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Riot Police Deploy to Remote Gavdos Island for Historic Crackdown

Wednesday, 22 April 2026/Haniotika Nea/1 
Greek riot police (MAT) have been deployed to Gavdos, a small remote island south of Crete, to oversee the demolition of illegal huts and makeshift shelters. Residents report this is the first time riot police have ever been sent to the island. Gavdos is known as the southernmost point of Europe and attracts visitors seeking an off-grid, back-to-nature experience, with a community of long-term informal residents. The demolitions suggest Greek authorities are enforcing building regulations more strictly in protected or coastal areas. Tourists planning to visit Gavdos, accessible by ferry from Paleochora or Sfakia, should be aware that informal accommodation options on the island may be reduced. Visitors are advised to arrange accommodation in advance and check ferry schedules, as services to Gavdos are limited and weather-dependent.