GAVDOS
Gavdos, the island in the most southern part of Europe, 32 miles from Palaiochora, 22 miles from Hora Sfakion. It is a small island (30 sqkm) in a triangular shape, with maximum length of 10km and maximum width of 5km. The beaches Karave, Korfos, Lakkoudi, Tripiti, Mpo, Fetife, Sarakiniko, Agiannis, Lavrakas, Pyrgos, and Potamos are some of the unique beaches the pearl coast of Gavdos has to offer.
Kastri, Ksenaki, Vatsiana, Ampelos are some of its few traditional villages.
Gavdos is a unique jewel of south Europe, away of the noise of the civilized world, with rough beauty, crystal clear turquoise water, miraculous sunrises, marvelous sunsets, and cedars that reach till the sea. An island with numerous beauties that someone can discover by dedicating some time to the inland and to the more secluded beaches.
Its rich and rare flora and fauna has listed the island to the programme “Natura 2000”.
The beaches of Gavdos are truly unique and that is why Discovery Channel has ranked the beach of Agiannis as the 2nd best beach of the world. Even so, the beaches that cover the rest of the island are equally stunning and they worth a visit.
LOUTRO
Loutro, a small fishing village 71km south of Chania, at the end of cape Mouri.
There is the possibility to stay in the village, as there are many hotels, and use it as your base to dash out to the beaches around the area. A beach worthwhile visiting is Glyka Nera which is east of Loutro. Additionally you can hire a canoe and sail towards the nearby beaches of Timios Stavros and Perivolaki, 1km east of Loutro just before the beach Glyka Nera. Even the beach of Loutro or Keramos are two very good choices, especially when the south wind blows in the area. The beaches have thick pebbles, they are well organized and the sea is always calm with a deep blue and green colour. If you like to swim with a mask, it is very possible to see the frequent visitors of the beach, the sea turtles Careta-Careta.
Loutro is a traditional fishing village in the southwest of Crete, unaffected by the massive tourism, ideal for those who want something different.