Editing Gavdos

{{Short description|Island in Greece}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
|name = Gavdos
|name_local = Γαύδος
|type = municipality
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Gavdou.png
|periph = [[Crete]]
|periphunit         = [[Chania (regional unit)|Chania]]
|pop_municipality   = 142
|area_municipality  = 32.4
|population_as_of = 2021
|elevation_min = 0
|elevation_max = 345
|coordinates        = {{coord|34|50|N|24|05|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code = 730 01
|area_code = 28230
|licence = ΧΝ
|mayor = 
|website = 
|image_skyline      = Gavdos.jpg
|caption_skyline    = Satellite image of Gavdos
|party              = 
|since              = 
}}

'''Gavdos''' ({{langx|el|Γαύδος}} {{IPA|el|ˈɣavðos|}}) is the southernmost [[List of islands of Greece|Greek island]], located to the south of its much larger neighbour, [[Crete]], of which it is administratively a part, in the regional unit of [[Chania (regional unit)|Chania]]. It forms a community with surrounding islets and was part of the former [[Selino Province]]. 

==Name==
Gavdos has been known by a wide variety of names. For example, it appears in the biblical account of [[Paul the Apostle|Paul]]'s journey to Rome in [[Acts 27]] as "Clauda" ({{lang|grc|Κλαῦδα}}) or "Cauda" ({{lang|grc|Καῦδα}}). The island was also referred to as "Cauda" by Roman geographer [[Pomponius Mela]], and as "Gaudos" by [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]]. [[Ptolemy]] called Gavdos "Claudos" ({{lang|grc|Κλαῦδος}}).<ref>[http://bible.cc/acts/27-16.htm Acts 27:16], Biblos.com parallel bible</ref> The [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]]s called it "Gotzo", perhaps in imitation of the [[Malta|Maltese]] island "[[Gozo]]".<ref>[http://www.kreta2005.nl/uk/gavdos.html ''The island of Gavdos''], [http://www.kreta2005.nl/uk/index.html Crete Travel Guide]</ref> From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the island was known as "Gondzo". A [[Turkish language|Turkish]] name of Godzo was "Bougadoz".

[[File:Kap Tripiti.jpg|thumb|250px|left|{{center|Kap Trypiti, the most southern point of Europe. The sculpture of the oversized chair is visible.}}]]

==Geography==
The island is {{convert|26|nmi|km|0}} south of [[Chora Sfakion]]. The area of the municipality, which includes the small island [[Gavdopoula]], is {{convert|32.424|km2|1|abbr=out}}.<ref name=stat01>{{cite web |url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece |title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation) |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> The island is roughly triangular in shape. Its highest point is Mount Vardia, {{convert|345|m|0|abbr=off}}. The southeastern corner is a rocky peninsula with a [[natural arch]] carved by the elements, called Trypiti. A concrete sculpture of an oversized chair, built by a group of Russians who came to the island in the 1990s, sits on top of Trypiti.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20220611142838/https://www.theworldweekly.com/reader/view/15517/gavdos-the-island-of-the-immortals-  "Gavdos: The island of the immortals", ''The World Weekly'', 23 October 2014]}}. Retrieved 11 August 2021</ref>

==Environment==
There is an islet called [[Gavdopoula]] (Γαυδοπούλα, "little Gavdos") to the north west of Gavdos. Gavdos and Gavdopoula are covered with [[garrigue|phrygana]] (φρύγανα), low-lying shrubs. Both are important stops for [[bird migration|migrating]] birds.<ref>[http://www.gavdos-online.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=17 ''European populations of migratory birds''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711075804/http://www.gavdos-online.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=17 |date=2011-07-11 }}, ''Natural History Museum of Crete'' of the [[University of Crete]], Flora and Fauna on Gavdos, [http://www.gavdos-online.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 Gavdos Online Service] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310053956/http://www.gavdos-online.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 |date=2010-03-10 }}, March 1, 2008.</ref>  Local birds include the [[Eurasian scops-owl|Eurasian scops owl]] and the [[European shag]]. Both Gavdos and Gavdopoula have been designated by [[BirdLife International]] as an [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA).<ref name=bli>{{cite web |url=http://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/gavdos-and-gavdopoula-islands-crete-iba-greece|title= Gavdos and Gavdopoula islands, Crete|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2021|website= BirdLife Data Zone|publisher= BirdLife International|access-date= 27 February 2021}}</ref> Gavdos also has a variety of other vegetation, such as [[Maquis shrubland|maquis]] as well as forests of [[pine]]s and [[junipers]].<ref>[http://www.ornithologiki.gr/en/sppe/en181.php ''GR181 Gavdos and Gavdopoula islands''], Important Areas for the Birds of Greece, [[Hellenic Ornithological Society]], 2007</ref>

