Bozcaada

An incognito Turkish island – and 17 islets – in the Aegean. Cited by Homer and with whispers of Troy, Bozcaada has long been at the mercy of Mediterranean power struggles – once Byzantine, ceded to the Venetians in ransom and then Ottoman, it is now a seductive intermix of influences and popular summer playground for Istanbulites. Pilgrim to the old windmill and beautifully preserved castle, then retreat to soft sand beaches with chilly crystalline water and colourful cafés spilling onto slim cobblestone streets, where residents drink wine from the island’s extensive vineyards. This is no backwater though: expect vibrant cooking, cocktails and coffee thanks to cool, young islanders bringing a contemporary verve.