Tripiti beach - Chania

The Tripiti beach, which is situated at Aliki, 7km south of Karave harbour, holds the distinction of being the southernmost point of both Gavdos and Europe. The eastern side of the beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, while the area near Tripiti’s cape consists of larger stones and pebbles.

This southernmost European beach is renowned for its three arches, or Kamarelles, formed at the island’s eastern corner. These “holes,” from which Tripiti derives its name, are a notable feature of the beach’s landscape. A monumental chair, installed by Russian residents of the island, towers over the Kamarelles. Climbing this chair provides a breathtaking view of the South Cretan Sea.

Tripiti’s formation is at the mouth of a dried river and adjacent to the beach is a salt pan, or aliki in Greek, which evaporates in the summer. This salt pan serves as a stopover for numerous birds migrating from Europe to Africa during early spring.

As for reaching this beautiful beach, unless you own a boat, the only way to access Tripiti is by foot via a trail starting from Korfos. The 3.5km journey passes through pine forests and offers stunning sea views at almost every turn. Along the way, you’ll encounter some abandoned stone farmhouses in the Alyki settlement, where another trail to Vatsiana begins. On your return trip, consider visiting the settlement of Vatsiana, home to a handful of residents and a place where you can savour the local cuisine.