Greek islands that no one else in your crowd knows about? Try the Sporades (“Scattered” Islands), verdant islands with fragrant pine trees growing down to the edge of golden sand beaches. The Sporades would seem to have always been natural magnets for tourists, but lacking major archaeological remains and historical associations, for a long time did not compete with other parts of Greece. The Sporades are no longer quite the natural retreats they once were. Skiathos and Skopelos are the most popular islands, with excellent beaches, fine restaurants, fancy hotels, and an international (heavily British) following. Skiathos is among the most expensive islands in Greece and becomes horrendously crowded in high season, but in spring and fall remains a lovely and pleasant place. It’s still worth a visit, especially by those interested in a beach vacation, good food, and active nightlife.

1/ Skiathos

Skiathos remained isolated and agrarian until the early 1970s. Today it’s one of the most cosmopolitan and attractive islands in Greece, and this rapid change has created a few disturbing ripples. Although the island’s inhabitants are eager to please, in high season they can be overextended, inevitably relying on imported help, many from Athens, who often don’t care much about providing show little concern for the island’s indigenous character. This is a “package tour” island, and Skiathos town at high season can have the atmosphere of a shopping mall. Yet Skiathos town, sometimes called Hora, does have attractive elements, and at its best seems fairly sophisticated, with the handsome Bourtzi fortress on its harbor, elegant shops, excellent restaurants, and a flashy nightlife. And if you want a break from all this, take one of the horse-drawn carriages around town.