Forget luxurious beach beds and celebrity-filled beach bars, there are still numerous Greek island gems “off-the-beaten path” in the Aegean.
Here are the first three destinations, in the first of a three-part travelogue.
Gavdos: Europe’s southern-most tip
Gavdos, known as the ancient Clauda, is the southern-most tip of Greece and Europe. The island, due south of larger Crete, has less than 100 permanent residents. The population, of course, swells over the summer months, especially campers.
The little harbor is Karave, and the isle’s capital is Kastri, although there are another four very picturesque settlements on the island. Resembling more of the North African coast with its sand dunes, gold-sand beaches and cedar trees, the island is considered as a true “getaway” from both the “real world” and more tourist-laden destinations. The Discovery Channel, in fact, designated the Ai Yiannis beach as the second best in its relative list.
Εxtra Tip
Gavdos’ trademark is its old lighthouse, built in 1880 and rebuilt after WWII, when it was destroyed by occupying Wehrmacht forces.
Fourni: 120 kilometers of coastline in the central Aegean ‘triangle’
Located between the “triangle” of three island promontories, Cape Domenikos on Samos, Cape Fanari on Ikaria and Cape Tzouloufi on Patmos, is the complex of small islets known collectively as Fourni — the plural of Fournos, Greek for “oven”. This destination is ideal for aficionados of fine dining, a relaxed cosmopolitan atmosphere and the … coolest water temperatures in the Aegean.
The Fourni complex features countless remote beaches and coves for boaters, while its small settlements are as far removed from “tourist trap” as you can get…
Εxtra Tips
The locals are adroit fishermen, so plentiful (and reasonably priced) seafood is an extra treat for “foodies”. Besides the fish meals, try the excellent locally produced honey and its salty and tangy variety of the Grecian cheese “myzithra”.
Kastellorizo: The Aegean’s “Mediterraneo”
Kastellorizo, or Megisti, is the eastern-most point of Greece, located in the southwest Aegean and only a short boat-ride away from the Turkish coastal town of Kas.
While the isle has been known for centuries for its maritime shipping tradition, it gained international recognition in 1991 as the backdrop for the Oscar-winning motion picture “Mediterraneo”.
Forget sandy beaches and beach umbrellas, however, as the island is surrounded by deep and clear waters. There’s one settlement, the same-named town, which extends around the natural harbor amphitheatrically. Traditional island homes and neo-classical structures are on multi-color display, with the medieval fortress reigning above the settlement. Castello Rosso, in fact, lent its name to the entire island.
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The first song on David Gilmore’s personal album “On an Island” (2006) is entitled “Castellorizon”, written during the Pink Floyd bandmember’s visit to the island.
Gilmore was declared an honorary resident of the Municipality of Megisti in 2008.
Original text: Fenia Yiannouladi
