Ios, Greece

For many visitors, Ios is one big party island. The local traditions and history are ignored by the rave brigade but luckily, the word is out that there’s more to Ios than Hora’s party-hard scene. With Homer’s tomb and the excavated site of Skarkos, the island of Ios suits families, history buffs and party animals alike. During the day, the main town of Hora has lots to explore, including a typically labyrinthine old town of narrow lanes and lovely whitewashed houses. The large cathedral is the main landmark here. The beaches are a big draw on Ios, with perhaps the most lovely stretch of sand on the island’s southern tip at Manganari. Gialos is only a short walk from the port, and the beach at Milopotas is resort central with a nightly party scene and daytime water sports. Hire a scooter to reach quieter beaches dotted around the coast.