Q&A: Where can we find a Greek island hideaway in high season?

The Independent Parent: Your questions answered

Q We are keen to explore some of the lesser-known Greek islands with our daughters (aged eight and 11). We will be travelling during the summer holidays and want to find somewhere unspoilt. Where would you suggest?
T Johnston, via e-mail

A Despite the fact that plenty of UK tour operators offer packages to Greece, the vast majority of the country's 1,400 islands can still be called "unspoilt". What's more, development on the 160-odd inhabited islands often amounts to little more than a one-donkey town.

Travelling with children you have to balance the need for accessibility (eg not travelling to an island demanding six hours in the searing heat aboard an inter-island ferry), with the desire to find an island less frequented by tourists, and the relatively high prices for more select locations. Of course, you could go it alone and arrange an independent trip. Greek Island Hopping by Frewin Poffley (£12.99) is the book you need. The author also runs an excellent website, www.greekislandhopping.com, which has information on ferry schedules, passes and good links to other Hellenic sites.

As you have two young children, though, a package including flights, transfers and accommodation. The lowest prices are likely to be with mass-market operators – First Choice, JMC, MyTravel (formerly Airtours) and Thomson – plus Greek -focused operators such as Libra. But these, by their nature, tend to be in busier resorts. For something more exclusive you may need to book through the smaller, specialist agencies which offer tailor-made holidays in some of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations.

The tiny Dodecanese island of Halki, around an hour and a half by boat from Rhodes, couldn't be more different to its well-known neighbour. The little harbour town of Emborio offers clean, shallow waters, and the island is completely free of all cars, mopeds and water sports, so it's a good place for children to roam. As a consequence of its isolation, it lacks the vibrancy of other Greek islands – so it is a good destination if you are after tranquillity. Laskarina (01629 822203, www.laskarina.co.uk) offers a number of properties on Halki, although you will have to move quickly as the season is selling out. Departing 11 August, two weeks at Villa Apostolia in Emborio with sea views costs £510 per adult (£20 less for under 17s), including flights from Gatwick or Manchester (£50 per person supplement) and transfers.

If you would prefer to stay in a hotel, Filoxenia (01422 371796, www.filoxenia.co.uk) recommends the Aegean island of Lesvos. The island has its own airport, so you can fly direct from Gatwick or Manchester. The company has rooms at the Hotel Votsala, 100m from a quiet beach,half an hour from the main town of Mitilini. It has a restaurant and terrace overlooking private gardens and the sea; canoes and pedalos are free for hotel guests. Two weeks in August costs from £612 per person including flights and accommodation in a shared family room, but not transfers.

For more information, some good free maps and a complete list of operators, contact the Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit St, London W1R 0DJ (020-7734 5997; www.gnto.gr) – though the phone is often engaged.

Send your family travel questions to S F Robinson, The Independent Parent, Travel Desk, The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, London E14 9RS. Or e-mail crusoe@independent.co.uk