The most popular and photographed landmark on the island is likely found on the beach of Tripiti. The famous "chair" is the creation of a group of Soviet scientists who settled on Gavdos after being exposed to radiation and, upon their doctors' recommendation, sought to relocate to a pure and clean environment. They constructed an oversized wooden chair, which they placed on the southernmost tip of the island on a rock just above the beach of Trypiti. The chair faces north and, as a work of art, invites modern individuals to pause their fast-paced lives and gaze towards Europe.
The Cape of Tripiti is situated on the southwest side of the homonymous beach and forms three large arches above the sea, from which its name is derived. A downhill path leads to the point, starting from the Vatsiana settlement and concluding here after a 4 km and relatively easy one-hour hike. Alternatively, you can reach this spot by boat. The trail is captivating, meandering through a beautiful pine forest, passing by an abandoned settlement, and ending at a natural salt pan just before the beach, which fills with water in winter and dries up in the summer.
The beach has pebbles, which vary in size from fine to coarse in some areas. The crowd is usually sparse, even during the peak tourist months, and you'll mainly encounter passersby who stop here to capture photos on the famous chair. As the southernmost beach in Europe, it is exposed to the Libyan Sea and often experiences unpredictable waves. With a bit of luck, however, you can enjoy the azure waters and relax under the 2-3 tamarisk trees lining the shore. For many different reasons, visiting and taking a dip in Trypiti is an unforgettable experience that is worth living.
