Gavdos, a Dream Island in the Libyan Sea
A peaceful and dreamy place, a historical and mythical center, a place of carefreeness and isolation.
Exiled place. The tiny Gavdos stands haughtily bathed in the sun of the Libyan Sea, having beauties that, to discover, you have to walk.
Freedom, nature, isolation. Three words to describe an island that in winter has only fifty permanent residents. Residents are seemingly forgotten by travelers and the state. In summer, of course, things change.
The «forgotten» in the south of Crete Gavdos or otherwise Claudius, is filled with people who are attracted by its mysterious energy, who want to sunbathe on the beautiful beaches of the island, cross its sandy hills, get lost wandering the starry its sky, to get drunk with the smells of pine and oregano and to take a sacred vow that she will return to live it all from the beginning.
Gavdos Overview
A land of travelers, African merchants, and pirates, Gavdos is said to be the island where Odysseus sank and was welcomed by Calypso. It is the southernmost tip of Greece, but also of Europe. Its exact location is 22 nautical miles from Chora Sfakion and 170 from Tobruk in Libya. The port of Gavdos is Karave, while its capital is Kastri. At Kastri is where you can find the main tourist infrastructure of the island. Gavdos has a total of four picturesque settlements such as Kastri, Xenaki, Vatsiana, and Ampelo.
The electricity supply in the villages is permanent. However, on the beaches, there is no power after midnight and the generators take turns. However, do not worry about that. The complete lack of light leaves the night sky to enchant you with its constellations. It will make you lose track of time gazing at its dark blue. We can guarantee you that you will not be missing the light pollution of the cities.
Gavdos Sights
One of the most important sights and a trademark of the island is the old lighthouse. Constructed in 1880 at an altitude of 368 meters and was visible from a distance of forty miles. Renovated after its destruction by the Germans, it dominates in the same place. Admiring it up close, while drinking your coffee will take you on a journey to faraway lands. Additionally, gaze at Gavdopoula and in the background Crete and feel blessed that you’re witnessing such beauty.
Other attractions include the Venetian castle at Kefali, the Roman ruins on the hill of Ai Giannis, the carved tombs at Lavraka, and the famous «throne» at Tripiti, the southernmost chair of Europe, as they call it. To visit the «throne», estimate that you will have to walk about eight kilometers — approximately 2 hours.
Gavdos Beaches
Walking on the beach of Ai Giannis (the second-best beach in the world according to the Discovery Channel) is sure to leave you speechless from the unique forest by the sea, the lush dunes, and its golden sand. If you continue the path, you will find yourself in the area of Lavrakas, where there is a quiet creek to dive. The beach at Sarakiniko, four kilometers from Ai Giannis (about an hour’s walk), offers panoramic views of the endless blue and the towering peaks of the White Mountains.
Tripiti beach is the southernmost in Europe and its trademark is the three large natural arches that are formed in the corner of the island. Here is the famous «throne» we spoke about above, which is suitable for gazing at the Libyan Sea. Two kilometers south of the port of Karave, you will find the beach of Korfos, which has pebbles and basic facilities near it, while six kilometers from Karave, the beach of Pyrgos is sandy, hidden in the heart of a large bay, completely disorganized and isolated. To get here you can walk from Ambelo which will take you about two hours. Alternatively, you can drive on a rugged dirt road that leads to the beach and walk from there.
Finally, the most daring explorers will find their personal paradise in Potamos, a beach with reddish sand and fantastic waters, the access to which is extremely difficult and requires knowledge of descending a cliff. Most people just admire it from above, while the adventurous try the descent.
Sailing to Gavdos with Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Sail to Gavdos Island on a luxury yacht and enjoy the pristine wonders of the island. To customize this sailing trip with Elissos, go to our website or email us at [email protected]. One of our experienced travel designers will assist you by creating a personalized itinerary based on your needs.