· Unlike many Greek islands, Kalymnos (known as the sponge divers' island) is not dependent on tourism and so offers year-round life in the town of Pothia along with excellent walks to its many villages around the island. The paved path from Pothia to the fjord valley of Vathi is one of the best preserved in Greece. Kalymnos offers an insight into traditional Dodecanese island life and is also becoming popular among sport climbers who enthuse about its limestone rock faces with superb views out to sea. (Most are near my house in the village of Myrties.) More useful info in the book Walks in Kalymnos by Lance Chilton (Marengo Publications) and at www.kalymnos-isl.gr.
Faith Warn, Kalymnos

· You can't avoid seeing ancient ruins on most of the islands, so you won't be disappointed, no matter where you go. If you are interested in holy sites, Rhodes is a good choice because of its many churches, mosques, hilltop chapels and a synagogue. Wear comfy shoes, as many pathways are pebbled. I live on nearby Karpathos, a remote island full of wild sage and thyme. This is a colourful time of year to visit because of the citrus groves.
Roberta Beach Jacobson

· I suggest Skopelos, North Sporades. It's off the beaten track and has no airport, but it's easily accessible from Skiathos or from Athens. Skopelos Town has more than 125 churches. If you should run out of churches to see, there are plenty of other religious sites to visit.
Pip B

· Paxos has good cover from olive trees, though April shouldn't be too hot for walking in the open. Alonissos is a favourite, a nice place to walk and easy to get to from Skiathos. Sifnos has lots of nice old tracks bordered by dry stone walls. Symi is a fantastic island with spectacular walks. At Evia you can walk to the 'dragon houses' and I believe you can stay in a mountain hut. Behind Kardamili, near Kalamata, is the Viros gorge. Longer trails lead into the Taygetos Mountains behind. (Our walks are day treks, so we don't know much about long distance.) Be aware that many islands have newish roads that have cut across old mule tracks. Having been rendered unnecessary for the locals, the tracks may have fallen into disuse. Some roads, however, are so quiet that they are pleasant for walking. Your other problem will be the lack of reliable maps, but many enthusiasts have produced maps and leaflets for their favourite islands. Last year we met some people who were getting about Leipsi using only the map on the supermarket carrier - it was better than the one we had purchased for one euro.
Kathleen Dawson