[[File:Gavdos, potamos beach from Ambellos path.jpg|thumb|250px|left|{{center|Potamos-beach on Gavdos with the island of Crete in the background.}}]]

==Climate==
Gavdos is the southernmost island in [[Greece]] and all of [[Europe]]. The island has a borderline [[hot semi-arid climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''BSh''). Summers are constantly hot, with daily temperatures reaching around {{convert|33|C|F}} in July and August. Extremes are occasional, sometimes reaching up to {{convert|40|C|F}}, and it has extremely mild winters by European standards. January, the coldest month, has an average temperature around {{convert|14|C|F}}. The [[Mediterranean Sea]] is an important thermal regulator that surrounds its island in all its directions, while maintaining the high temperature of the sea, especially in summer passing from {{convert|26|C|F}}. The mild climate is aided by hot winds blowing from the [[Sahara|Sahara Desert]]. As a result of the [[Subtropical High]] of the [[Azores]] precipitation is concentrated in winter, making summers dry with no precipitation days during July and August. It is one of the sunniest places in [[Europe]], with the highest amounts of [[radiation]]: between 1800 and 1900 kWh/m<sup>2</sup> (ideal for [[solar panel]]s), values closer to [[North Africa]] and the [[Middle East]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.touristmaker.com/greece/gavdos/|title=Gavdos, Greece|work=Tourist Maker|access-date=2018-08-29|language=en-US|archive-date=2023-03-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330015909/https://www.touristmaker.com/greece/gavdos/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hotspotenergy.com/DC-air-conditioner/europe-solar-hours.php|title=Solar Sun Hours {{!}} Average Daily Solar Insolation {{!}} Europe|website=www.hotspotenergy.com|access-date=2018-08-29}}</ref> It falls in plant hardiness zone 11a.

{{Weather box
| location = Gavdos 25 m a.s.l. (2016–2025)
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
|Jan high C=16.2
|Feb high C=16.1
|Mar high C=18.2
|Apr high C=20.1
|May high C=24.2
|Jun high C=29.3
|Jul high C=32.4
|Aug high C=32.7
|Sep high C=29.2
|Oct high C=25.2
|Nov high C=21.3
|Dec high C=17.9

|Jan mean C=13.9
|Feb mean C=13.9
|Mar mean C=15.6
|Apr mean C=17.2
|May mean C=21.0
|Jun mean C=25.5
|Jul mean C=28.5
|Aug mean C=28.9
|Sep mean C=26.1
|Oct mean C=22.5
|Nov mean C=19.2
|Dec mean C=15.6

|Jan low C= 11.7
|Feb low C= 11.6
|Mar low C= 12.9
|Apr low C=14.4
|May low C=17.7
|Jun low C=21.6
|Jul low C=24.5
|Aug low C=25.1
|Sep low C=23.0
|Oct low C=19.9
|Nov low C=17.0
|Dec low C= 13.2

|Jan record high C  = 20.2
|Feb record high C  = 19.8
|Mar record high C  = 23.9
|Apr record high C  = 27.2
|May record high C  = 36.3
|Jun record high C  = 41.5
|Jul record high C  = 43.2
|Aug record high C  = 39.8
|Sep record high C  = 34.9
|Oct record high C  = 32.3
|Nov record high C  = 27.1
|Dec record high C  = 22.1
|Jan record low C   = 3.9
|Feb record low C   = 7.3
|Mar record low C   = 7.7
|Apr record low C   = 8.7
|May record low C   = 13.1
|Jun record low C   = 16.6
|Jul record low C   = 21.6
|Aug record low C   = 21.7
|Sep record low C   = 19.2
|Oct record low C   = 14.7
|Nov record low C   = 10.0
|Dec record low C   = 6.4

|rain color=green
|Jan rain mm=71.1
|Feb rain mm=39.5
|Mar rain mm=42.0
|Apr rain mm=12.3
|May rain mm=12.2
|Jun rain mm=8.8
|Jul rain mm= 0.0
|Aug rain mm= 0.03
|Sep rain mm=22.2
|Oct rain mm=48.6
|Nov rain mm=48.2
|Dec rain mm=86.7

