The secret mediterranean; Richard Alleman uncovers the best beaches, hot spots, and hotels you've never heard of.(Geographic overview)

Byline: Richard Alleman

Byzantine Beauty Turkey's Lycian coast has some of the most beautiful waters in the Mediterranean-plus ancient temples, pristine mountain villages, and an increasing number of elegant hideaways. In the village of Faralya, fourteen kilometers from the popular beach of lu Deniz, Oyster Residence is a compound of seven sumptuous suites-draped poster beds, beamed and bamboo ceilings-in stone cottages with private coves and beaches just steps away. Meanwhile, insiders are eagerly awaiting the May opening of another glamorous Oyster Residence located above the beach at lu Deniz, which will feature Moroccan-inspired decor and a dramatic infinity pool. Both locations will arrange treks into the mountains and day cruises aboard flat-bottomed Turkish gulets (exclusive_escapes.co.uk). Down the coast, the sleepy village of Kalkan is known for its romantic rooftop restaurants. Here accommodations range from the rustic-chic Hotel Fidanka, with eleven wooden-beamed rooms with private terraces and glorious sea views, to the sleek new White Collection, a group of three small minimalist villas, each with a hillside infinity pool, that can be booked separately or as a single five-bedroom property (tapestryholidays.com). BEST BEACH: Start the morning at Kaputas, with its white pebbles and turquoise water. COCKTAIL HOUR: Order a pomegranate gin and tonic at Help, in lu Deniz. LOCAL FLAVOR: Try the manti (Turkish ravioli) at the family-run Kuru restaurant above Kalkan. Greek Chic Some 200 miles north of Athens, the Pelion Peninsula on the Greek mainland has miles and miles of beaches, scores of unspoiled fishing villages, and a delightful dearth of tourists. No wonder the area is often compared to the Greek Islands of 40 years ago. With precious few hotels, most travelers stay in rooms that locals rent out primarily in summer (pelion.co.uk). For those seeking luxury in this laid-back corner of the Aegean, the trick is to rent a private villa. And none is more luxurious than Pelion 2C, available through Five Star Greece. Surrounded by a 15,000-acre forest, the property, which sleeps up to fourteen, encompasses two houses, each with a pool, plus a tennis court, a chapel, and mooring nearby. Staff includes a manager, housekeeper, and cook (fivestargreece.com). BEST BEACH: Take a day trip to Potistika, on the Aegean coast. COCKTAIL HOUR: Have a glass of ouzo at Climax, an idyllic spot under the palm trees above Potistika. LOCAL FLAVOR: Don't miss the spetzofai (sausage) at Taverna Pegasus on the square of the hilltop village of Lafkos. Undiscovered Italy Off the northern coast of Sicily, Italy's Aeolian Islands, an archipelago of seven volcanic islands, can be reached only by ferry, hydrofoil, or helicopter-which means that they are still blissfully unspoiled. Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolians, boasts the legendary Hotel Raya, which lures a hip following to its cluster of pink and white buildings where some rooms are full of antiques and bibelots, while others are stark white and minimalist (hotel_ raya.it). Over on ...