Gavdos Packing List 2025: What to bring to Europe's Southernmost Island
- David Neumeyer
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Gavdos is remote and completely dependent on ferry transport. All food, items, equipment, and goods are imported. Only the most important and necessary items are available for purchase on the island. Food is plentiful and of good quality. Other everyday items, especially camping equipment, can sometimes be purchased on Gavdos, but they come with a hefty price tag. A well-thought-out packing list will help you make your trip to Gavdos stress-free and uncomplicated, while also saving you money. The list contains items and objects that have proven particularly useful to me on Gavdos over the last few years. I would like to share these experiences with you. I only show you products that I use myself.
📦 Content
🎒 #1 Basics & Technique
🏕️ #2 Camping and outdoor equipment
🚫 #3 What you do NOT need to bring
#1: Basics & Technique
Big powerbank → To Anker Powerbank *
This large power bank is indispensable for me on Gavdos, especially as a camper.
Large capacity
Charges cell phones, cameras, and even laptops via USB-C
Suitable for carry-on luggage on planes
Nano Powerbank → To Nano Powerbank *
My little lifesaver on hikes. Just plug it directly into your cell phone, no cable needed.
Extremely compact, fits in any pocket
Charges a smartphone to approx. 75%
Perfect for day trips to beaches such as Tripiti or Potamos
Backpack → To Decathlon Backpack
My loyal companion for years.
Can be packed like a suitcase, extremely cleverly designed pockets
Fits as carry-on luggage on many airlines
Very robust and lightweight
Sunscreen
An absolute must! Gavdos gets a ton of sun. Buy it ahead of time—the same tube often costs over €10 there.
Travel first aid kit
Gavdos does not have a real pharmacy, only an island doctor and mini markets. In an emergency, you will be grateful for this.
Pain killers
Medicine for nausea/diarrhea
Plasters & disinfection
After sunset, it gets pitch black on Gavdos. Cell phone light is not enough.
Very bright, long-range, and dimmable
Weeks of battery life
Indispensable for tents or evening activities outdoors
#2: Camping & outdoor equipment
Tent→ To High Peak Nevada Tent*
My base on Gavdos for years – got me through entire winters
Suitable for 2 people
Quick to set up
Robust against wind (tested up to 9 Beaufort!) and heavy rain
Sleeping mat → To inflatable sleeping mat
Protects you from cold ground and ensures significantly better sleep
Tiny pack size (hand-sized)
Quickly inflated by mouth
Sleeping bag→ To lightweight sleeping bag
Keeps you warm and comfortable on cool island nights
Various temperature settings available
Ultra-lightweight and easy to pack
Gas cooker and gas cartridges → To Camping stove
For your own little beach kitchen or just your morning coffee
Safe and easy to use
Suitable gas cartridges can be purchased directly on Gavdos.
Flip-flops and hiking boots
Both are a must for the complete island adventure
Flip-flops for a relaxed day
Hiking boots for exploring the island
*Marked links are affiliate links. If you order via these links, I receive a small commission from the respective platform. This allows you to support my work a little without having to pay more.
#3: What you do NOT need to bring
Even though Gavdos is remote, there are some things you definitely don't need to carry in your backpack. You can find plenty of the following items on the island.
Food
There are several mini markets with everything you need: bread, cheese, yogurt, olives, pasta, snacks, coffee, and even fresh fruit and vegetables. So you don't have to lug supplies from Crete with you—only special requests such as oat milk or protein bars should perhaps be purchased in advance. So you won't starve on Gavdos—promise.
Drinking water
The mini markets have stacks of six-packs of water piled up to the ceiling. In addition, since this year there has been a water kiosk at the harbor in Karave where you can refill your bottles for free. So you won't die of thirst either.
Gas cartridges
Are not allowed in planes! My recommendation: Get your gas cartridges.ä from Paleochora or Chora Sfakion and buy new ones in Gavdos after they're empty.
Large amounts of cash
A few years ago, things were different. Now you can pay by card almost everywhere, and it's very reliable. But make sure you bring some cash with you just in case.
Large quantities of care products
It depends on the individual, of course, but you can buy toothpaste, toilet paper, and sanitary pads or tampons on Gavdos.
