Sarakiniko beach Gavdos

Karave beach is located 1.3 km away.

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.

Korfos beach is located 3.3 km away.

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.

Lavrakas beach is located 4.4 km away.

Lavrakas beach is situated around 2km west of Agios Ioannis beach, close to Gavdos island’s northern tip. The beach can be reached by a 20-30 minute walk from Agiannis, or by bus from Karave. Lavrakas boasts soft golden sand with scattered rocks and is completely unorganized. It is one of Gavdos’ most secluded beaches since it can only be accessed on foot.

The name Lavrakas is believed by many to be derived from the Greek term for a bass fish, “lavraki”. However, it is more likely that the name originated from the Minoan term “lavrys”, representing the symbol of their civilization, the double axe. This belief is bolstered by the discovery of 20 looted Minoan graves-caves in the northern area of the juniper wood, south of Lavrakas. These caves have been connected to the mythological cave of Calypso, with many asserting that Gavdos is the island where Ulysses was stranded and resided for seven years as per Homer’s Odyssey. Further south of Lavrakas, near Saint Nicholas’ church and within the dried Kedres torrent, remnants of ancient structures have been discovered.

Moving eastwards from Lavrakas, between Lavrakas and Pirgos, lies the small, stony beach of Stavrolimni. It can be accessed from either direction, featuring sand and a few rocks, and is formed at the exit of a stream that originates from the Agios Nikolaos chapel, carrying clay. In April and May, when the clay is still damp, the beach is perfect for a natural spa. It is bordered by a grove of pine and cedar trees.

Pirgos beach is located 4.8 km away.

The Tower, or Pirgos, is positioned along the northwestern shoreline of Gavdos, a mere 6km northwest from the Karave port. Two neighboring beaches of emerald sand split by a smattering of rocks are the highlights of Pirgos bay. These secluded and unspoiled spots are often chosen by outdoor campers, given their significant distance from any tourist facilities. The beach is shielded by towering cliffs and lacks any natural tree shade.

The only routes to Pirgos are by foot or boat. A trek from the village of Ambelos will last approximately 2-2.5 hours, while the descent to the beach via the steep path from the bay’s northern tip requires careful attention. One guarantee is the lasting impression left by your first encounter with Pirgos’ sparkling sea and untamed surroundings. Don’t forget to pack essentials like water and food for your visit.