|
The independent: where to find peace and quiet in the Med
"There are more than 200 islands in the Mediterranean which offer accommodation
to holidaymakers, but to me the remarkable fact is that 90 per cent of all
visitors stay on just 10 per cent of the islands. In other words, there are
simply masses of islands that you can have almost to yourself.
If you want to get away from the central Med entirely, try Vis (crowdfactor 74),
an hour and a half from Split (Croatia) by hydrofoil. Wild and mountainous, with
fine views, Vis is known for producing good wine and is an easy base from which
to visit the beautiful blue sea cave on the neighbouring island of Bisevo.
Another easy half-hour hop from Split is Solta (crowdfactor 55), a wooded island
with many fine beaches, famous for its honey, mulberries, olives and rosemary.
Working down the crowdfactor list to the quiet islands, we return to Croatia.
Sipan is by far the most peaceful of the Elafiti islands, with a crowdfactor of
just 46, with walks through hills clad in pine and cypress, and plains growing
oranges, vines and olives. Sipan's quiet beaches are just an hour from Dubrovnik
by ferry.
Sveti Klement (crowdfactor 11) is perfect for families, a green island with a
hotel resort and a marina. There are no cars here but plenty of water sports
including fishing and diving. The food is delicious, especially shellfish and
fresh vegetables that are grown on the island. Sveti Klement has magnificent
botanical gardens and many beaches and coves, and it's only 20 minutes from the
popular central Dalmatian island of Hvar by boat.
The award for the quietest island in the Mediterranean goes to Scedro
(crowdfactor 1), half an hour by boat from Hvar. This island has an area of just
eight square kilometres and has just one place to stay: a rental house (it
sleeps 10) in a tiny settlement that encompasses the remains of a Dominican
monastery. There's not much to do here, but that's entirely the point. Take a
wander through the island's wild landscape, vineyards or olive groves and you'll
be about ready to hit the beach."
|
