Europe’s best beach has been revealed and it’s on Greece’s cheapest island

This bombshell beach on one of the Ionian islands has just been named best in Europe (Picture: Getty Images)

With 6,000 islands and a mainland that’s larger than England, Greece has more than its fair share of beaches.

Only one, however, has been given the honour as the ‘best in Europe’.

Fteri Beach, on the Paliki Peninsula of Kefalonia, has taken the top spot on the 2026 list of the Best Beaches in Europe.

Often described as Greece’s best-kept secret, Fteri beat out several of the country’s top contenders, including Porto Katsiki, Porto Timoni and Voutomi Beach, which came in at No. 5, No. 9 and No. 22 respectively.

The awards, which are part of the annual World’s 50 Best Beaches, are decided by over 1,000 travel experts — some who have visited every country in the world.

Beaches are evaluated based on certain criteria, including uniqueness, wildlife, how untouched it is, its natural soundtrack, whether the water is easy to enter, crowding levels and the likelihood of a ‘perfect beach day’.

Fteri’s turquoise waters and ‘majestic’ white cliffs (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Judges called out Fteri’s ‘crystal clear turquoise waters’ and the ‘majestic’ white cliffs that frame its white pebble beach.

To reach this pocket of paradise, you’ll need to come by boat or on foot.

But its isolation sets it apart from more tourist-heavy destinations.

The hike to the beach is steep. It takes around 40 minutes, with signs to guide your way. Sneakers, instead of flipflops, are highly recommended.

If you’d rather sail across the glittering Ionian, hop on a Fteri Water Taxi departing from Zola Harbour.

Time your visit well. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially in the busy summer season.

There are no amenities on Fteri Beach, so bring sunscreen, water, snacks, towels and whatever else you might need.

Europe’s best beach should be enough reason to visit Kefalonia alone. But there’s another major drawcard: the island has just been named the cheapest in Greece.

New research, by TravelSupermarket, found that a holiday in Kefalonia costs less than in Crete, Corfu, or Mykonos.

The fishing port of Lixouri (Picture: Getty Images)

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.

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 content creator Ben Johns, 27, told 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 sunshine and that increasingly elusive unicorn: peace and quiet.

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