English
Gavdos is a beautiful island at the South of Crete with less than 100 permanent residents, 22 nautical miles far from Chora Sfakion and 31 nautical miles far from Palaeochora. Its extent is 37 square kilometers. It has six settlements, Sarakiniko, Karave and Korfos by the sea, at the east, Kastri at the inland, almost at the middle of the island, Ambelos at the Northwest and Vatsiana, close to the sea at the southwest.
Gavdos is the last border of Europe at the South; the cape Tripiti is considered as the most southern edge of Europe. Many people suggest that Gavdos is the legendary Ogygia, the island of the Nymph Calypso, where Ulysses spent seven years as a prisoner of her.
The islet is worth visiting for its extended, rather unspoiled sandy beaches, with golden sand and crystal clear blue water. Although recently, Gavdos is a popular destination, especially among young people, it maintains its calmness and isolation, particularly in the evening when the tourists of the daily excursions have departed.
It is worth seeing the cape of Trypiti, a natural monument with three arches, carved on the cliffs by the wind and the water.
As it is rather flat, Gavdos is good for walking. The distances between the settlements are short, 3-35 kilometers from each other.
Three local feasts take place on the 10th of February in honor of Agios Charalambos, on Agioi Pantes and Agia Triada.
Accommodation is available in Sarakiniko, the port of the island. Small taverns and cafes offer food and drink.
Access is possible from the opposite coast via small boats from Chora Sfakion, Palaeochora, or Agia Roumeli ports.