In Gavdos you can find Ancient pottery and other features dating back to the era prior to 3.000 B.C. as well as the Minoan era of 1425 B.C.

During internal wars conducted in Crete in the Hellinistic period, the island of Gavdos was used as a stronghold of pirates. The well-known pirate Barbarosa, used Gavdos as a hide out in 1539.

The ship transferring the apostle Saint Paul on his journey to Rome in order to stand trial, almost sank while navigating off the shore of Gavdos, so he had to spend a considerable amount of time on the island. Another group of 99 Church Fathers experienced the same situation.

Homer states Gavdos numerous times in his writtings. The island is also mentioned in relation to Calypso.

The island is filled with superb sand beaches such as the Sarkiniko, Corfos, Agios Ioannis, Potamos, Lavraka and the southern headland Tripiti which present a beautiful composition of arcades diving into the sea.