Samos, the Greek island closest to Turkey, and a refugee hotspot, as the media often call it.

A place where dystopia meets postcard beauty. On Gagou Beach, the nearest stretch of sand to the island’s main town, Vathy, tourists from around the world lounge on rented sunbeds, just steps away from an abandoned building now used by asylum seekers living in the island’s Closed Controlled Access Center. For many of them, it’s the only beaches accessible, the bus passing by.

There is no mingling between the two groups, whose lives are divided not by character or choice, but by the mere accident of birthplace. Some are lucky enough never to have to risk everything for safety.

The others are left to watch as that same safety is wrapped in sunbeds, sea views, hotels, and sunshine.

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