ECOTOURISM
The whole island belongs to the NATURA 2000 network and is protected by Greek and European legislation. For those who love contact with nature, Gavdos is an ideal destination as they will be impressed by the unique habitats with the coastal dunes and the endemic Juniperus species. Specifically, you will meet this unique landscape in Sarakiniko, Lavraka and the beach of Ai Giannis.
The island is also a station for migratory birds traveling from Africa to Europe. At the same time, on the beaches of the island you can see the endangered species of loggerhead sea turtle and seals.
HIKING TOURISM
The wild and unique beauty of the island makes it an ideal destination for those who love hiking. Experience walking on paths covered by large areas of cedar, almost all of which end at a beach. So follow one of the following hiking trails.
1) Vatsiana – Korfos: Path with a total distance of 1850 meters with a downhill call between the pines and with a magnificent view of the Libyan Sea. During the route you will encounter several terraces, a threshing floor, a spring and the beautiful metochi of Ai Giorgis Korfiatis.
2) Korfos – Tripiti: A 4 km route that crosses pines and cedars, connecting the two famous beaches of Gavdos.
3) Vatsiana – Tripiti: a 3 km path that starts from Vatsiana, passes through the metochi of Paterides and ends in Tripiti.
4) Kastri – Ampelos: 3100 meters route that connects the two settlements of Kastri and Ampelos. During the route you will find many pines and the ruined metochi of the Frangedians.
5) Ampelos – Bo – Potamos: a path with a total distance of 3.3 km that crosses part of the coastline of the island and connects the beaches of Ampelos and Potamos.
6) Ampelos – Ai Giorgis tou Kedre: a 2.8 km trail located in the interior of the island and used to serve the communication of Gavdiotes.
7) Kastri – Agios Antonis – Agios Panteleimon: route 880 meters that starts from Kastri, passes through the small church of Agios Antonios hidden in the rock and ends at the church of Agios Panteleimon.
8) Kastri – Ai Stratigos: a path of 1320 meters that starts from Kastri, crosses the stream and ends at Ai Stratigos on the opposite side. The route is ideal for those who want natural shade, under the pines.
9) Sarakiniko – Siopata – Christos: route 2.3 km that ascends from the beach of Sarakiniko and ends at the archeological site.
10) Hamourio – Ai Giorgis of Kedre – Pyrgos: a 2.8 km path that crosses the church of Ai Giorgis and the springs while it ends at the beach of Pyrgos, where you can see the sand dunes with cedars.
11) Ai Gianni – Lavrakas beach: a path of 870 meters that is unique due to its natural beauty, since it crosses the sand dunes with cedars. Those who choose to follow this path must be quite careful as the area is protected.
12) Sarakiniko – Anemomylos – Kastri: a route of 3 km where you will encounter decayed soils, old arable land and thyme.
13) Panagia – Sgoudiana – Korfos: deserted path of 3 km between the pines.
HISTORICAL TOURISM
Many archaeological finds have been found on the island that prove the human presence several millennia ago.
Ruins of prehistoric times have been found in the area of Agios Georgios – Korfos. An ancient complex with a wine press was unveiled in Agios Pavlos. Ruins of the Neolithic Age have seen the light in the area of Kavos.
It is worth visiting the area of Kefali, which is a fortification wall of Venetian rule.
To the south of Sarakiniko bay you will see many buildings of Roman rule but also buildings from the beginning of the last century. Remarkable is the Roman building with a large height that survives.
In Siopata, prehistoric tools have been found, while on the hill of Agios Ioannis were found building remains and a carved tank.
MUSEUM
Folklore Museum: in the village of Vatsiana is the Folklore Museum which was created by priest Manolis Bikogiannakis, who was also an author. In the museum you will see many kinds of folk art, such as bakeries, textiles, ornate armor, and everyday utensils such as clay plates, basins and tools of past years.
SIGHTS
Faros/Lighthouse: near Ampelos, on a hill is the old lighthouse. It was built in 1880 and is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Much of the lighthouse was destroyed by bombing in World War II. The lighthouse was reconstructed and is now one of the most important attractions of the island and inside there is now a photo museum, cafe and the view of the sunset will be unforgettable.
Karekla: in the southernmost point of the island and at the same time of Europe, in the area of Tripiti, there is a chair (greek-karekla) that overlooks the Libyan Sea. The chair was installed by Russians who arrived in Gavdos after the Chernobyl explosion in 1986, following medical advice to breathe in a clean environment. So the Russians became permanent residents of the island, took a chair and placed it on the rock of Tripiti where they often went, and sat to enjoy the view and to fill their lungs with fresh sea air. Thus the chair became a symbol of the island as it is not only the southernmost point of Europe but also reminds the great destruction of Chernobyl.
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