An article by the New Zealand Herald entitled “Mediterranean: Gems of the Med” focuses on “six little sparklers” in the Mare Nostrum, three of which are Greek.

1. Kastellorizo

Topping the list is the horseshoe harbor of the tiny island that hugs the coastline of southwest Asia Minor, where old black-garbed ladies stop for a chat beside men playing backgammon on a rickety table. The article points to the huge emigration frmo the isle after World War II, as isle residents transformed into “Kassies” in Australia. The piece also cites the island’s close proximity to Turkey.

2. Symi

The isle is called “the perfect Greek island experience” — no small honor! — with a “deep cove of an infinite, unfathomable blue…” The article focuses on the quietness of the island compared to most Greek touristy areas. Like Kastellorizo, it is much closer to Turkey than mainland Greece.

3. Thassos

The article lists this northern Aegean island as a “best kept secret” place that is not your classic Greek island of terracotta roofs and rocky coves, but a place of grey tile roofs, green hillsides and long stretches of sandy beach. The island, once a “stopping point for backpackers, hippies and Kombi van drivers returning from nearby Turkey or the old Yugoslavia”. The place is seen as a great island stopover that is part of a trip to Turkey or Croatia.

The other islands listed in the article are Procida in Southern Italy, Elba and Giglio off the coast of Tuscany.