Gavdos is a popular choice for off the beaten track travelers who want to experience Cretan culture and enjoy tranquil beaches. The island offers a variety of private villas and campgrounds, as well as many taverns where you can sample traditional dishes.
In Greek mythology, this islet was the home of Calypso, who held Odysseus captive for seven years. The legend adds to the allure of this stunning little island south of Crete.
Kastri
Gavdos is one of the best places to stay in Sithonia and is an ideal place for hiking as it offers a wide variety of paths that are graded from easy to difficult. It is also popular with hikers from all over the world who come here to experience the unique beauty of this island. This is why the Municipality of Gavdos, in partnership with the Forestry Department of Chania, makes a special effort to maintain its trails and ensure they remain in good condition.
Kastri is a beautiful village, with stone houses and gardens that are filled with flowers and herbs. It is a great place to stay if you are looking for peace and quiet. It is also close to many of the beaches of the south part of the island, including Tripiti and Lakoudi. It is also close to the port of Karave, from where boats leave for other parts of Crete.
The village is home to the Municipality and has rooms for rent as well as the island’s Rural Clinic and a bakery-pastry shop. It is also one of the most important archeological sites on the island, and has 18 small churches that add a unique aesthetic to the landscape. The Temple of Dormition is particularly beautiful. It used to serve as the Katholikon for a monastery that was later destroyed by a wildfire.
There are a few hotels and apartments in Kastri, but the best way to enjoy your stay is in a traditional stone villa that can accommodate up to 5 people. These villas are extremely comfortable and offer stunning views of the Libyan Sea. They are perfect for families who want to spend a relaxing holiday in this isolated paradise.
Another great option for a vacation in Gavdos is to book a room at Metochi Gavdos, located in Sgoudiana. The property is just a short walk from the beach and features a private terrace. The rooms are air conditioned and feature a TV with satellite channels. They also have a kitchen with a fridge and a stovetop. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Vatsiana
Located in the heart of the village of Kastrion, Villa Kastri is one of the best places to stay in Gavdos. It offers a super comfy stay with incredible views of the Libyan Sea and has everything you need to feel at home in this remote island. The traditional stone villa is fully equipped and includes a kitchen, a dining area, and a TV. It also comes with free WiFi and private parking.
The villa is perfect for a family, as it can comfortably accommodate up to 6 people. The bedrooms are large and the bathroom has a shower, while the living room features a sofa bed. There are also two terraces that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The villa is also close to a number of restaurants and shops, so you can easily get your food and drinks.
Another option is Metochi Gavdos Apartments, which is a great choice for couples and families looking for a more luxurious experience. This resort offers cozy and comfortable rooms, a fantastic backdrop of the Libyan Sea, and an on-site restaurant. It is also close to the beaches of Sarakiniko and Lavrakas, as well as Karavi Harbour. Its amenities include a private beach, free private parking, and a shuttle service.
Its amenities include a private beach, a garden, and free WiFi. Guests can enjoy their meals in the on-site restaurant, which serves local cuisine. In addition, the resort has a bar and a cafeteria. Its rooms are spacious and offer a balcony or patio with beautiful views of the mountains and sea.
The secluded and peaceful Gavdos is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers who want to explore its rugged terrain. The island is also known for its many ancient ruins and is home to 18 small churches, which add to its unique aesthetics. Gavdos is also a popular destination for free campers and hermits from all over Europe who seek an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Its heavenly beaches, pristine waters, and natural landscape make it the ideal getaway for travelers seeking a break from the everyday.
Agiannis
If you’re looking for a place to put your summer vacation plans into motion, the island of Gavdos is the perfect place to start. With a wide array of heavenly beaches, incredible hikes, and a relaxed pace, this isolated paradise offers all the elements you need to make your dream holiday come true.
Gavdos is a great destination for hikers, with paths that range from easy to difficult. The trails are regularly maintained by the island’s municipality, in cooperation with the Forestry Department of Chania. Moreover, the island is home to 18 small churches scattered across its landscape, offering a unique aesthetic that’s not found anywhere else on Crete.
Located on Gavdos Island, Sofia Rooms offer accommodation with Libyan Sea and garden views. Fitted with beamed ceilings, rooms are air conditioned and feature a mini fridge and private bathrooms with showers. Guests can enjoy lunch and dinner at the on-site restaurant, whilst admiring the beautiful views. Karavi Harbour is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, and beaches such as Agios Ioannis are a short stroll away.
While there are hotels in Gavdos, there are also many villas and apartments for rent that can provide you with all the comfort of a hotel without the price tag. This allows you to have the freedom to plan your vacation according to your own preferences, and is ideal for families or groups of friends.
The best time to book a hotel in Gavdos is between August and September, when prices are at their lowest. However, this is a popular period for visitors to the island, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. You can use KAYAK to find the best deals on hotels in Gavdos. Prices will vary depending on the day of the week, so be sure to check pricing before you book. This way, you can avoid any unexpected changes to your itinerary. You can also save money by booking your stay on a Tuesday or Wednesday instead of a Friday or Saturday. This is because weekend rates are often higher than midweek rates.
Sarakiniko
One of the most enchanting beaches in the area, Sarakiniko, is named after the Saracen pirates who traditionally used the island as a base. It is a sandy beach with crystal clear water, sand dunes and ancient cedar trees that create a magical landscape. The beach is a favorite spot for families, while it also attracts nudists. The water is a little cooler than the waters of the beaches in North Crete, and the sand is softer, making it more comfortable to swim.
The best time to visit the beach is in the late afternoon when it becomes more secluded. You can walk along the beach and explore its many nooks and crannies. You will also come across the shipwreck of a Cambodian tanker that sank in 2003. The ship is slowly being eroded by the sea, but it is still an impressive site.
It is important to note that Sarakiniko is not the best place to go on a windy day, as it can be quite rough and dangerous. If you’re planning on going, be sure to bring a good sunscreen and plenty of water. You should also avoid going to the beach on a full moon, as the moonlight can make the water look especially bright.
Most of the beaches on Gavdos have very few amenities, but Sarakiniko is a little more “cosmopolitan” than most with rooms for rent and a few taverns. The other beaches are less populated and offer a more natural experience. Trypiti is the southernmost beach in all of Europe and is known for its crystal clear waters, while Potamos has a deposit of natural clay that you can rub on your skin to get rid of tan lines.
Gavdos is a small, wild island that offers unique hiking opportunities. The island has numerous trails that lead to secluded pine forests, juniper and cedar trees, and incredible isolated beaches. It is a perfect choice for those who enjoy contact with nature, non-polluted air, and stunning starry skies. It is not a place for nightclubs or lots of facilities, but it is a great option for those who want to disconnect from the stress and noise of everyday life.