Sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, and charming tavernas serving seafood straight from the net – there are many reasons the Greek islands are some of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe.
But as iconic names such as Mykonos and Santorini struggle with overtourism, travellers are looking to explore lesser-known spots that boast the same beauty with fewer crowds.
Among those is Kefalonia. And if you’ve been considering booking a trip, you’ll be pleased to hear it’s just been crowned the ‘cheapest’ of the Greek islands.
This is according to new research by TravelSupermarket, which claimed it’s more affordable to head to Kefalonia for a seven-night getaway than to visit Crete, Corfu, or Mykonos.
The study found that a week-long trip to Kefalonia costs an average of £596 per person, based on prices for a stay between September 2025 and March 2026.
In comparison, it costs £768 on average for Crete, and £822 for Corfu.
Kefalonia (also known as Cephalonia) takes its name from Kephalos – the first king of the area during the Paleolithic era.
Win a city break for two in romantic Rome with our newsletter
Unlimited pasta, world-class shopping, thousands of years of history on every street corner… who wouldn’t want to be in Rome?
We’ve teamed up with Wowcher to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a city break for two in Rome, including return flights from your chosen UK airport (Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, London Gatwick or London Stansted) and a stay in a four-star hotel walking distance of iconic spots such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.
Armed with travel tips from our exclusive new newsletter The Getaway Expert, this is your chance to explore the Eternal City like a real Roman. Good luck!
Open to UK (excluding Northern Ireland) residents aged 18 or over. Closes 11:59pm on 29 March 2029. Full T&Cs apply.
Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, the largest of the Ionian Islands is a stunner, with emerald mountains, secluded coves and a population of just 36,000.
Despite its size, this tiny slice of paradise that is often compared to the Caribbean is becoming increasingly popular among tourists willing to veer off the beaten track.
As travel content creator Ben Johns, 27, tells Metro: ‘I went with no expectations, and after five days, I fell in love.’
As well as being hailed the cheapest destination, in 2023 it was also named the best Greek island by consumer champion Which?.
And last year, Jet2 announced it would launch flights from London Gatwick to Kefalonia for the first time in 2026. So there’s never been a better time to see it for yourself.
While June and July will be busy, tourists who visit in April and May are guaranteed abundant sandy beaches and that glorious unicorn: peace and quiet.
Spring weather is attractive, too, with highs of 20°C by the end of April.
Cheapest Greek Islands, according to TravelSupermarket:
Rankings based on the average price per person for seven nights…
- Kefalonia, £596
- Lefkas, £606
- Santorini, £637
- Mykonos, £670
- Rhodes, £689
- Crete, £768
- Corfu, £822
- Naxos, £890
- Kos, £943
- Skiathos, £958
Where to go in Kefalonia and things to see
Approximately 30km north of the capital Argostoli in the Pylaros region, Myrtos Beach is renowned for its sparkling waters, white sand, and spectacular scenery.
Nestled beneath steep limestone cliffs, it has all the qualities of the Caribbean, at a much more reasonable price point (and flight time).
In March 2025, Alex Musewald visited Kefalonia and was so taken with the seaside spot, he wrote: ‘There are beaches you visit – and then there are those you will never forget.
‘Myrtos on Kefalonia belongs to the second category. Even the view from the cliffs down to the sea takes your breath away.’
Which of these Greek islands is your favourite?
‘The backdrop of cliffs, which protectively embrace the bay, gives it an almost mysterious grace. It’s no wonder that it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – once you’ve been here, you’ll understand why.’
It’s not just the daylight which paints this place in a beautiful glow; sunsets on Myrtos are legendary, due to its western face.
Once you’re done sunbathing, a 20-minute drive will get you to the artsy village of Assos. Population: under 100.
Famed for its pastel-coloured houses and imposing Venetian fortress, it’s a great day trip for travellers looking for a quick hit of culture.
The grandparents of our editorial assistant, Isabel Fraser, live on the island, and after first visiting Kefalonia when she was just a year old, it’s safe to say she’s an expert.
‘Kalamia Beach is a wonderful, quieter spot with clear waters and fine sand,’ she says. ‘It’s near Agostoli so easy to walk or drive to from the capital.
‘The water will genuinely make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean, and there’s plenty of caves for snorkelling, between impressive limestone rocks.’
For something buzzier, she recommends Makris Gialos: ‘It’s a longer beach with sun-beds galore, and also offers water-sports like parasailing. The sand is golden, and will still give you that Caribbean vibe.’
A word of warning, though: ‘Not much of this beach is in shade, so make sure to take flip flops as the sand can get scorching on a really hot day.’
It’s not just the northwest of Kefalonia that’s home to show-stopping beaches.
