General information about the island of Gavdos
Strengths:
Not crowded.
Average:
Sea and beaches, excursions, prices.
Weaknesses:
Points of interest, connections, little nightlife, not very suitable for families with children.
- Capital: Kastri
- Population: 100
- Area: 30 km²
- Port: Karave
- Airport: no
- Public transportation: yes
- Car and motorcycle rental: yes
- Campsites: no
Gavdos (from Greek Γαύδος) is the southernmost island of Greece and also the southernmost inhabited place in Europe. It is located between Crete, from which it is 28 nautical miles south, and the African coasts of Libya (150 nautical miles). It is only accessible by sea from Crete.
It has an area of 30 km² and a population of about 100 inhabitants.
The island is rather wild, and its highest point reaches 345 meters (Mount Vardia). The western coast consists of high cliffs, while other areas have very beautiful beaches. Its climate is African: hot and windy. The vegetation mainly consists of cedars, pines, and junipers.
The main village of the island is Kastri.
According to mythology, Calypso, the nymph who detained Odysseus for 7 years after his shipwreck, lived on Gavdos. In recent times, the island was a place of exile, and the houses of the exiles can still be seen near Sarakiniko beach.
The road network is very limited, but there is a bus service that connects the port with the main villages and beaches of the island. It is also possible to use tractor-taxis or rent cars/scooters.
