Halki, Dodecanese

With a harbour-front clock that is right only twice a day – at 4.20am and 4.20pm – the tiny Greek island of Halki may only be within an hour’s sail of Rhodes but it feels light years away in character.

Approaching the island by sea, three windmills and the ruins of Crusader castle appear to greet you before an amphitheatre of colourful Venetian houses and simple, traditional island homes comes into view around a perfect horseshoe-shaped harbour.

This waterfront settlement is the sleepy town of Emborió. Locals are renowned for their friendliness and hospitality, and there are a choice of peaceful beaches to pick from.