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Situated 21 nautical miles south of Sfakia, the unspoiled paradise of Gavdos Island stands as one of Europe’s final untouched sanctuaries, boasting stunning beaches and striking untamed landscapes. The island’s primary harbor, Karave, is nestled on the eastern coastline. Adjacent to the harbor is the pebbled Karave bay, extending southwards to Korfos bay via Agii Pateres beach. Despite its lack of organization, it remains the lone option for those desiring a swim near the port while awaiting the ferry’s arrival. The bay’s waters are notably clear and deep, although Karave’s swimming experience may not compare favorably with the other beaches on Gavdos.
Nearby the beach, you’ll find a handful of houses, a café, a tavern, and some available accommodations. There’s also a bus service operating from Karave, providing access to the island’s other settlements and beaches.
Historically notable, pottery from the Late Neolithic era, believed to originate from a tomb, was discovered south of Karave. The tomb itself, however, has not been located and is presumed to have been destroyed.
Get directions to Karave beach
There are various activities you can do at Karave beach such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and beach soccer. You can also rent a boat or a kayak to explore the nearby islands.
Yes, Karave beach is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, making it safe for children to swim. There is also a playground nearby for children to play.
Yes, there are several restaurants and cafes near Karave beach. You can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine or grab a quick snack while enjoying the beautiful view of the sea.
Yes, you can go snorkeling at Karave beach. The water is clear and there are many fish and other marine life to see.
Yes, there is a parking area near Karave beach. However, it can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.
The water colour of the Karave beach is deep blue.
The Karave beach has fine pebbles.
The water at the Karave beach is deep.
The surface of the sea at the Karave beach is usually calm.
The Karave beach is usually quiet.
The Karave beach has accommodation options and food/water nearby.
The Karave beach can be accessed via a paved road or by boat.
The Karave beach is ideal for snorkeling and spearfishing. There is also tree shade available.
Find below list of things to do near Karave beach:
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Find below the list of hotels near Karave beach:
Situated in Sgoudiana of Gavdos island, Metochi Gavdos features a tavern and views of the sea. Free WiFi is provided .
All rooms open to a terrace with views. Every unit comes with a private bathroom with a bath or shower. The windows are fitted with insect mesh. Towels and bed linen are available. Fans are available to guests.
Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, with packed lunches available on request.
The area is popular for hiking. Transfer from/to the port can be provided at an extra charge. There is a bus service from/to our accommodation.
Remotely located in Gavdos Island, Gavdos Princess offers a restaurant and self-catering accommodation. Free WiFi access is available in public areas.
Opening to a terrace with Libyan Sea, mountain and garden views, all air-conditioned apartments at Gavdos Princess feature a kitchenette with cooking hobs and dining table. A seating area, a TV, and a bathroom with a shower come standard.
The closest beach, as well as restaurants and mini markets can be found at a distance of 3 km. Shuttle service can be arranged free of charge. Free private parking is possible on site.
Offering city views, Villa Kastri in Gavdos offers accommodation and a garden. Free WiFi is availablethroughout the property.
Offering a terrace or balcony with views of the sea and mountain, the units feature air conditioning, a seating area, cable flat-screen TV and kitchenette. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
The apartment offers a picnic area.
If you would like to discover the area, hiking and walking tours are possible in the surroundings and Villa Kastri can arrange a car rental service.
The nearest airport is Chania International, 122 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a free airport shuttle service.
from
€81
/night
Find below list of beaches near Karave beach:
Sarakiniko beach on Gavdos is situated just 1.5 km north of Gavdos port, Karave. The majority of visitors opt to take a bus from Karave, although it’s also a 30-minute walk. It was named after the Saracen pirates who once used the island as their attack base. Sarakiniko, along with numerous other Gavdos beaches, ranks among Greece’s finest beaches, so much so that it’s difficult to adequately describe its beauty. The beach lies within a large cove that faces north.
This picturesque sandy beach is enveloped by a wild landscape of dunes and junipers, and its crystal-clear, shallow waters are truly mesmerizing. Despite being somewhat remote, some basic facilities are available including accommodation, car rentals, taverns, and a mini-market. It’s a popular spot for campers.
Gavdos has a history as a place of exile. In fact, close to the beach, one can still see the building where Aris Velouchiotis, the founder of the Greek People’s Liberation Army (ELAS – 1942), resided while in exile. This building is marked by Greek and European flags and a sign honoring the exiled communists.
Historical artifacts have been discovered east of the beach on Kavos Hill, including pottery sherds and stone tools dating back to prehistoric times. Additionally, remnants of two ancient Roman cottages and oil pressing systems have been found.
Located just 2km south of the sole port in Gavdos, Karave, you’ll find Korfos, also known as Bosom. A scenic footpath meanders along the coastline, connecting Karave to Korfos in about an hour’s walk. However, many tourists choose to take the bus that runs between Karave and Korfos. Nestled in a long bay, Korfos beach is a haven of beautiful sand and pebbles, with a smattering of rooms and taverns nearby. It’s an ideal spot for a tranquil family getaway, offering basic amenities within easy reach.
In close proximity to Korfos is the St. George chapel, complete with a nearby spring. Notably, artifacts from the Late Minoan era (1600-1100BC) have been discovered south of the beach, suggesting that Korfos has been a thriving settlement since ancient times.
Situated a kilometre south of Korfos beach and settlement on the island of Gavdos, lies the tranquil pebble beach of Lakoudi with its breathtaking seabed. The only way to reach this beach is either by foot from Korfos or by boat. The path to it is found by following the trail towards Tripiti beach and venturing through the dense pine forest. Along the way, you’ll find a small trail leading to Lakoudi beach, which runs beside a small stream at Limni.
Lakoudi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is well worth a visit. Its white pebbles give the sea water a vibrant azure and crystal clear appearance. The beach is home to some fascinating geological formations, including caves, sea fossils embedded in the rocks, and distinctively striped pebbles with incredible colours. Furthermore, after a swim at Lakoudi, you can visit the impressive sea caves of Plystres.
The western region of Gavdos Island is characterized by towering steep cliffs, offering enchanting views from the top. The precipitous landscape often leads to landslides, giving the entire area its name – Aspes, meaning landslides. At the foot of the Aspes cliffs, small beaches are formed, predominantly rocky, with accessibility only achievable by boat.
Among all the beaches on the western coasts, Diana beach distinguishes itself. This beach holds the record of being the second most southerly beach in Europe, only surpassed by Tripiti situated a few meters to the southeast. Diana beach is unique due to its less rocky terrain, small pebble composition, and a gigantic rock that provides shade throughout the day.
The beach was named Diana in honor of Princess Diana, who visited the location with Dodi Al-Fayed many years ago.
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