On the south of the Paliki peninsula, the stunning rare red sands of Xi Beach are similar to the Caribbean hotspots of Baie Rouge in St Martin, and Playa Combate in Puerto Rico.
While you’re there, indulge in a little spa treatment. Xi Beach is famous for its white clay cliffs, which are believed to hold therapeutic properties.
After spending a morning sunbathing, you’ll likely catch people breaking off pieces of clay, mixing it with water to create a paste, applying it to their skin, and then washing it off in the sea. Talk about R&R.
Remember Ben Johns, the content creator who fell in love with Kefalonia on a five-day visit?
He’s got more to say about his favourite Greek island.
‘I visited Kefalonia in the summer of 2021. It was a decision based on deduction. With Covid rules still in the mix, and the world not yet fully open, I landed on Kefalonia as it had the cheapest flights on Skyscanner.
‘We stayed in a family-run hotel just outside Argostoli, which sat on its own waterside. The roads wound to the town past small coves and tavernas, which were both budget-friendly and delicious. Fresh seafood, homemade tzatziki with pita, and a Mythos beer all for less than €10.’
Ben describes Kefalonia as an ‘unpretentious’ place that’s ‘not overrun’: ‘The beauty of the island can be most seen by walking the coastline, there are amazing beaches which are on the tourist route, but in each nook and cranny, there are small patches of beach with only a handful of other people.
‘Very often we had a beach to ourselves, which is hard to come by in most other parts of Greece. Kefalonia was my first visit to a Greek island and set the benchmark; few other islands have come close to beating it.’
And while the beaches are a major drawcard, Kefalonia is more than ‘fly and flop’.
Argostoli, its capital and main port, offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and museums, and is a popular base given its proximity to the airport.
Once you land, it’s a 15-minute drive to the centre of the town, with most taxi fares costing between €20 to €25.
The main pedestrian high street in Argostoli, Lithostroto Street, boasts several clothing shops and boutiques full of ceramics and souvenirs.
Isabel adds: ‘It’s also only a short boat ride from Zakynthos, where the Navagio Beach, commonly known as Shipwreck Bay, can be found.’
‘This way, you don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean to see a shipwreck. Don your snorkel, dive down and see a piece of history.’
How much does a holiday in Kefalonia cost?
The cost of flying to Kefalonia depends on how flexible you’re able to be. However, for the most part, there are reasonable deals on offer.
For example, flying with easyJet from London in April will cost you £44.
If you’re happy to ditch a checked bag and seat reservation, you could fly out from London Stansted Airport one-way to Kefalonia on May 18 for £33.
There are similarly priced flights listed on Skyscanner throughout April, May and June too, at the time of writing.
Once you’ve arrived, grab a local beer, which will only set you back €2.
Hotels on the island can range, on average, anywhere from £400 to £1,100 for a seven-night stay.
However, there are also a range of apartments, many with beachfront access.
To be within walking distance of attractions such as Myrtos Beach, stay in the village of Divarata.
Here, the family-run Hotel Myrtos is just a few metres from the beach and costs £44 per night.
Myrtos View Apartments, further up the cliff but surrounded by beautiful forested landscape, will set you back £110 per night.
For luxury, check out Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa in the southern region of Spartià; an elevated hillside hotel with views of the Ionian Sea. Prices from £600 per night.
Jet2 launches flights to an ‘unspoiled’ Greek island
Jet2 recently announced packages for three new destinations in summer 2026, including the ‘unspoiled’ Greek island of Meganisi.
Often referred to as Greece’s ‘best kept secret’ (even by Greeks), this small Ionian island is packed with authentic charm as it’s barely been touched by tourism.
Adrift between Lefkada – known as the ‘Greek Caribbean’ – and the mainland, Meganisi boasts the best of Greece’s natural landscape. There’s no airport on the island, so you’ll get there by flying into Aktion Airport in Preveza, near Lefkada, then driving about an hour to Nidri and hopping on the ferry.
It has a fjord-like coastline, dozens of secluded beaches and hidden coves, traditional stone villages, and waters so clear they seem otherworldly. Spanning just 22.4 sq km, the island has only three villages and a population of around 1,000 residents.
It’s regarded as one of the best spots for sailing, swimming, and snorkelling in the region, and it even has a link to the stars.
As well as Jet2, British Airways, Ryanair, and other major carriers operate direct flights from the UK during the summer months.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: I went skiing in the Dolomites — expect dumplings, hay baths and €5 cocktails
MORE: World’s largest kids play park is in the UK and has adults saying ‘I want to go’
MORE: The best free tourist attractions around the UK — including 2025’s most popular
