Soak up Santorini, Greece
This mini-archipelago in the Cyclades was once a huge volcano, but a super-eruption around 1640BC saw it sink into the sea, leaving only remnants of its craggy caldera to be lapped by the Med. The result is pure Greek-isle fantasy: white-washed houses, steep-stepped alleys leading to old harbours, and traditional tavernas serving fish suppers.
Make it happen: Ferries connect Santorini’s island of Thira with other islands, including Crete (5hrs), Mykonos (2.5hrs) and Rhodes (16hrs). Santorini also has an airport.
Get more info on Santorini: Avoid the crowds on Wanderlust's favourite Greek islands