Never queue for a cocktail: Use this trick to beat the crowds in the Med

Cruising in Europe has never been more popular, especially during peak season. Almost 13 million cruise passengers visited Spain last year, with 3.6 million passing through the bustling Barcelona port. The narrow laneways of Santorini are an elbow-to-elbow jostlefest when ships are in port, and St Mark's Square in Venice is more like St Mark's Scrum at the height of the summer cruise months. The good news is there are still many beautiful cruise destinations along the sparkling Mediterranean coastline where overtourism isn't a problem, where the beaches are uncrowded and you never have to queue for an Aperol Spritz.

The warmth of the Sardinian people reflects the weather, with a sunny climate that allows for cruising year-round. In Cagliari, the vibrant capital, historic architecture and modern life blend. Don't be surprised to see an Ancient Roman amphitheatre next to a dress boutique and an Irish pub. Take a shore excursion to one of the spectacular beaches, where many locals and few tourists lap up the turquoise waters.

Long before the second series of The White Lotus was filmed in Taormina, savvy travellers were raving about Sicily's beauty. From the fiery spectacle of Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano, to world-class wines and ancient architecture, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea has much to offer. Major cruise ships will stop in Palermo or Messina (it'd be a crime to skip the gelato), while smaller ships can access more secluded ports near incredible beaches.

The island where many Greek people choose to go for their summer holidays, Kefalonia is beautiful and laidback. Boasting some of the most stunning white-sand beaches in Greece, it's great value too; sunbeds and spritzes cost a fraction of the prices charged on Mykonos. Ships usually dock in the small port of Argostoli, where you'll find a few cafes and shops. No need to book an expensive shore excursion if you're heading to the beach. The local bus stops right outside the port.

Referred to by locals as Rodos, Rhodes has plenty to appeal to all kinds of visitors. The largest of the Dodecanese islands, it has a fascinating medieval history, mountain villages overlooking seaside towns and chic resorts where beach club parties last well into the wee hours. Most cruise passengers will disembark near the fortified 14th Century Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in a semicircle around the main fishing harbour, it's a fun place to lose yourself in the cafe-lined alleys and squares.

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Known as the Venice of the Languedoc region, this French seafaring town is surrounded by canals, a saltwater lagoon and the Mediterranean's sandy beaches. If you enjoy seafood, you're in luck. Pick up a tielle, the local octopus pie specialty. Sophie Cianni & Co does a great one. On a day trip, get amongst the action in the main squares where farmers' markets are held several times a week. In the summer months, arts festivals fill the streets and canals with revellers.

Explore the Albanian Riviera on a shore excursion from Sarande or Corfu: the fast ferry will take you from Greece to Albania in 30 minutes. Cruise ships are increasingly stopping in the resort town where beach club access is a bargain and the food is delicious. Pay a visit to the nearby ancient city and archaeological site of Butrint. For a site that contains some of the best-preserved Greek and Roman ruins in the Mediterranean, it's remarkably uncrowded.