Winning Tip: Hiker's Paradise in the Cyclades
Andros is only a two-hour ferry ride from Athens, but somehow few foreign tourists visit. Greener than the other Cyclades, it's a walker's paradise; well-maintained footpaths crisscross the island, leading from hilltop monasteries through fertile valleys to hidden beaches. Base yourself in the quiet town, also called Andros, which you can reach by local bus from the ferry terminal. For those who don't want to get active, there are beaches on either side of town, and Explore Andros, on the main street, can arrange guided tours to local waterfalls, vineyards and botanical gardens.
Toby Dyke
Rum trade, Inner Hebrides
The road from the Firth of Harris to Kinloch on the Isle of Rum, with the Isle of Skye visible in the distance. Photo: Vincent Rowe/Alamy
Getting to Rum requires effort and planning, and there are few facilities, which means it's not as crowded as its big brother across the sea, Skye. I had a fantastic day traversing the first three peaks of the Rum Cuillin range (a challenging hike that should only be attempted by experienced hikers), and another fantastic travel experience was staying in Gildil hut on the beach on the north-west coast. Then there's Kinloch Castle, a decaying castle built in the late 19th century by a Lancashire textile tycoon. His magnificent mausoleum is also well worth a bike ride along former deer-hunting tracks.
Paul Kirkwood
Sugar Loaf, off the coast of North Devon
View from Old Light on Lundy Island
Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel is tiny, windswept at just three miles long and half a mile wide, but every inch of it tells a story. Whether you're here for a day trip or a longer stay, exploring places with names like Hell's Gates, Earthquake, Devil's Slide and Sugar Loaf is magical. Soaking up the views from a deckchair at the top of Old Light is a must, as is a visit to the island's pub (Mariscos Tavern) and small but well-stocked shop. Packed with seabirds during breeding season and surrounded by the UK's first marine reserve, it's a real escape.
Jackie Hitt
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Contract signed in North West Wales
Eunice Enri has 12 Grade II listed buildings. Photo: travelibUK/Alamy
If you're looking for peace, tranquility and seclusion, then Ynys Enri (Birdsea Island) is the place to be. The island is 2 miles off the Llyn Peninsula. It's a certified Dark Sky Sanctuary, a Special Area of Conservation, a Special Area of Protection (for breeding birds) and a National Nature Reserve (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). All 12 properties (9 of which offer accommodation) are Grade II listed. Watch the seals play, learn about the island's history or just sit back and enjoy a delicious scone at Tŷ Pellaf Farm Café. Day boat services are run by Colin Evans.
Katie
Swim in the Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden
The summer days are long in Vaxholm. Photo: Maskot/Alamy
Part of Stockholm's beautiful archipelago, Vaxholm is an hour's ferry ride from the capital. The island has plenty of lovely swimming spots and forests to explore, making it the perfect place to enjoy Sweden's long summer days. Standout restaurants in Vaxholm include Hembygdsgårdens Cafe, with its fantastic cakes, and the rooftop Bistro Magasinet, serving traditional Swedish and modern European cuisine. Hiring bikes or kayaks in Vaxholm makes a great day activity. It's also worth hopping on the ferry across to the neighbouring island of Lind, a tranquil island with great beaches and the excellent marina-side restaurant Syrran & Jag.
Josh
Croatia, stress-free
The island of Korcula is a short ferry ride from Split. Photo: Image Professionals GmbH/Alamy
Just got back from Korcula and now I have a happy place to daydream about whenever I feel stressed. The ferry from Split took 2 hours. We were on the water all afternoon and had a view of the mountains from our apartment. We cycled to the village of Racistă, where we had drinks with locals watching the boats. The medieval walled city of Korcula was fascinating to explore, and afterwards we enjoyed spritz, people watching and chatting to someone who resembled the Croatian Lady Gaga.
Hannah
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Hot rocks, hot springs off the coast of Naples
Aragonese Castle on the island of Ischia. Photo: Phil Crowe/Alamy
Just an hour's boat ride from Naples brings us to the beautiful and idyllic island of Ischia, the perfect place to pitch our parasols and soak up the surrounding scenery. We soaked in the Sorgeto hot springs, a testament to the ongoing volcanic activity. From there, we took a taxi boat to a posh dinner with a glittering night view. We swam in countless fascinating spots, saw oddly shaped volcanic rocks such as the “Elephant Rock,” and took a beautiful wooden boat tour from Forio to the islet with the Aragonese Castle. Or we took a bus to a bunch of rustic trattorias and savored delicious treats. After all that seafood, rabbit stew was a nice change of pace.
Freya
Splitting up for honey trap
Maslinitsa, Solta. Photo: Vladimir Drozdin/Alamy
Last year, we took a day trip to Šolta to escape the crowds in Split. We loved it so much that we returned three days later. With so many little coves, beaches and caves, it's easy to create your own private spot. Maslinica is a pretty port town with colorful houses and cafes clustered around a semicircular bay. Local specialities include anchovies in olive oil, and Šolta's famous golden honey is ubiquitous.
Nicola
Sandy beach reserve, Portugal
“Even in high season the beaches are empty” on Isla Tavira. Photo: Pavel Dudek/Alamy
If you're looking for eight miles of beach, a bird sanctuary and a small campsite for accommodation, head to Tavira Island, a long sandbar island just a short ferry ride from Tavira on Portugal's southeast coast. The beach has great fish restaurants, a nudist area and, if you're willing to walk the whole island, the sand is empty even in high season.
Susie
Beautiful Denmark on the Baltic Sea
Ærø is a great place to take a break from cycling or walking. Photo: Rob Cousins/Alamy
Åre, in the southern part of the Danish Islands (South Funen), is a great place for hiking and cycling. There are some great walking trails, including the Three Windmills (the Søby Vitsø circular route, which is about 7 miles long). It's a tiny island, only 12 miles long, but the villages (especially Åroskobing) have beautiful 18th century buildings and a free bus service runs to all the towns, beaches and walks. Yes, it's popular with tourists (and rightly so!), but we found that that also means it's family friendly, with good restaurants and boutique hotels.
Asa
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