|source 1= Gavdos Municipality Davis station (Sep 2016{{snd}}Feb 2025)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://cretaweather.gr/gavdos/ | title=Gavdos Creta Weather Davis station | publisher=Creta Weather | accessdate=10 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://cretaweather.gr/station/gavdos/ | title=Gavdos Municipality | accessdate=14 March 2025}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
There are only a small number of year-round residents of Gavdos and services for tourists are basic. {{As of|2021}}, the resident population of Gavdos was 142.<ref name=census21/> In the summer the total people on the island can reach over 3,500, most of whom are campers and tourists. The largest man-made harbour is at Karave. The island's capital is Kastri. The southernmost populated village is [[Vatsiana]], with a total permanent population of 31 people. Fokia (with Korfos beach area), Ampelos and the area around Sarakiniko beach are the other main populated places.

==History==
[[File:Southernmost point of europe.jpg|thumb|250px|The wooden chair on Gavdos (Cape Tripiti) that symbolizes the southernmost point of Europe.]]
Gavdos has supported a permanent population since [[Neolithic]] times and the [[Bronze Age]].<ref>{{cite journal |last=Kopaka |first=Katérina |year=2015 |title=The Gavdos project. An island culture on the Cretan and Aegean fringe. |journal=The European Archaeologist |volume=46 |pages=62–67}}</ref>

Gavdos has been identified as a possible site of the mythical [[Ogygia]] where [[Calypso (mythology)|Kalypso]] held [[Odysseus]] prisoner. Archaeological evidence showed that the [[Roman Empire]] was active on the island. During that time the [[flora (plants)|flora]] of the island was [[overexploited]] and that started a process of [[erosion]] which has continued to this day.

Gavdos, under the name of Cauda, was briefly referenced in the Bible's New Testament in the book of Acts. In chapter 27 whilst Paul is a prisoner being transported to Rome by ship they encounter a storm, in verse 16 it reads "As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat secure...". (NIV Version) They eventually shipwrecked in Malta.

Gavdos had approximately 8,000 inhabitants by 900 AD. During the [[Ottoman Empire]]'s reign on the island, which lasted from 1665 until 1895, Gavdos was known as Gondzo. During this period the population decreased considerably to only 500 by 1882. A reference to [[Saracens]] on the island survives: the [[beach]] Sarakiniko ("''of the Saracens''").

In the 1930s the island was used as a place of exile of [[communist]]s; more than 250 people were [[exile]]d including leading figures of the Greek movement, such as [[Markos Vafiadis]] and [[Aris Velouchiotis]]. During World War II, Allied forces evacuated some forces to Gavdos following the German victory in the [[battle of Crete]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Nazis Pound Crete Allies | date=June 1, 1941 | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/411267591.html?dids=411267591:411267591&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Jun+01%2C+1941&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Nazis+Pound+Crete+Allies&pqatl=google | work=Los Angeles Times | access-date=2007-09-27 | archive-date=2009-05-11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511021447/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/411267591.html?dids=411267591:411267591&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Jun+01%2C+1941&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Nazis+Pound+Crete+Allies&pqatl=google | url-status=dead }}</ref> Gavdos was then occupied by the [[Axis powers]] from June 1941 until liberation in October 1944.

Later on, the general phase of [[urbanization]] that started in other parts of Greece in the 1960s took place in the 1950s on Gavdos. During that period the islanders exchanged their land on Gavdos with ex-Turkish land on Crete, which had now become exchangeable via the state.{{citation needed|date=March 2013}} Upon settling in Crete they created a community known as Gavdiotika, which is part of the town of [[Paleochora]].

==Economy==
There are many abandoned terraces on Gavdos where farmers used to grow crops on the hillsides. There still is some agriculture on Gavdos. During the summer, the population of the island swells to a few thousand because of tourists, although there are few facilities for tourists. There is one year-round cafe in Karave, run by Evangelina Tsigonakis.<ref name=Pickford/> There is a modern non-functioning reproduction lighthouse tower on Gavdos which now serves as a cafe during the summer season; the complex also contains a museum on the history of the original lighthouse with several rooms of photos and antique equipment. Gavdos has an [[FM radio]] station, ''Gavdos FM 88.8'', which is also available online.<ref>[http://www.gavdosfm.gr/ Gavdosfm homepage]</ref>
[[File:Σαρακηνικο.jpg|thumb|250px|A beach on the northern part of the island]]

==Transport==
[[ferry|Ferries]] connect the port of Karave with those of [[Paleochora]], [[Sougia]], [[Agia Roumeli]], [[Loutro, Chania|Loutro]] and [[Hora Sfakion|Hóra Sfakíon]]. There is a heliport in the northern part of the island. Bus services connect the island's main locations. The island's road network is a mixture of paved, unsurfaced and dirt roads.

