Gavdos
It is a pin any wild traveler worth its salt must add to his map: it is the most southern part of Europe
It is the perfect place to contemplate on the futility of human existence – it has so many stars it’s scary.
It is the perfect place to contemplate on the stupidity of human existence – it’s beautiful cedar forest is rapidly reduced as campers cut trees, shrubs and branches to built camp fires and create shady niches for their tents.
It has one of the best beaches on the planet, according to the Lonely Planet TV series, a fact that has led to the aforementioned deforestation.
It has the magic power to affect world politics: Every time this Wild Traveler goes there, there is either a coup, an invasion or a revolution starting somewhere in the world that catches political scientists off guard and makes PhD students happy they can observe history in the making.
It has the magic power to affect one’s body: walking in sand all day, sleeping on sand all night and being covered in salt and sand day and night, tend to lift everything that needs to be lifted, straighten everything that needs to be straightened and soften everything that needs to be buffed. With the added bonus of natural blond highlights being naturally created on all body hair.
Yes, Gavdos is one of the Wild Traveler’s favourite places
Stumbled here and must agree with your observations on Gavdos. We visited there for a 4 day rejuvenation trip this past May with some friends. Living in Chania for the last year +, we are already accustomed to Crete’s natural beauty. But nothing could have prepared us for the true paradise that was Gavdos – as we called it, paradise away from paradise. Here’s to hoping it can stay that way, and that all visitors can leave it as pristine as they find it.
We wrote about it here (not sure if you’ll accept the URL but here it goes):
http://www.thekristydave.com/2008/05/crackatoha-the-return/
Enjoying your blog – Good work!
Just got back to Manchester after being on Gavdos for what now I realise was not long enough! It’s a place that “sorts you out”. I went with a mate who had been there 2 years ago and was similarly affected by the vibe and stunning visuals of the place. We walked (midday – only dogs and Englishmen!) from where we had camped and came through the shrubbery to the beach Ag Ionosi?, its simply breath taking and thats all that need to be said. I will be going again …but for longer.