Profitis Ilias

In the south-west, 4km from Kastri village and at an altitude of 220m in Gavdos island, Chania Prefecture, lies the southernmost settlement of Europe, Vatsiana.

The few inhabitants are, perhaps, the most hospitable on earth. Isolation, lack of human contact has turned hospitality into the most priced virtue.

Cape Tripiti

Literally, it is the southernmost tip of Europe. To get there, turn right at the junction outside Kastri village and 4 km further down the road you reach Vatsiana.Gavdos, although a small island, does take time to explore if you have no suitable transport (e.g. mountain bike). We have not exhausted the description of the island; we have commented only on those places we visited ourselves, still there is a lot to see. Rooms to rent: Camping

If you like being among people, watching them come and go, then you will probably choose to stay at the port of Gavdos or at Karave. Fortunately, there are eleven rooms available to choose from and two tavernas. In addition, on the way to Sarakiniko there are eight more rooms. On the beaches of Korfos and Sarakiniko there are more rooms available five and twenty-five respectively. This accommodation is right on the beach so you can dive in the sea as soon as you get up from bed early in the morning.Naturally, most visitors to Gavdos choose to pitch own tents on remote, isolated beaches. I am sure you can find your ideal spot. However, make sure that you do not leave any garbage, or flammable material behind, since there is no fire-department in Gavdos.


 

Located in the centre of Gavdos island, Chania Prefecture, approximately 5km from Karave and an altitude of 190m, lies Kastri, the capital of Gavdos. The community clinic and community office are under one roof, while the police station and public school are two dilapidated buildings forsaken by the residents long ago.

The need to preserve law and order, and provide education has weathered away with the thinning of population. The stone-built country houses are abandoned and gradually disintegrating. However, there are two bars where you can quench your thirst with a cool beer, soft drinks, or have coffee, canned food, or buy…soap for your laundry.

Walking distances (See hiking routes and image galleries from Gavdos):Karave to Korfos = 60 minKarave to Sarakiniko = 30 minKarave to Kastri village = 45 - 60 minKorfos to Tripiti = 60 - 120 minKorfos to Vatsiana village = 60 minKorfos to Kastri village = 60 minSarakiniko to Agios Ioannis Beach = 60 minSarakiniko to Lavrakas = 90 min Kastri to Ambelos village = 90 min Kastri village to Vatsiana village = 90 min Ambelos village to Potamos = 90 - 120 min Ambelos village to Pirgos = 120 - 150 min