Gavdos beaches 2025 - The 5 most beautiful beaches on the island
- David Neumeyer
- 19. Mai
- 5 Min. Lesezeit
Aktualisiert: 31. Mai
Gavdos - the southernmost island in Europe - is more than just a travel destination. It is a place that slows you down, surprises you and immediately captivates you with its untouched nature. There are no hotels with pools and no rows and rows of sun beds here. Instead, you'll find endless dunes, wild bays, old juniper trees and secluded beaches that are more pristine than you'll find anywhere else in Europe. The water around Gavdos is crystal clear and shines in the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise - perfect for swimming, snorkeling or simply immersing yourself in the tranquillity of nature. In this article, I will introduce you to five of the most famous beaches on Gavdos - from extensive sandy beaches to secluded natural bays. Let yourself be inspired and find your personal favorite beach on this special island.
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#1: Sarakiniko - Tavern flair and sunsets
Sarakiniko is the access point for many travelers to Gavdos and also the home of some locals. The water of the long crescent-shaped beach with pebbly and sandy areas invites every visitor to take a dip. The bay is perfect for swimming - with the Cretan south coast towering in the background. Along the fine sand not far from the water's edge, small houses have been built in the sand over the last few decades, most of which serve as tavernas. With your feet in the sand, you can enjoy the best local food in the best ambience right on the beach. A few meters behind, the beach and the small village are surrounded by beautiful dune landscapes, some of which have dense groups of pine and juniper trees. The perfect place to relax in a hammock. It is also a popular place for wild campers. In Sarakiniko you will find several mini-markets, accommodation and showers. Sarakiniko is the ideal place for beginners (...and drop-outs), for families or for anyone who doesn't want to do without a certain level of comfort.
You can find an overview of the most beautiful accommodation on the island here.
#2: Agios Ioannis - The most popular beach on Gavdos
Agios Ioannis has become the most popular place on the island. The famous Discovery Channel even named it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2007. And indeed: even the first glimpse of the endless dunes and the glittering sea feels like a scene from a movie. To get here, you have to walk a short distance over rocky ground. This leads you through a barren but impressive landscape of rocks, bushes and sand. The closer you get to the beach, the finer the ground becomes - and the wider the sea of dunes opens up in front of you. Agios Ioannis is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere, which is characterized by wild campers, free spirits and nature lovers. Many visitors stay here for several days or even weeks. They pitch tents or hang their hammocks between the gnarled juniper trees. No one walks around in a swimsuit here - nudism is the norm. You won't find any tavernas, showers or infrastructure on the beach - but you will find absolute peace and nature.
#3 Lavrakas - Natural beach for peace seekers
Things are much quieter in Lavrakas. The beach, about a 30-minute walk from Ag. Ioannis, can call itself a real paradise. Even the path to the beach, along fine dunes and bizarrely growing juniper trees, is a real highlight. Every now and then you will notice the odd tent on the beach or under the trees - but far fewer than on the large neighboring beach to the south. Nudism and total freedom are the order of the day here. Permanent residents of the beach built a well a few years ago, which supplies fresh groundwater from the depths. Apart from that, the beach has one thing above all else to offer: Peace, seclusion and total originality.
#4 Potamos Beach - The feeling of a deserted island
Those who visit Potamos will see Gavdos with different eyes. There may even be visitors who look at the world a little differently after getting involved with this special place on this special island. The beach in the north of the island is not just remote - it gives you the feeling of being stranded alone on a desert island.
Even the way to Potamos is a real highlight. From the village of Ambelos, a narrow path leads for a good hour through a breathtaking landscape. A small path winds its way down to the beach through an impressive sandstone gorge. There, a dreamlike, long, wild beach with shimmering reddish sand opens up. Behind it grow isolated groups of juniper trees, some of them ancient. The wild sandstone rock formations complete the breathtaking picture of the beach. The rest is the feeling that emanates from this place and is difficult to put into words. Incidentally, Potamos means river in Greek. And a dry river does indeed flow into the sea here - but only in winter, when the water shoots through the sandstone gorge after heavy rainfall.
#5 Tripiti - At the southernmost point in Europe
A visit to Gavdos would not be complete without standing at the southernmost point of Europe - Cape Tripiti. Not only does the island end here, but also the entire European continent. And where the land ends, dreams begin. When you look out over the open, vast sea from there, you get a special feeling of infinity. Tripiti beach is located directly below the famous rocky headland with its three striking rock gates.
And although the entry into the water is a little bumpy - a dip in the crystal blue water is almost a must here. The fine pebbles and stones in the water make the water here particularly clear. Especially after the strenuous hike that takes you here from Vatsiana or Korfos, there's nothing better than a dip in the refreshing sea. If the sea is calm enough, you can even swim through the rock gates - a unique experience. Don't forget to climb the wooden chair on the rocky cape, which marks the southernmost point in Europe. A visit to Tripiti is almost a must and will stay in your memory forever.
You can find more information about the southernmost point of Europe on Gavdos here.
#6 More beaches and secrets
Every visitor would probably answer differently as to which beaches are the five best on the island. Gavdos has so many beaches, bays and hidden places to offer, all of which are special and unique in their own way. It's often not the place itself that makes the difference, but the feeling it triggers in you. Take the time to get involved with these places. Whether Lakoudi, Diana, Pyrgos or Fetife - all these other beaches are waiting to be discovered by you.
In my printed travel guide to Gavdos, you will find all my knowledge about all the places on the island and tips and information that you won't find anywhere else. I hope you enjoy your trip to Gavdos.
