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There are hundreds of stunning inhabited islands in the Mediterranean.
Do you want to throw in the towel on one this summer but don’t know where to start looking?
Let us narrow the field for you, with the lowdown on five hidden island gems that make for stunning holiday destinations.
They feature turquoise waters, ancient ruins, fascinating coves and delicious food. There is even one where there are no cars.
Scroll down to see some extremely strong contenders for this summer’s wish list…
Formentera, Spain
Travel guide Lonely Planet noted that Formentera is “designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe’s most exquisite beaches.”
Formentera is the smallest of Spain’s Balearic Islands and can be reached by ferry from Ibiza; It is only a mile wide at its narrowest point.
Will Hide, who visited the island, said: “If you want to do little more than eat, drink, relax on powder-soft beaches, swim in turquoise waters or stroll through village markets, you should head straight to Formentera.” ‘
while travel guide lonely planet noted that the island is “designed for lazy days spent on some of the most exquisite beaches in Europe (dare we say the world?)” – some of which have “water that sparkles a striking luminous turquoise hue.”
Porquerolles, France
Porquerolles has “one of the best beaches in Europe” and is car-free
A true hidden gem and one of the three “golden islands” off the coast of the Riviera, this French island is full of white sand beaches, bike paths and limestone cliffs that are “untouched” thanks to the fact that there are cars.
MailOnline travel editor Ted Thornhill wrote: ‘Porquerolles is the largest (of the Gold Islands), measuring 4.3 by 1.8 miles and boasting one of the best beaches I have ever laid my hands on. towel. Called Notre Dame, and about two miles east of the port, its crescent shape envelops beautiful shallow turquoise waters.
“It must be one of the best beaches in Europe.”
Hvar, Croatia
Travel writer Jo Knowsley described Hvar as a “Croatian gem”. In the photo: Hvar with the Paklinski Islands in the background.
Considered the sunniest island in the Mediterranean, with 2,800 hours of sunshine, Hvar is almost guaranteed to brighten up a holiday. But it is likely to come in in any weather.
Travel writer Jo Knowsley described it as a “Croatian gem”, offering “the clearest blue water and fragrant, leafy surroundings”.
Rough guides stated that Hvar is “the summer haven of celebrities, yacht travelers and cocktail lovers” but also offers “a family-oriented, unspoiled and affordable piece of the Mediterranean.”
Visitors can explore fascinating coves, 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress and a main square that impresses with a Renaissance-era cathedral.
Elba, Italy
Elba, Italy, has been called “an ever-glorious paradise of beach-fringed coves, vineyards, blue waters and hairpin motoring” by Lonely Planet.
This Italian island off the coast of Tuscany, in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park of the Tyrrhenian Sea, was the place of exile for French Emperor Napoleon, although it is noticeably more popular in the modern era.
It has been dubbed “an ever-glorious paradise of beach-fringed coves, vineyards, blue waters and hairpin-turn motorsport” by Lonely planet.
Meanwhile, author Mary Bly calls Elba a “postcard-perfect getaway,” stating that “Elba is not fancy, like Capri; even the yachts that pull into small coves and towns are human-sized.” Adding, “It’s a wonderful place to come when you crave great, simple food, sunshine day after day and postcard-perfect sunsets over the sea.”
Folegandros, Greece
Folegandros, Greece (pictured), is “ideal for a relaxing holiday” with “delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, blue Aegean waters and secluded coves.”
This “off the beaten path” Greek island is only 32 square kilometers in size and forms the southern part of the Cyclades between the very famous Santorini and Paros.
Relaxed Folegandros is “ideal for a peaceful holiday” with “delicious cuisine, stunning beaches, blue Aegean waters and secluded coves,” it says. Visit Greecethe official website of the Greek National Tourism Organization.
The island is home to the ruins of an ancient Agora or market; a medieval town; the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and, according to lonely planet“a lively culture with exciting music and thrill-seeking activities.”