Arkí

The holy island of Patmos is mother ship to a fleet of islets and skerries scattered to the east that once belonged to the Monastery of St John the Evangelist. The biggest of these, Lipsi has a superb sandy beach that draws most of the daytrippers, while rocky and arid little Arki —just 4km long and 1km wide with 40 inhabitants—is ideal for anyone craving the next best thing to being castaway on a desert island with skies full of stars.

It has four beaches, and scarcely more trees, but enough wild thyme and other plants to scent the air and support a few wild goats and rabbits.

Facilities are minimal – there’s no place to change money, and water must be shipped in; solar panels provide electricity. Still, it attracts yachts and people (mostly Greeks and Italians) in search of Greek island purity. There are some quiet coves and a Blue Lagoon, good for snorkelling and swimming in the vivid waters.