The beautiful little island as pretty as Majorca or Corfu but without the tourists

The Mediterranean is not short of beautiful islands - unfortunately that is a blessing as well as a curse.

While it boasts wonderful destinations from Majorca to Malta and Corsica to Kos, there are very few hidden gems and you're unlikely to be the only tourist around.

But if you're looking for something a little more quiet, then the Italian island of Lipari might be just the place.

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, just north of Sicily, Lipari can be reached by ferry or hydrofoil from the larger island.

The main settlement on the island, also called Lipari, offers a range of hotels and is far quieter than other destinations in the region.

It also boasts a number of restaurants where you can sample delicacies including swordfish and calmari amongst other things.

If you're feeling adventurous, there are also opportunities to dive or snorkel around the Faraglioni, which boasts crystal clear water.

For those hoping to stay dry, there's also the option of renting a scooter or another vehicle for a tour of the island - and it is certainly a more pleasant environment for driving than some other Mediterranean areas.

If you want to take things more slowly, then there are options for exploring the island's beauty on foot.

The tracks vary in difficulty from very easy to difficult, but they all offer breathtaking views of what the island has to offer.

And if you want to explore the other islands in the area, Lipari is well placed with boats to destinations including Vulcano, an island which smells of sulphur.