SEEK OUT CROWD-FREE GREEK ISLANDS IN THE SPORADES

Unlike the often-mobbed Cyclades and Ionian Islands, the four inhabited isles of the Sporades offer delights aplenty, but with a far less touristy feel.

With lots of broad sandy beaches and excellent restaurants, Skiathos is by far the most popular of the chain’s islands. Vromolimnos beach is one of the loveliest, with plenty of chic whitewashed accommodation set amid pine forest, while the must-see historic site is Kastro, the fortified former capital, now an atmospheric ruin dotted with churches.

From here, head to neighbouring island Skopelos – made famous as the filming location for Mamma Mia! – for lovely pebbly bays and large forests. Its namesake town, set on a harbour, is very pretty indeed, and the best beaches are on the west coast, particularly Kastani, or the more sedate Armenopetra.

Alonissos is a large island, but quieter, more remote and less developed, lying inside a National Marine Park. Better suited to walkers and those seeking nature over nightlife, its cobblestone kalderimi (mule path) leads to Hora, the former capital – abandoned after an earthquake in 1965.

The south-easternmost island Skyros is harder to reach and so sees the fewest foreign visitors (it’s the secret that Greeks want to keep to themselves), though there are nevertheless plenty of hotels, villas and tabernas.

YOU’LL NEVER FORGET

Paddling in the clear turquoise shallows lapping Skiathos’s white-sand beaches – some of the most splendid in the Aegean.

Sunvil (020 8758 4758; sunvil.co.uk) offers a 14-night Sporades islandhopping holiday from £1,098pp, based on two people sharing

Love islands: this Greek archipelago offers dreamy views and romantic charm