‘Budget Caribbean’ Greek island is 20°C in spring and has £23 flights

‘I went with no expectations, and after five days, fell in love with the island,’ Ben Johns, 27, tells Metro.

White sandy beaches, crystal blue water, and warm pleasant evenings – the Greek Islands have proven that escaping the dreary British weather doesn’t need to involve a 10-hour flight.

But while the likes of Mykonos and Santorini tend to hog the spotlight, low-key destinations like Kefalonia can offer tourists ‘scenery usually associated with the Caribbean’ with a much less eye-watering price tag.

Only a three and a half hour flight away, Kefalonia is the largest of the Iranian Islands in Greece, with a population of approximately 36,000 people.

Despite its size, this slice of paradise has been called ‘unspoilt’, as well as a ‘home away from home’ by visitors.

And, with Jet2 announcing the launch of flights from London Gatwick to Kefalonia for the first time in 2026, now might be the perfect time to check it out for yourself.

While June and July will attract hoards of tourists, visitors who stay on the island during April and May can soak in the sun while enjoying all the benefits of the off-peak season.

One of these would be visiting the numerous beaches that have earned Kefalonia such a sparkling reputation.

It’s positively balmy in spring too, and sun-worshippers can expect highs of 19°C to 20°C towards the end of April.

Where to go in Kefalonia and things to see

Approximately 30 kilometres north of the capital Argostoli in the Pylaros region, Myrtos Beach is globally renowned for its exquisite turquoise sparkling water, white sand, and stunning viewpoints.

Nestled at the bottom of steep limestone cliffs, it mirrors a lot of the qualities Brits search for in the Caribbean, but just at a much more reasonable price point.

In March 2025, Alex Musewald visited Kefalonia and was so taken with the seaside spot, he wrote online: ‘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.’

‘The backdrop of steep cliffs, which protectively embrace the bay, gives Myrtos 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 setting in a beautiful glow either; its sunsets are said to be legendary, primarily due to the beach’s Western position.

Once you’re done sunbathing, a 20-minute drive will get you to the small picturesque village of Assos.

With a Venetian fortress perched above, it’s the perfect day-trip destination for anyone wanting to embrace slow travel, with authentic Greek tavernas and small local bars dotted along the waterfront.

Isabel Fraser’s grandparents live on the island, and after first visiting Kefalonia at just a year old, it’s safe to say she’s a seasoned vet when it comes to recommendations.

‘Kalamia Beach is a wonderful, often quieter spot with clear waters and fine sand,’ the 21-year-old tells Metro. ‘It’s near Agostoli so easy to walk or drive to from the capital.

‘The crystal clear water will truly make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean, and there’s plenty of caves for snorkelling, between super impressive limestone rocks.’

For a ‘more buzzy spot’ however, she recommends Makris Gialos, explaining: ‘It’s a longer beach with sun-beds galore, and also offers water-sports like parasailing. The sand is golden, and will give you that Caribbean vibe.’

‘Take note though,’ Isabel warns. ‘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 region that’s home to show-stopping beaches.

On the south of the Paliki peninsula, the stunning rare red sands of Xi Beach are akin to the Caribbean tourist hotspots Baie Rouge in St Martin or Playa Combate in Puerto Rico.

And while you’re there, perhaps 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.

‘I visited Kefalonia in the summer of 2021,’ travel content creator Ben Johns tells Metro.

‘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.’

But while he ‘went in with no expectations’, within five days he ‘fell in love with the island.’

‘We stayed in a family ran hotel just outside Argostili which sat on its own waterside,’ he explains. ‘The roads winded to the town with a handful of small coves and tavernas which were budget friendly and delicious. Fresh seafood, homemade tzatziki with pita, and a Mythos beer all for less than €10.’

Ben calls it an ‘unpretentious’ place that’s ‘not overrun’, adding: ‘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 were 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 here are a clear stand-out for visitors, even if you happen to prefer a less sandy getaway, you shouldn’t rule Kefalonia out just yet.

Argostoli, its capital and main port, offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and museums, and tends to be popular given its close proximity to the airport.

Once you land, it’s only a 15-minute car ride to reach the centre of the town, with most taxi fares costing between €20 to €25.

The main pedestrian high street in Argostoli, Lithostroto Street, boasts dozens of clothing shops and boutiques to buy ceramics and memorabilia. Plus, the nearby port gives you access to stunning sea views without the need for 1,000 different beach towels.

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 real piece of history.’

How much does a holiday in Kefalonia cost?

The cost of flying to Kefalonia during the Easter months depends entirely on how flexible you’re able to be. However, for the most part, there are dozens of really reasonable deals on offer currently.

For example, travelling with easyJet, departing from London Gatwick on Thursday April 9 at 07:45 am for a week-long trip, would right now set you back £88.

However, there are slightly cheaper options available. If you’re happy to ditch a checked bag and seat reservation, you could fly out from any London airport one-way to Kefalonia on Wednesday April 15 with easyJet for just £23.

Once you’ve arrived, make sure to grab yourself a beer, which in Kefalonia will only set you back roughly €2. If you had been sipping a lager in Aruba, however, you’d likely be paying a bill of approximately €6.

Hotels on the island can range from £400 to £1,100 for a seven night stay. However, there are also a range of apartments available for tourists, with a number offering beach-front access.

To be in walking-distance to attractions such as Myrtos Beach, the village of Divarata is a popular choice.

Here, a small family-run spot, Hotel Myrtos, sits just a few metres from the beach and costs only £44 per night, while Myrtos View Apartments, slightly further back up the cliff but surrounded by the most beautiful lush landscape, will set you back £110 per night.

Or, if you’re on the hunt for luxury, check out Eliamos Villas Hotel & Spa​ in the southern region of Spartià; an elevated hillside hotel with views of the Ionian Sea that will take your breath away. However, the price tag is equally gasp-worthy, at £600 per night.

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