Gavdos island is the southest point of Europe. It is south from the Prefecture of Chania.
There has been evidence found on Gavdos of occupation from Neolithic times and strong indication of a Roman community dependant on Gortyn. The population is thought to have been as high as 8,000 during the Middle Ages with Gavdos being the seat of a bishop. The population has drastically decreased over the years and there are now less then 100 permanent residents, mostly shepherds.

The tourist facilities on Gavdos are limited to a few rooms and tavernas around the island. There are no buses and only one or two taxis but rides maybe found with the three-wheeled vehicles that meet the ferry boats. About 4km from Karave harbour, in the main town of Kastri, there is a post office, telephone and a few coffee shops, tavernas, and rooms to rent. In the summer there is also a doctor.

One of the best beaches is Sarakiniko, a 2km walk north of the harbour on a dirt track. Here, on this sandy cove, there are rooms to rent and several tavernas. There are paths from the other two communities, Ambellos in the north and Vatsiana in the south, to lovely sandy beaches. Here there are also some basic rooms to rent and tavernas.

The temperature may reach over 40 degrees Celsius in the summer and there is little protection from the sun on this barren island, so hikers should always have water and a hat with them.