8 of the best Mediterranean islands to visit on a cruise

2. Sicily

Historical Sicily, at the crossroads of civilisations, has architectural and cultural influences from the length and breadth of the Mediterranean, simultaneously absorbing Arab and Christian, Byzantine and Roman, Norman and Italian, Latin and Greek. You can discover something new every time you visit this wonderful island.

3. Malta

Malta's capital, the mini-city of Valletta, is perfect to explore on foot with its ornate palaces, museums and churches, fortifications of honey-coloured limestone, overhanging wooden balconies along the narrow streets, and a buzzing atmosphere of busy local life.

4. Santorini

Anchored in the crater of Santorini, you can look across to the crescent shaped island, its sheer cliffs topped with dazzling white buildings and glowing blue domes. Explore the busy streets, climb the volcano and at the end of the day, step out on deck for a spectacular sunset.

5. Mykonos

Lovely Mykonos is an extraordinary combination of achingly cool and endearingly charming. Some seriously pricey hotels and a vibrant night life make this the perfect holiday destination for discerning party animals, but during the day the whitewashed streets, sleepy bars in pretty Little Venice and distinctive windmills evoke the days when this was the poorest of fishing islands.

6. Corfu

Corfu, to the west of mainland Greece, was a key hub when traders plied their wares up and down the Adriatic coast en route to Venice. No wonder it is a vivid tapestry of culture with charm, history, and natural beauty. Corfu Town's historic centre is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.

7. Hydra

Tiny Hydra is the perfect choice for Athenians, just an hour's boat journey away. Despite its proximity to the mainland, this is a place to enjoy life in the slow lane. There are no cars here, so instead you will find donkeys plodding cobbled streets and fishing boats bobbing gently in the harbour.

8. Patmos

As you venture eastwards towards Turkey, you find many islands with a rich classical history. One such is rocky Patmos. Here on a hillside is the Monastery of the Apocalypse, and the cave where St John received the Revelation in AD 95, so it is said.

When you choose a Mediterranean islands cruise on a small luxury ship, like as not it will feature at least one or two gems you have never visited before, keeping the magic alive year after year.