MOTORING TRAVEL - EXPLORING THE GREEK ISLAND OF KYTHERA

Jonathan Crouch and family take to the roads of the small Greek island of Kythera

If you've been to Greece, you might have a pretty clear idea what one of the country's islands is like; a port, a few ancient ruins; a couple of nice beaches - and plenty of tourists. Now picture a quieter Greek island with more of everything - except the package people. Welcome to Kythera.

Known by the locals as 'Tsirigo', Kythera is a small, tranquil mountainous Greek island near the Mani peninsular just a stone's throw from Crete. A quick local flight from Athens or a short ferry ride from the mainland (the little southern port of Neapoli) gets you there. Then you've only to hire a car and begin to explore what according to Greek mythology is the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

The roads are narrow but empty; at the early April time of our visit, it was sometimes an event to see a car coming the other way. And you're going to want to travel because there are more beaches to visit then you'll probably have time see in your stay. Each has crystal-clear water coloured a deep shade of electric blue. We only managed a few, but each was memorable - Kaladi, Melidoni, Platia Ammos and Diakofti. Each has an exotic and rather extraordinary beauty. And at each visi...