The largest of the Ionian islands came out top in a poll by the consumer research website Which? But the party appears to be over for the former jet-setters' favourite of Mykonos, which came bottom-as the worst of the islands to visit, largely due to it being considered "overpriced" and "overcrowded".
Abundant sandy beaches, rich scenery and access to solitude sealed the deal for the Kefalonia. Which? asked more than 1,000 visitors to rate the 10 main Greek islands on factors including beaches, attractions, scenery and value for money.
Kefalonia, the setting for Louis de Bernières' novel Captain Corelli's Mandolin and the location for the 2001 film starring Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz, was the only island to score five stars in the peace and quiet category, gaining an overall 85%.
Visitors were particularly taken with the island's scenery, describing it as "stunning", with one praising, in particular, the "beautiful and secluded" beach at Erisos, near Fiskardo, which is reached on foot through a forest.
Jo Rhodes, the deputy editor of Which? Travel, said: "If you're planning a Greek island getaway, you're spoiled for choice. While they all have a wealth of sun, sea and sand, each island has its own distinct character and hidden gems to discover. This year, the top-rated islands all offered a chance to escape the crowds - with Kefalonia, Skiathos and Lefkada separating themselves from the pack with high scores for peace and quiet.
This story is from the March 11, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the March 11, 2023 edition of The Guardian.
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