Take advantage of Greece’s relaxed restrictions and get more from your money on one of these top-rated, lesser-visited Greek islands.
Restrictions are due to be lifted in Greece on 1 May, meaning headache-free holidays are in store. If you’re taking advantage, avoid pricey Mykonos and Santorini; you’ll see your holiday budget go further on one of these top-rated Greek islands.
We’ve highlighted five Greek islands which offer the best value for money without compromising on your overall experience.
The locations we’ve selected are based on the results from our latest survey, in which 1,386 readers rated 13 Greek islands out of five for their beaches, scenery, food and drink, accommodation, tourist attractions, and value for money.
All of the below destinations were awarded at least four stars for accommodation and value for money, while also scoring at least 80% overall, meaning you can expect a decent holiday on a budget.
The popular Mykonos and Santorini appear to be victims of their own success, coming out as two of the lowest scorers with just two stars for peace and quiet and three stars for value for money.
So, avoid overpaying this summer and find the best beaches on Skiathos, sample Kefalonia’s world-class wines, or pack the family off to Crete.
Lefkada: voted the best Greek island
Overall score: 86%
Value for money rating: 4*
Rating for accommodation: 4*
One of Greece’s hidden gems and dangling just above Kefalonia off the west coast, Lefkada offers scenic walks through mountain villages, a choice of 22 sandy beaches and plenty of traditional tavernas.
Lefkada was voted the best Greek island in our survey with five stars for peace and quiet and scenery, and four stars for beaches and value for money.
Nydri, which overlooks a bevy of emerald islets, is the busiest resort, while Geni, just across the bay, is the more peaceful alternative. If a sandy beach is what you’re craving, aim for the village of Agios Nikitas, the only resort on Lefkada’s west coast where you’ll find a variety of newly built villas and apartments.
Kefalonia: an ideal Greek island for couples
Overall score: 85%
Value for money rating: 4*
Rating for accommodation: 4*
The ruggedly beautiful Kefalonia scored five stars for its scenery and potential for peace and quiet in our Greek islands survey. Its extensive, jigsaw puzzle coast means it’s easy to find plenty of space for sunbathing and quiet spots for more private dinners.
Base yourself in Sami for white sands on the breathtaking Antisamos and Agios Paraskevi beaches, plus caves glowing blue from subterranean lakes. For smaller resorts head to the south coast, where you’ll find Afrato, Trapezaki and Karavados sitting on the slopes of the Mount Ainos National Park.
Crete: a Greek island pick for families
Overall score: 84%
Value for money rating: 4*
Rating for accommodation: 4*
Greece’s biggest island ranked in the top three among Which? members because it delivers the goods: scoring four stars for its stunning beaches and the full five stars for its dramatic scenery. And despite being the most visited Greek island in our survey, Crete is still relatively serene and offers good value for money.
The majority of Crete’s tourist hotspots, including the Venetian port town of Chania, historic Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, sit along the north coast. Here you’ll find attractions and activities to suit every family member. Foodies will want to sample some of the local cuisine such as local cheese and dakos, the island’s moorish answer to bruschetta.
Skiathos: best Greek island for beaches
Overall score: 83%
Value for money rating: 4*
Rating for accommodation: 4*
Skiathos scored the full five stars for its 65 pristine beaches (the only one to do so in our survey). If a fly-and-flop trip onto warm, white sand is your dream holiday, then Skiathos should suffice. Skiathos
Town is where you’ll find all of the action, especially at night. If the hustle and bustle doesn’t bother you, great. But don’t assume you’ll miss out if you choose to stay in a quieter location by a beach; there are lots of great summer bars, restaurants and water sports on offer.
For romantic walks, retreat to the pine-wooded hills behind the stunning Koukounaries beach. Here you’ll find coastal paths and sparkling lakes as well as a wide choice of accommodation.
Rhodes: best Greek island for tourist attractions
Overall score: 81%
Value for money rating: 4*
Rating for accommodation: 4*
Rhodes was the top-scorer for tourist attractions in our survey, with highlights including its walled Old Town and the spectacular clifftop acropolis of Lindos. The downside to its popularity, however, is it can get swamped during high season – especially when a cruise ship pulls in.
If you have the option, Rhodes’ magnificent sites are best enjoyed during shoulder season in May, when the sea is just warm enough for a dip and there are less crowds. Or if you’re set on a summer stay, the laidback beach resort of Stegna between Rhodes Town and Lindos offers some serenity.
Having only scored three stars for food and drink, you might prefer an alternative if you’re a foodie. Try Crete, where every village has its signature cheese or Kefalonia, where you can sample the world-class Robola wine fresh from the vineyards.
Source: Laura Sanders