Gavdos Island Crete

The Gavdos island, in Italian Gozzo is a small island known only to a few and connoisseurs. It is not the classic tourist destination also because getting there is a real adventure so not everyone and no less important factor need a little more time than the canonical summer holidays unless you are among the most fortunate to have available a few more days' or the braking desire to explore and "settle for" the classic week of vacation.

It is located on the southernmost tip of Europe's borders in the Libyan Sea about 50 km from Chora Sfakion and 300 from Libya. Triangular in shape, it is more or less 30 square kilometers in size, ten in length and five in width at the widest point with its summit 345 meters above the sea level of Mount Vardia. A place of extraordinary beauty where everything is still intact and not even the shadow of consumerism. Fantastic sandy beaches, remote, a blinding light and in the southern part high cliffs with a spectacular natural arch almost delimiting the boundaries between the two continents. The few inhabitants number about 200, they live in stone houses scattered around the islet in small villages where time seems to have almost stopped. There are some accommodation facilities, not many so it's better to book well in advance.

A wild island where the vegetation grows spontaneously and luxuriantly and where, in addition to the beaches, it offers interesting paths also to be done on foot if you want towards seventeen rural churches, the castle of the Venetian period of Kefali, the 1880 lighthouse where you can admire the sunset will be almost a mystical experience, now partially transformed into a café and a small museum, villages such as the main Kastri the capital or Vatsiana made of one-storey cubic-shaped and strictly white houses and many other sites to visit that you will discover on your own.

Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Gavdos according to Callimaco a philosopher poet of the Hellenistic age was the place where Calypso imprisoned Ulysses in the Odyssey. Unfortunately, in the Roman period the flora of the island was almost destroyed so much that it became depopulated. The Byzantines also arrived between 900 and 1000 BC and the island was repopulated. Finally, the Ottoman domination that lasted from 1665 to 1895 and also in this case the population decreased drastically. As evidence of the Saracen presence, the beach of Sarakiniko. In the 1930s it became the place where the politically persecuted were exiled until the postwar period, when Gavdos began to urbanize again. It is also remembered in history for the Apostle Paul that in his last voyage back to Rome, a violent storm caused the ship he was traveling on to go off course, passing it through Gavdos. Same fate for St. John the Hermit to other Holy Fathers of the seventeenth century. Pirates also used Gavdos as a refuge and the most 'important' was the pirate Barbarossa in 1539.

Let's start with Potamos beach in the north west part. A coast of reddish sand about seven kilometers from the port of Karave, between rocky canyons and a clear blue sea. Very wild and remote, it can be reached either by sea or by a fairly steep path and not very easy to do so if you decide to visit it we recommend that you wear suitable shoes and not flip flops. Obviously it is not equipped so bring everything you need.

We continue with Agios Ioannis beach in the northern area of Gavdos considered one of the 5 most beautiful beaches in the world. A long stretch of soft sand surrounded by primitive vegetation with a clean sea and shallow water. Well known, it is loved by naturists and is a free camping area. It is not equipped but in the immediate vicinity there is a delightful tavern where you can eat something truly typical. For a moment of respite from the beach a small archaeological site and a Roman house to see. It can be reached via a short path that is very easy to do.

We arrive at Fetife beach which is located between Sarakiniko beach and Agios Ioannis beach in the north of the island near Karediana. Small and quiet, it has a beach of sand and rocks with particular shapes due to the erosion of the wind and salt with a sea of intense blue waters. Not equipped but nearby a small tavern where you can find food and drink. Around Fetife beach there is a curious legend that speaks of a Saracen Ftetis, who fell in love with a woman of the island and right here they consumed their moments of love. When her husband found out she killed him. The beach is dedicated to the unfortunate lover.

And now Pyrgos beach, also in the north. A small bay embraced by cliffs and dunes, it has two beaches side by side with soft sand and an extremely calm, transparent and emerald sea. They are not needed so 'you need to bring everything you need for the day. It can be reached both by sea and by land through a long path that is not exactly so easy. To go from one beach to another you go across the sea.

