Gavdos

Gavdos Γαύδος
Gavdos island satellite image.
Gavdos
Location within the region
Coordinates: 34°50′N 24°05′E / 34.833°N 24.083°E / 34.833; 24.083Coordinates: 34°50′N 24°05′E / 34.833°N 24.083°E / 34.833; 24.083
Country	Greece
Administrative region	Crete
Regional unit	Chania
Area
• Municipality	32.4 km2 (12.5 sq mi)
Highest elevation	345 m (1,132 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population (2011)
• Municipality	152
• Municipality density	4.7/km2 (12/sq mi)
Time zone	EET (UTC+2)
• Summer (DST)	EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code	730 01
Area code(s)	28230
Vehicle registration	ΧΝ

Gavdos (Greek: Γαύδος, [ˈɣavðos]) is the southernmost 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. It forms a community with surrounding islets and was part of the former Selino Province. The island is situated at the southern tip of Greece, thus making it the southernmost point of the entire European continent.

Gavdos has been known by a wide variety of names. For example, it appears in the biblical account of Paul's journey to Rome in Acts 27 as "Clauda" (Κλαῦδα) or "Cauda" (Καῦδα). The island was also referred to as "Cauda" by Roman geographer Pomponius Mela, and as "Gaudos" by Pliny. Ptolemy called Gavdos "Claudos" (Κλαῦδος). The Venetians called it "Gotzo", perhaps in imitation of the Maltese island "Gozo". From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the island was known as "Gondzo". A Turkish name of Godzo was "Bougadoz".

The island is 26 nautical miles (48 km) south of Chora Sfakion. The area of the municipality, which includes the small island Gavdopoula, is 32.424 square kilometres (12.5 sq mi). The island is roughly triangular in shape. Its highest point is Mount Vardia, 345 metres (1,132 feet). The southeastern corner is a rocky peninsula with a natural arch carved by the elements, called Trypiti. A sculpture of an oversized chair sits on top of Trypiti.