==Politics==
Following years of isolation, in 1996 the island came to [[Mass media|media]] prominence. In a [[NATO]] exercise Gavdos was the focal point of a confrontation between Greece and [[Turkey]]. Following that, [[Prime Minister of Greece|Prime Minister]] [[Costas Simitis]] visited Gavdos and announced a five-year, [[euro|€]]1.5 million plan for the island's development.

In 2001, [[Costis Stephanopoulos]], the Greek President, inaugurated a [[telemedicine]] centre on Gavdos, an island which has not had a full-time [[Physician|doctor]] in recent memory. This effort, however, was marred as the island's [[infrastructure]] could not provide the necessary [[Electrical power|power]] required by the centre. For the purposes of the inauguration, [[Electricity generation|generators]] were brought in, which were then removed. However, according to a 2008 [[BBC News]] report the island now features stable electrical power, and young medical graduates can serve for six months on Gavdos in lieu of [[Conscription in Greece|compulsory military service]]. But visitors to Gavdos in June 2008 found that the power station was not functioning and that businesses were relying on gas generators operated for a few hours per night; locals stated that the power station worked initially, but no longer serves the entire island reliably.<ref name=Pickford/>

In 2002, the island was in the news again, due to the arrests of members of the extremist [[Marxist]] group [[Revolutionary Organization 17 November|17 November]]. The leader of this organization had been living openly for several years on Gavdos as a [[beekeeper]].<ref name=Pickford>[http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7205519.stm ''The Med's 'forgotten' island: It is hard to imagine a more spectacular edge of a continent''], John Pickford, [[BBC News]], January 24, 2008.</ref>

For the first time, a military outpost was established on the Island of Gavdos by the Greek defence ministry on 30 November 2020. The ministry announced plans of doing the same at the Othonoi island, the westernmost point of the country, following the establishment at the southernmost point of Greece. A total of 9 soldiers were deployed at the outpost in Gavdos at the Cape Tripiti. The decision followed the announcement made by the ministry of expanding Greek territorial waters to 12 nautical miles in the Ionian Sea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2020/11/30/greece-establishes-military-outposts-at-the-most-remote-edges-of-its-territory/|title=Greece Establishes Military Outposts at the Most Remote Edges of its Territory|access-date=30 November 2020|website=Greek Reporter}}</ref>

==Gavdos in literature==
[[File:Gavdos, Tripiti coast.jpg|thumb|250px|Rocky coast of the southern part of Gavdos]]
Gavdos is featured in [[James Aldridge]]'s 1944 novel ''The Sea Eagle'', which tells the story of the escape of a Greek partisan and two Australian soldiers after the [[Battle of Crete]]. The three join an expedition to liberate some Cretan fishermen from a [[Metaxas Regime|Metaxas-era]] prison on the eastern end of the island. The attack on the cliffs of Khavro Spahti Bay is described in Chapters 24–28.

==See also==
*[[List of communities of Chania]]
*[[List of islands of Greece]]
*[[Levantine Sea#Geography|Geography of the Levantine Sea]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.gavdosisland.gr/ Gavdos portal – travel guide]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070329050218/http://www.unterwasserwelt-history.de/html/insel_gavdos.html Gavdos harbour-Story] {{in lang|de}}
*[http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7205519.stm The Med's 'forgotten' island (BBC)] {{in lang|en}}

{{commons}}
{{Cretan islands}}
{{Kallikratis-Crete}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Municipalities of Crete]]
[[Category:Populated places in Chania (regional unit)]]
[[Category:Gavdos| ]]
[[Category:Islands of Greece]]
[[Category:Islands of Crete]]
[[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]]
[[Category:Mediterranean islands]]
[[Category:Extreme points of Earth]]
[[Category:Landforms of Chania (regional unit)]]
[[Category:New Testament places]]
[[Category:Important Bird Areas of Crete]]