Staying in Greece, which has the lion's share of the Mediterranean islands, a great base for wildlife watching is Alonissos (crowdfactor 64), in the Sporades. It's the hub for visiting the outlying Sporades islets, many within the Sporades Marine Park, which helps protect the monk seal (permits required). Alonissos, with its secluded, boat-accessed beaches, is 20 minutes by hydrofoil from Skopelos and less than an hour from Skiathos, which has an airport.
Lesbos (cover photograph), with a crowdfactor of 59, is the third-largest Greek island and another favourite with wildlife enthusiasts, thanks to its birdlife. It is heavily wooded in the east, agricultural in the centre and rather bare in the west. A car is essential for exploring this large island – just remember to take it easy on the local ouzo, for which this island is famed. There are flights from Athens and a few from the UK.
