Gavdopoula

Island Uninhabited islet near Crete with seabird colonies

West of Gavdos, Gavdopoula is a small Cretan islet with steep shores and scrubland, protected for its seabird colonies. Day‑trip hikers and birdwatchers visit little‑used coves and simple footpaths from nearby Gavdos or Paleochora.

Main image

Gavdopoula is a small, uninhabited islet in the southern Aegean Sea, associated administratively with the region of Crete. It lies close to the larger island of Gavdos and consists of rocky shores and sparse vegetation.

The islet is primarily noted for its natural values - seabird nesting sites, coastal habitats and relative isolation - rather than built heritage or tourist infrastructure. There are no permanent settlements and visitor facilities are absent.

Because of its ecological sensitivity and lack of services, visits are typically limited, and the islet is of interest mainly to naturalists and researchers rather than general tourism.

Gavdopoula sits in the Libyan Sea to the south of Crete, near the small island of Gavdos, and is part of Greece’s network of southern Aegean islets.

  • Wildlife and access: Uninhabited islet valued for seabird colonies and coastal habitats; landing is uncommon and usually limited to scientific parties.
Gavdopoula
34.9299, 24.0017

How to Get to Gavdopoula #

Access by small boat from Gavdos or Paleochora on Crete; service is seasonal and depends on weather-arrange with local skippers.

Tips for Visiting Gavdopoula #

  • Boat trips from Gavdos or Paleochora are the usual way to reach Gavdopoula-confirm departure times and sea conditions.
  • Bring binoculars for seabird watching; Gavdopoula is a nesting site for species such as shearwaters.
  • There are no services-pack water, shade and a picnic if planning a landing.

Best Time to Visit Gavdopoula #

Best in late spring through early autumn for sea access and wildlife activity.

Late spring-early autumn
May-September · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Calm seas and warm weather for boat trips to the islet.

Weather & Climate near Gavdopoula #

Climate

Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 10°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (523 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°

Weather

112 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 15°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 16°

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 19°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 23°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
20° 27°

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
23° 28°

Weather

1 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
18° 24°

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
15° 20°

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° 17°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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