Location information

Gavdos

GAVDOS (Island) CRETE
  Located 24 nautical miles from Hora Sfakia, Gavdos is Crete's most southern island and the most southern point in Europe. During the summer months there are boats to Gavdos from Hora Sfakion and Paleohora. It is possible to go and return the same day but the island does not warrant a one day journey. The attraction in Gavdos is its isolation, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. To really enjoy these one should at least stay over-night.
There has been evidence found on Gavdos of occupation from Neolithic times and strong indication of a Roman community dependant on Gortyn. The population is thought to have been as high as 8,000 during the Middle Ages with Gavdos being the seat of a bishop. The population has drastically decreased over the years and there are now less then 100 permanent residents, mostly shepherds.
The tourist facilities on Gavdos are limited to a few rooms and tavernas around the island. There are no buses and only one or two taxis but rides maybe found with the three-wheeled vehicles that meet the ferry boats. About 4km from Karabe harbour, in the main town of Kastri, there is a post office, telephone and a few coffee shops, tavernas, and rooms to rent. In the summer there is also a doctor.
One of the best beaches is Sarakinos, a 2km walk north of the harbour on a dirt track. Here, on this sandy cove, there are rooms to rent and several tavernas. There are paths from the other two communities, Ambellos in the north and Vatsiana in the south, to lovely sandy beaches. Here there are also some basic rooms to rent and tavernas.
The temperature may reach over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer and there is little protection from the sun on this barren island, so hikers should always have water and a hat with them.

This text is cited Feb 2003 from the Crete TOURnet URL below, which contains images.

Crete TOURnet WebPage
• http://www.crete.tournet.gr/MainArea.jdp?ID=360 (3 img.)
Crete TOURnet WebPage
• http://www.crete.tournet.gr/Site.jdp?ID=1057 (2 img.)

• http://gavdosisland.tripod.com/
• http://www.plata.gr/gavdos/index.asp (4 img.)
• http://www.creteisland.gr/gavdos/index.html (2 img.)