The report stated that the Ionian island’s allure is attributed to its picturesque landscape, sandy beaches, and tranquility, while party-centric Mykonos ranked last.
The largest Ionian island, Kefalonia, known for its emerald-colored mountains, secluded coves, and underground lakes, has been declared the best Greek island by Which?. The island’s plentiful sandy beaches, unobstructed scenic views, and the opportunity for coveted solitude were major factors in securing the title. The annual survey conducted by the consumer body asked over 1,000 visitors to rate the top 10 Greek islands on criteria such as beaches, attractions, scenery, and value for money. Kefalonia was the sole island to receive a five-star rating for peace and quiet, achieving an overall score of 85%. The island served as the backdrop for Louis de Bernières’ Captain Corelli’s Mandolin novel and was also a significant location for the 2001 film starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz.
The island’s stunning scenery left visitors captivated, with one person specifically praising the beautiful and secluded Erisos beach near Fiskardo, which is accessible by foot through a forest. Jo Rhodes, the deputy editor of Which? Travel, stated that those planning a trip to a Greek island have a plethora of options to choose from, each with their own unique characteristics and hidden treasures. This year, the highest-rated islands were those that provided a respite from the crowds, with Kefalonia, Skiathos, and Lefkada receiving top marks for peace and quiet.
Mykonos, known for its party scene, ranked at the bottom of the survey due to overcrowding and high prices, as per Jo Rhodes, the deputy editor of Which? Travel. Renting a car can help visitors explore lesser-known areas such as the quiet southwestern coast of Crete or the hillside villages of Kos, regardless of the island they choose to visit. Kefalonia claimed the top spot this year, surpassing last year’s winner Lefkada, which took second place this year. Kefalonia’s lush scenery, untouched beaches, rugged coastline, and impressive 14th-century castle were factors in its success. Renting a boat to sail around the island and stopping at charming villages and seaside tavernas is the best way to explore Lefkada, according to one visitor, who also described it as perfect for windsurfing, mountain biking, and hiking, while remaining relatively unspoiled by over-tourism. Skiathos tied for second place with Lefkada, scoring 84%, and while Lefkada scored higher on food and drink, Skiathos made up for it with its 62 gorgeous beaches, with up to 70% of visitors returning for a second visit.
Mykonos, a popular destination for celebrities and known for its party scene, scored a low 55% in the survey, placing it at the bottom of the list. Which? readers were not pleased with the island’s overwhelming number of cruise ship passengers, making it challenging to navigate. Additionally, beach clubs charged a steep £138 for two sunbeds and an umbrella, leading visitors to rate the island with two stars for value for money. One reader commented on the pricey restaurants, with most being expensive for mediocre food, while the occasional reasonably priced and good one was often hidden in the backstreets.
