Mikro & Megalo Seitani, Samos: The Secluded Beaches

Mikro and Megalo Seitani are the closest thing Samos has to an undeveloped beach experience. Both sit on the north-west coast past Karlovasi, reachable only on foot or by boat, which keeps them genuinely quiet even in August.

Megalo Seitani ('big Seitani') is the larger of the two, a crescent of pebble and coarse sand backed by pine-covered cliffs, with water that stays clear well out from the shore.

Mikro Seitani ('little Seitani') is smaller and even more secluded, a short scramble further along the coast from Megalo Seitani, and often has fewer people than its bigger neighbour even in peak season.

Getting there on foot: a coastal path runs from Potami beach, past the Potami waterfalls trailhead, to Megalo Seitani in roughly 45-60 minutes over uneven, sometimes rocky ground. Proper shoes, not sandals, make a real difference.

Getting there by boat: in summer, small boats run from Karlovasi or Potami to Seitani, which is the easier option if you'd rather not hike in the heat or are travelling with people who can't manage the coastal path.

What to bring: there are no facilities at either beach, no shop, no shade beyond what the cliffs and pines provide naturally. Bring your own water, food, sun protection and rubbish bag; pack out what you bring in.

Frequently asked questions