MILOS
Despite laying claim to some of the best beaches in the Aegean, the mineral-rich, volcanic Milos is often overlooked in favour of its more glamorous neighbours, leaving its sparkling aquamarine bays to be enjoyed in peace and quiet by the few who go there. The island plays a fascinating part in the history of art; in 1820 an amateur archaeologist named Olivier Voutier went ashore and unearthed a female figure carved in marble, which would become known as the Venus de Milo. Today, you can visit hot springs once written about by Hippocrates and still bubbling up around the place, the second-oldest catacombs after Rome, the remains of an amphitheatre and the capital, Plaka, whose castle sits dramatically high on the summit. But ultimately, the lure of a blissful beach day is hard to resist, with a break for grilled smoked mackerel, saganaki (fried cheese) and roasted aubergine at a waterside tavern overlooking the colourful fishermen’s boats. Where to stay: Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa (www.melian.gr).