Porquerolles, France
Côte d’Azur too hectic? Try peaceful Porquerolles, one of the Îsles d’Hyères islands that lie just a ferry-hop away from Hyères on the French mainland. With no cars allowed, the only way to get around this densely wooded island is on foot or bike, and the only sound is the crackle of fragrant pine needles under your wheels. The best beaches, such as Plage d’Argent, hug the north coast. They’re busy during high season, but once the daytrippers have left, peace reigns again. Right in the heart of the village, Hôtel Résidence Les Mèdes offers rooms and apartments.
From £138 per night, hotel-les-medes.fr
Tabarca, Spain
Tranquillity is hard to find on the Costa Blanca. So head to Tabarca, 22 miles off Alicante, and you’ll discover an island whose waters are so clear, it was declared the country’s first marine reserve. A 50-minute ferry ride brings you to this car-free paradise. Spend a few days snorkelling, eating fish stew at one of the beach shacks, then walk around the fortified walls that encircle the town.
Hotel Isla Tabarca has rooms B&B from £78, hotelislatabarca.com
Bozcaada, Turkey
Rich in Greek and Turkish heritage, Bozcaada, off Turkey’s west coast, is where Istanbulus go to escape the summer heat. From its beaches, the Achaeans launched the ships that delivered the Trojan horse. Today, Greek and Turkish cultures harmoniously coexist, with mosques alongside orthodox churches. The island, a short ferry crossing from Çanakkale port, offers beach-facing tavernas, a vineyard-covered hinterland and a lively port town. Set on a hillside overlooking the castle, Ela Tenedos Hotel has sea-view rooms.
Rooms B&B from £38, elatenedosotel.com
La Graciosa, Canary Islands
Three miles north of Lanzarote, tiny La Graciosa offers an altogether different Canary Island scene: no cars, no noise and no crowds. Here, you’ll find an idyllic marine reserve with sandy lanes, low-key restaurants, wild sand dunes and pristine beaches. Get around the island by hiking or renting a bike from the whitewashed port village of Caleta de Sebo. Spend your days watching fishermen mending nets at La Laja, or try the wilder emerald waters of Las Conchas in the north. Within walking distance of Caleta’s restaurants, Evita Beach Apartamentos has sea-facing apartments.
From £192 per night, booking.com
Syros, Greece
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Travel | The Guardian…