By Chris Jefferies  

So where would you rather be?

Paxos, Greece – the smallest inhabited island in the Ionian Sea.

Ok, when were you there?

About ten years ago with my parents. It was a very rainy summer in the UK and we flew there for a week of blissful sunshine in late August. The nearest airport is Corfu and from there you need to get a boat transfer across to the island. It adds a few hours onto each end of your journey, but it’s a great way to arrive.

What’s all the fuss about?

The pace of life is so relaxing and the local tavernas in the small fishing village of Loggos are really welcoming. The whole island is only 19km wide, so hire a car and go exploring – there a loads of hidden bays and inlets, which you can have all to yourself even in peak season. Most of the beaches are stone, shale or pebble, but the beach at Lakka is nice and sandy, and all of them are safe for swimming.

Keep talking …

The villa we stayed in was really spacious and airy, despite the scorching sun. We had a great view over the countryside, which was full of olive groves and citrus trees. Make sure you get one with a pool out the back as you’ll need to cool off at around 2pm.

Anything else?

Be sure to always wear smart footwear – I went swimming and trod on a Sea Anemone, which was pretty painful. The locals told me that this is very rare, so you’re probably more likely to just get sunburnt instead, as the island gets six hours of sunshine and 20 degree heat in the winter months.

If there’s one thing I should do while I’m there, what is it?

Go on a boat cruise across to the tiny island of Anti-Paxos. The water is so pristine and turquoise, it’s impossible to get bored of it. Some boats will even let you jump off and swim around in the sea, before you head ashore to explore this remote, virtually uninhabited island.

Sounds great! I’ll pack my flip-flops