Gavdos in spring 2025: What is open? What to expect?
- David Neumeyer
- May 12
- 3 min read
The days are getting longer, the sun is getting warmer and nature is showing its best side: spring has begun on Gavdos. After the quiet winter months, the southernmost island in Europe is slowly awakening from its slumber. The beaches are still empty and most of the tavernas are still closed. But this is gradually changing. When do the accommodations and tavernas on Gavdos reopen and what is it like to travel to Gavdos in spring? Find out in this article!
🌿 What’s Inside:
#1: Spring on Gavdos: Climate, nature and atmosphere
The new season begins on Gavdos around the Orthodox Easter holidays. The first tavernas open, accommodation welcomes guests again and the island shows its colorful side: lush greenery, blooming meadows, birdsong and mild temperatures make spring the ideal season for nature lovers. The sun is already shining brightly, but not yet scorching hot like in summer. Hiking tours, walks or simply enjoying the peace and quiet - all this is now possible on Gavdos, without the crowds or hectic pace. The water is still quite fresh, but still inviting for a swim! If you want to camp, you will find the most beautiful places! But remember: it can get cold at night and the humidity often rises sharply. So be prepared.
#2: Start of the season on Gavdos: What opens now?!
As is typical for Gavdos, the start of the season is very slow. Things are still much quieter than on the neighboring Cretan island, which is already noticeably full of tourists at the end of April. The first tavernas, such as Livykon in Agios Ioannis or the Four Brothers in Sarakiniko, usually welcome their guests again from mid-April. Kiki's Cafe with its mini market and rooms in Sarakiniko also usually open a little earlier. This year, however, these establishments will only open their doors to guests until mid-May! The Princess Hotel in Kastri, which operates all year round, remains a reliable address for spring travelers. As a rule, the Metochi near Korfos also opens at the end of April/beginning of May. This year, however, it also opened about 2 weeks later.
Other tavernas, mini-markets and accommodation will then follow in the second half of May or early June at the latest.
Here you will find an overview of accommodation on Gavdos.
#3: Travelling to Gavdos in spring: What you should know!
The ferries already run very regularly from Chora Sfakion and Paleochora to Gavdos in spring. Anyone planning a trip can rely on a stable connection. But as always on Gavdos: Wind can cause the ferry to stop! You can find all the information on ferry times, prices and booking in my ferry article.
There are currently no buses on the island. They will start around late May. This means that if you don't have your own vehicle, you need to be flexible or hitchhike. The local car rental companies on the island are also not yet open. Even if not all businesses are open yet, the most important things for a relaxed stay are already available: Eating, drinking, sleeping - and plenty of rest.
#4: Tips for your stay in spring
Pack your hiking boots! Spring is the best time for hiking on Gavdos.
Pack your swimsuit: The water is fresh, but swimming is always a must on Gavdos, isn't it?
It doesn't hurt to ask: check with the accommodation beforehand to see if they are already open.
Check the weather: Even if it is mostly sunny, it can be colder in April and May, especially at night. Rain is rare but not impossible!
Consider infrastructure: No bus means: clarify transportation in advance or consciously opt for rest.
#5: Why a visit to Gavdos in spring is particulary worthwile!
Gavdos in spring is the island in its purest form: quiet, wide, natural. You experience the power of new beginnings, see the first tavernas open, walk along flowering paths and breathe in the peace and quiet that is quickly lost in summer. Spring is perhaps the most honest time to get to know Gavdos. And those who come now have the magic of the island almost to themselves.
Comentarios