Ithaca, Ionian Islands, Greece

This quiet, pretty Greek island can only be reached by ferry from neighbouring Kefalonia. The largest town is Vathy, set on a lovely harbour. You'll also find a few pretty fishing ports, notably Kioni and Frikas, ancient monasteries and deserted beaches with crystal clear waters - many coves are best reached by boat.

It's truly an undiscovered gem. The lush mountainous landscape provides the perfect backdrop to the sparkling sea.

Small islandsBowen Island, Vancouver, Canada

This green Canadian island lies in the spectacular fjord of Howe Sound, 12 miles northwest of central Vancouver and a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay. It's a wildlife haven with eagles, herons, cormorants, ravens, deer and otters.

Enjoy good walking, swimming, cycling, riding, sailing and kayaking, not to mention fine fishing. Snug Cove is the "downtown" of Bowen with plenty of restaurants and shops.

Small islandsCapri, Italy

This romantic Italian island in the Bay of Naples is just six km long and 2.7km wide. Choose spring for room to breathe. It's got charming houses, narrow lanes, craggy coastline with stunning grottoes and lush vegetation.

Shop in the narrow lanes in Capri Town, and lunch on insalata caprese (tomato, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil) which has its origins on the island.

Small islandsLizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Lizard is some 240km from Cairns and set on the inner reef edge, amid 2,500 acres of national park. One of the world's top diving spots, the reef is so close to the beach that it's also excellent for snorkelling. The terrain is dry, rocky and mountainous but does have fantastic white sand beaches with clear waters.

Check out the views from Cook's Look, the highest point on the island at 368m.

Small islandsSanibel, Gulf Coast of Florida, United States

Florida's Gulf Coast island has kepts its laid-back identity and some of its independent streak. Only joined to the mainland opposite Fort Myers in the 1960s, islanders will still 'close' the island if they consider it's too full.

Sanibel has some of the best beaches for shells in the world. Explore the 6,000-acre Ding Darling wildlife reserve by car, on foot or canoe and spot wading birds, alligators and racoons.

Small islandsBird Island, Seychelles

This tiny privately owned island in the Seychelles is a popular eco-tourism destination in the Indian Ocean. It's a birdwatchers' paradise - sooty terns are particularly prolific. Hawksbill turtles lay their eggs on the beaches.

Bird Island is also home to a 200-year-old tortoise called Esmerelda and that's about the pace of life here - relaxing. It's great for swimming and snorkelling and deep-sea fishing.

Small islandsMauritius

This Indian Ocean island lies off the south-east coast of Africa. Volcanic in origin, coral reefs surround all but the southernmost shore, providing shelter for white sand coves edged with palm trees. Three mountain ranges dominate the interior, which is surrounded by fields of sugar-cane and dramatic gorges.

Watersports (especially diving), fishing and relaxing on superb beaches are the order of the day.

Small islandsTobago, Trinidad and Tobago

This 27-mile long sister island to Trinidad lies just a few miles of the Venezuelan coast but has little in common with South America. It has a typically tropical Caribbean landscape. The island is into eco-tourism and popular with birdwatchers and conservationists.

Top beaches include the famous Pigeon Point and Store Bay (both good for bathing) and Englishman's Bay (good for surfing).

Small islandsKauai, Hawaii, United States

Kauai is probably the oldest as well as the greenest. Its also the least developed and offers a rich variety of mountain landscapes, waterfalls, rainforest and white sand beaches.

Kauai offers great diving, snorkelling and surfing. For safe swimming, families favour Salt Pond Beach Park or Lydgate beach in Wailua. It also has excellent kayaking. Quaint plantation towns and friendly locals make Kauai worth the long trip.

Small islandsHerm, Channel Islands

This tiny Channel Island is less well-known than Jersey and Guernsey, but well worth a visit if you want to get away from it all. Half a mile wide by 1.5 miles long, it has wide sand beaches famous for their variety of seashells. The island offers lovely walks and clear seas for swimming.

If you want to stay longer there's just one hotel, a few self-catering cottages and a campground. The only way to get around is on foot.

Source: Teletext Holidays - September 2006