for one or two nights. Suffice it to say that we won’t be going there for a long stay, let alone to visit any historic monuments: there simply aren’t any!
People come to Gavdos to do nothing, take time out for themselves, recharge their batteries and spend their time in the water or on the sand. Please note that nudism is practised on the island: prudish and puritan souls are advised to abstain, but you can of course remain clothed in your own clothes. Please note that there is no bank on Gavdos: you’ll need to withdraw your banknotes in Crete beforehand. A visit to Gavdos is a guaranteed relaxing holiday. Once you arrive in Karavé, a bus will take you to the island’s beaches.
2. The beaches of Gavdos
What to do in Gavdos Learning to do nothing is the quintessence of a successful holiday in Gavdos!
Some of the island’s beaches are as magnificent as they are immense, with clear, calm, turquoise waters, allowing you to achieve your relaxation goals on the island: Cape Tripiti, Lavraka Beach, Sarakiniko Beach, Ai Giannis, Agios Ioannis – voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by the Discovery Channel – and Diana Beach. The beaches are equipped with bars, snack bars or restaurants, and sometimes supermarkets to stock up.
3. Potamos
The best way to reach Potamos and its beach is by cab boat (ask for Georgos or Eftihis in Sarakiniko). Potamos is one of the most isolated beaches on Gavdos.
4. Korfos
The beach at Korfos is one of the quietest, a good option if you’re looking to get away from it all. Please note that camping is possible – understand tolerated – on Gavdos. The best spot in Korfos is under the trees. Be sure to check the inside of your shoes and clothes before putting them on in the morning, and of course, leave the place as you found it the day before.
5. Sarakiniko
This is where most tourists go, as Sarakiniko is home to the island’s most popular beach. If you enjoy lounging around, watching time go by and enjoying grilled fish, this is a very small village to visit.
6. A boat trip
Once you’ve enjoyed the sea views from the beaches, why not change your point of view? Renting a boat in Gavdos will allow you to relax by the sea, and enjoy the view of its fine sandy beaches.
You can also enjoy a peaceful sail and discover the seabed around Gavdos, with a snorkeling session right in the middle of the sea!
7. Faros
The Faros lighthouse is no longer in use and has been rehabilitated as a mini-museum, but it does make for a nice hike to the island’s highest point, from where you can admire the sunset with the island of Crete in the background. For a drink or snack, a small bar is open late into the evening.
8. Tripiti
What to do in Gavdos Between Korfos and Vatsiana, to the south of Gavdos, there’s a beautiful walk through the garrigues: this is Cape Tripiti, the southernmost point of Greece and Europe. In the distance, a few hundred kilometers away, the Libyan coast.
How do I get to Gavdos?
Gavdos has no airport, so you’ll need to choose a flight to Crete. There are a number of inexpensive flights from France, and you can consult the website of our partner Ulysses to find yours. You can then take a boat to the ports of Paleochora and Sfakia on Crete: allow two hours for the crossing from Skafia and four hours from Paleochora. There are two crossings a week, and crossing days may vary according to the weather.
Where to stay in Gavdos?
Gavdos offers very little in the way of accommodation: few homestays and only a few hotels, in Sarakiniko, Fokia and Kastri. You can always try wild camping on the beaches (under the trees). You can find a cheap hotel in Gavdos by searching on this hotel comparator. Finally, to choose your Gavdos pied-à-terre, check out our article » Where to stay on the island of Gavdos « !
Map of hotels and accommodation – Crete