On this European summer family holiday Sheira and I were excited to give our kids the full Greek island experience - while treating ourselves to something different from our usual love affair with the Cyclades.

Hydra in the Argosaronic islands, between two gulfs on the Peloponnesian Coast, is conveniently close to Athens but still has the traditional flavour we always seek out. One of the island’s many charms is the no-car, donkey only policy, which turns back the clock even more.

We stayed in the heart of the pretty but busy working port, and loved exploring the honeycomb-like streets full of grey stone buildings with red tiled roofs - so different from the whitewashed, blue domed look that we already knew. The town has a rich, ship building history, cobbled streets, interesting shops and a lively restaurant culture - and what kid doesn’t love a donkey ride? But Hydra is a big island, so travelers can also enjoy boat trips around the coastline to the little jewel-like beaches, bays and coves for taverna lunches, picnics and swims. We soon found our favourites to pass on…