Here we are at Sarakiniko beach, one of the most popular in the north east of Gavdos, about two kilometers from the port. Sheltered from the winds and therefore perfect for a day at the beach, we find it set in a small bay with a golden sand coast with clear and shallow waters. Surrounding a wild landscape of dunes and junipers shaped by the wind. You can find some taverns, a small mini market and some rooms for the living room. Especially popular with campers, Sarakiniko beach takes its name from the Saracen pirates who once took refuge in the cove. It is still possible to see the building where the exiles were placed recognizable by the Greek and European flag. Sarakiniko beach can be reached by bus from Karave or, if desired, with a pleasant half-hour walk.

Let's now discover Tripiti beach seven kilometers from the port of Karave in Aliki in the southernmost part of Gavdos and Europe where there is a salt pan that dries up in summer while in spring it hosts many species of birds migrating to Africa. One part, the east area is made up of sand and pebbles while the west part is of large stones and the sea on both sides is turquoise and crystalline. Unmistakable its three rock arches called Kamarelles on the eastern corner where above there is a large chair to admire the landscape. A curiosity about its name: tripa in Greek means hole and this is why Tripiti. A wild environment where there is nothing but nature.

We find Karave beach on the west side of the homonymous village where there is the port. A small shoreline of pebbles with transparent but immediately deep blue waters. Near the beach there are some houses, a tavern, a bar and some accommodation facilities. Nearby archaeological finds dating back to the Minoan period. It can be reached with a short walk.

We pass to Lakoudi beach in a southerly direction one kilometer from the village of Korfos. Quiet and one of the most beautiful, it has a pebble coast but the sea is something incredible. With an intense blue color that turns into turquoise with crystal clear waters, it presents a perfect backdrop for snorkelers who can have fun visiting the Plystres caves. Bizarre rock formations and marine fossils are part of the beach's particular environment. It can be reached either by boat or on foot arriving at the beach of Tripiti, continuing through the pine forest and following a small stream. It is not served so as always, be equipped with everything.

We arrive at Lavrakas beach two kilometers west from Agios Ioannis beach in the northern part of the island. Soft golden sand dotted with some rocks and washed by turquoise waters a paradise! Considered one of the most remote of Gavdos, it is not equipped and can only be reached on foot from a path in half an hour. Its name has various stories, one says that it takes its name from the Greek word lavraki which means sea bass, while others attribute it to the Minoan word Lavrys symbol of civilization which consisted of a double ax. Archaeologists confirm the second option as cave tombs were found in the woods south of the beach. According to legend, among the Lavrakas caves was the cave of the sorceress Calypso who held Ulysses prisoner for seven years.

Last but not least, Stavrolimni beach in the eastern part between Pyrgos beach and Lavrakas beach. Very small in size, it has a sandy beach with a clean blue sea. It is located at the very end of a stream that comes from the chapel of Agios Nikolaos and which carries natural clay. In April and May it is popular for thermal muds. Behind it a graceful pine and cedar wood.

Here is this we say that can 'be the most' challenging. First of all it must be said that it can only be reached by sea from the port of Paleochora, Sougia or Sfakion. Everything is simple if you are staying nearby and have a rental car, a bit more complicated if you are traveling by public transport because sometimes the timetables do not coincide with the ferries, forcing you to spend one or two nights in the worst case. From Chania it is certainly easier, from Heraklion a little more complicated, you have to get to Chania and from there change another bus. Below we give you the link of the public service in Crete so you can take a look  https://www.e-ktel.com/en/

However, it is also possible to go on an excursion for just one day. There are many agencies in the area that offer it. For info we provide you with this address just to get an idea  https://gavdos-cruises.jimdofree.com/.

Whether you decide for a whole holiday that just for an excursion we are sure that Gavdos will far exceed your expectations for this is to be put in the things to see in Crete.