Astypalaia has loads of small secluded beaches, you and your companions may be the only people on a glorious beach! . The problem is accessibility. Steep rocky cliffs, hazardous dirt roads and long stretches of goat fencing are the main obstacles.

Accessing these beaches is easier by boat in many instances, unless you fancy scrambling over steep gravel paths dotted with mean spiky plants. Of course the sand and crystal clear water beckon, so you convince yourself that you must make an attempt.

Psili Ammos, Golden Sands Beach, was worth the effort. Of course it involved a bumpy narrow dirt road and couple of blind turns out on the edge of a cliff, but our antiquated Fiat Panda got us there.

The reward for our efforts was a totally empty deep sand beach. Nobody but us on the sand. It was fantastic! The water was so warm! We were truly amazed.

The dirt road to the beach is literally on the edge of the airport. Follow it until you reach the beach.