The sleeper hit of the Cyclades, Serifos is the summer retreat of interior designers and architects who prefer to keep the sandy beaches to themselves. Classicists come to explore the portside antiquities of Kolona, the hilltop temple of Aphaia (allegedly the template for the Parthenon) and the ghostly Byzantine chapels at Paleochora. Daily specials might include pasta with fresh tuna and aubergine or pizza topped with shrimp and citrus pesto. Syros hosts festivals of animation, dance, digital art, film, classical music, jazz and rembetiko, the Greek blues popularised by local musician Markos Vamvakaris.

Thanks to a tight-knit community of locals, Athenian escapees, and cosmopolitan emigrés, there’s always something interesting afoot: live music at Proka bar or Il Posto, a cosy Italian restaurant in Kypseli village, an exhibition in the 17th century Markellos Tower, or a travel writing and ceramics retreat at Oikia Karapanou, one of many stately homes in various states of ruin and repair that dot this incredibly diverse island. You need strong legs to explore–it's about 500 steps up to the crumbling acropolis–but you won't need a car. Tables are laid on a gorgeous terrace overlooking Ravello and filled with punters from around the world (locals too) who flock here for the regional, unfussy cooking that showcases hopping fresh local fish and seafood; standouts include melanzane alla parmigiana, paccheri pasta with red prawns, grilled breaded calamari and hazelnut semifreddo with chocolate sauce.We try not to take ourselves too seriously or play God," Pankake told the Minneapolis Tribune in 1962.

Take into consideration, that if you get along with the instrument, that the challenge seems to be to fully use the fretboard, and get your picking and strumming in tight sync with the notes, left hand/right hand, because many mandolin players think most music results in a speed race. The Minoan palace of Knossos is glorious, despite the steady stream of coach parties (go early: it opens at 8 ); but there are stunning ancient sites, such as Aptera and Malia, peppered all over the island.From Anogi, it’s an exhilarating two-hire hike down to Kioni, a miniature port where you’ll find Spavento, the perfect pier-side café-bar. Brothers Miles and Teo Quale are joined by bassist Andrew Osborn and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly, all outstanding young musicians of the vibrant California bluegrass scene.

Sunshine is pretty much guaranteed year round, but spring is especially lovely for rambling and sightseeing. You could while away days in the waterfront cafés of Lakka, watching lissom sailors hop on and off their yachts.And then there are the mind-blowing beaches: from the spectacular sandy bays of Zorkos, Vitali, and Vori on the north coast to the mellow beach bars at Apothikes and Chryssi Ammos, or the sunset views and old-school fish taverna at Agia Marina, there are options for whichever way the wind or your mood is blowing. The classic starter here is the misto di primi, a quintet of homemade pasta dishes that varies according to the personable Netta’s mood.