Temperature in May: 23°C maximum; 17°C minimum
Season: spring
Travel time from the UK: 4 hours 15 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Think about The Greek Islands and think of whitewashed stone villages illuminated by the blue of the Aegean Sea, ancient ruins and small fishing villages. The Dodecanese Islands, a chain of 12 larger islands (Rhodes is the best known of them) and full of little ones, it's all these clichés and much more. For a true taste of Greek life, the volcanic island of Nisyros is wonderfully welcoming and an artists' paradise. Symi, half an hour from the Turkish coast, has Michelin stars and old-school glamour, Kastellorizo has inspired artists like Pink Floyd and Patmos has incredible Byzantine architecture, or if you can't settle in on one, go island hopping on the Calypso.
Tip for sustainable travel: Reaching Rhodes without boarding a plane is possible, but you'll need to be dedicated. The easiest way is probably to take the Eurostar to Paris, followed by a TGV to Munich (seven hours), and from there the Lisinski night train to Zagreb. The next day, take a train to Belgrade (seven hours), and spend a night and a day in the Serbian capital. An overnight train will then take you to Thessaloniki, from where you can enjoy a very scenic journey on an InterCity train to Athens (four hours). Finally, an overnight ferry takes you to Rhodes. Now here's the catch: the berth to Thessaloniki only operates from mid-June to mid-September. See the shine Seat61.com for an alternative route that involves a second ferry and more train changes.
Where to stay: Melenos Lindos, for decorative wooden ceilings, Ottoman-inspired hand-painted tiles, raised wooden sleeping platforms with elaborate carved woodwork and mother-of-pearl inlaid mirror frames. At the terrace bar and restaurant (which serves seasonal Greek cuisine), a vine-covered pergola is decorated with tiny lanterns. For pure Greek island relaxation, we love this Airbnb with a private swimming pool.
