Sarakiniko Beach(Sarakiniko)

Located on the Gavdos Island in Greece, the southernmost island of Europe, Sarakiniko Beach - also known as Paralia Sarakiniko - is a long and wide golden sand pebbly beach.  The beach is positioned north of the Karave Port and has a beautiful backdrop of sand dunes, pine trees, tamarisk trees, and several oceanfront buildings, including restaurants, taverns, and a few hotels, creating a picturesque setting along the Libyan Sea.

Sarakiniko Beach does not have lifeguards but offers several other amenities, including restrooms, shaded areas, a boat rental facility, beach chairs, benches, palapas, several restaurants, a tavern, a beach bar, and nearby hotels.

Sarakiniko Beach offers many fun activities, including swimming, sunbathing, boating, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, watching wildlife, picnicking, walking, camping, and photography. If you are planning to go into the water, it is a naturally sheltered bay, making it a safe swimming area.  The water near the beach is shallow, which is ideal for small boats.  Hikers can enjoy the nearby hiking trails, which offer unique insights into the local biodiversity.  If you enjoy fishing, anglers may catch a wide variety of fish.  The clear waters around the beach are ideal for snorkeling, allowing visitors to explore the rich marine life. In addition, it is a perfect spot for windsurfing due to its frequently windy weather.  Since no camping permit is required at the beach, numerous visitors pitch their tents amid the trees to enjoy the shade.  Sarakiniko Beach is often considered a nude beach – there is an unofficial clothing-optional area on the western end of the beach.  The beach is known for its golden sandy shore, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and picturesque views, making it a photographer's delight.  Visitors can enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it an all-year-round destination.  Dogs are not allowed on the beach, and the beach is open from sunrise until sunset.

Sarakiniko Beach offers an access path for people with disabilities.

There is no direct flight to Gavdos Island.  The majority of international flights operate to and from Heraklion International Airport (HER) and Chania International Airport (CHQ) on the nearby Crete Island, Greece.  

If you are traveling from the town of Chora Sfakion or Paleochora on Crete's southern coast, you have to take a ferry to Gavdos Island, which takes around two hours to reach the island. 

It is worth noting that the ferry may not run daily, so check the schedule in advance. The ferry arrives at Karave Port, Gavdos’ main port. From here, you can take a taxi or walk to your destination on the island.

Once you are on Gavdos Island, Sarakiniko Beach is about a 20-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can take a taxi near the ferry terminal, which is a popular way to explore the island.

Getting to Sarakiniko Beach is easy - the beach has several parking spots located at Sarakiniko, Gavdos 730 01, Greece, that provide easy access to the beach.

The beach's name "Sarakiniko" is believed to be derived from the Saracen pirates who used the beach as a hideout in the past.

There are many attractions near Sarakiniko Beach.  The Lighthouse of Gavdos is positioned on a cliff at the southwestern tip of the island of Gavdos, built in 1880 by the French to guide ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Libyan Sea.  It has a small museum that showcases exhibits about the history of the lighthouse and Gavdos Island.  In addition, there is a cafe where visitors can enjoy a drink or a light meal while enjoying incredible views of the vast Libyan Sea and the island.  Kastri is a small coastal village located near the center of Gavdos Island that serves as the administrative and cultural hub of Gavdos, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of this remote Greek island.  Village is known for its traditional stone houses with wooden shutters, reflecting the local Cretan architectural style, a church, small tavernas, and a few cafes where visitors can enjoy authentic Cretan cuisine.  Trypiti Cape is marked by a distinctive rock formation known as the "Trypiti Chair," a natural arch that is considered the southernmost point of Europe located on the Gavdos Island in the Libyan Sea.  It is the last frontier of the European continent before the vast expanse of the Mediterranean extends towards Africa.  Visitors often take photos here to mark their visit to this geographically significant place.  

Alepousa Cave is a natural sea cave known for its striking geological formations, sculpted over centuries by the erosive forces of the sea.  The cave has dramatic stalactites, deep waters, and a natural archway that allows sunlight to flood the cave, enhancing the blue reflections and making it a popular spot for photography.  Visitors can enjoy many fun activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving.  If you are looking for another nearby attraction, Karave Port is the main port on the northeastern coast of Gavdos Island.  It serves as the primary gateway for travelers arriving on the island and has several amenities, including a small cafe, a tavern, and a boat rental service.

If you get hungry, there are many great restaurants on Sarakiniko Beach.  The 4 Brothers small restaurant is positioned right on the beach and serves amazing salads, seafood, meat, and poultry dishes.  Ōgygía is another beachfront restaurant that serves salads, pasta, meat, seafood, and poultry dishes.  Turtle serves incredible salads, seafood, and meat dishes.  Akrogiali Restaurant serves amazing seafood. If you are looking for another good and affordable restaurant nearby, Theofilos Livykon serves incredible salads, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, seafood, and poultry dishes.

If you are looking for Sarakiniko Beach hotels, there are many great options nearby.  If you are looking for an upscale hotel, the 4-Star Princess Hotel & Restaurant is nine minutes away by car and offers a few amenities, including free WiFi and a restaurant.  A more affordable hotel is the 3-Star Exoristoi Nature Suites, which has a few amenities, including an outdoor seating area and a cafe.  Another moderately priced option is the 3-Star Consolas Gavdos Studios, which has several amenities, including a terrace and a kitchenette in all rooms.  A more reasonably priced option is the 3-Star Metochi Gavdos, which offers several amenities, including a terrace with sea views and a tavern.   If you are looking for another affordable hotel, Akrogiali Gavdos offers a few amenities, including a restaurant.