pristine

The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area

A beautiful island with crystal clear waters and impeccable vibes has been named the most relaxed place for a holiday.

It’s a mad old world out there at the moment. And during mad old times, heading to a hectic, vibrant, crowd-filled holiday destination may not be at the top of everyone’s list.

If you’re looking for somewhere where the pace is slow and the atmosphere is calm, then Alonissos is the place.

The Greek island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, exceptionally clear waters, and the chance to explore Europe’s largest marine protected area. As the most remote of the Northern Sporades islands, it offers an authentic, laid-back experience far from the bustling crowds of nearby Skiathos.

The travel experts at Solmar Villas analysed over 160 global destinations to crown Alonissos as the most relaxing places for a chilled-out summer holiday in 2026, noting its lack of crowds, beautiful nature, the slow pace of life and its lovely climate.

Melissa, a travel blogger, recently visited the island and fell in love with it. She wrote: “Alonissos is one of those places you feel. It ended up being my favourite of the three islands I visited. It’s quiet, a little wild, totally underrated. Out of all the Sporades islands, it’s the furthest out, which probably explains why it’s still kind of a hidden gem. It’s way less touristic and definitely more laid back than islands like Mykonos. No cruise ship crowds, no overpriced cocktails. I paid on average 9€ for my Aperol Spritz, where in Mykonos, that’s gonna cost double.”

What to do in Alonissos?

First and foremost, time spent in Alonissos is best spent relaxing, kicking back on the beach and dreamily gazing into the middle distance. But if you do feel the need to do something, there is plenty to choose from. Including:

• National Marine Park: A 2,200 km/sq haven for biodiversity, home to the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
• You can take boat tours to uninhabited islets like Kyra Panagia, which features a 12th-century monastery.
• World-class diving and snorkelling: Alonissos is home to the “Parthenon of Shipwrecks” at Peristera, Greece’s first underwater museum, where divers can view thousands of ancient amphorae at 30m depth. The water is so clear that visibility can reach up to 50 metres.
• The charming old town of Chora: Perched on a hilltop with 360° views, the postcard-perfect Old Town was painstakingly restored after a 1965 earthquake and is filled with cobbled alleys and flowering balconies.
• Its pristine beaches: Agios Dimitrios, striking “horn-shaped” pebble beach with vivid turquoise water, Kokkinokastro, known for its dramatic red cliffs and deep blue sea, and Chrisi Milia: The island’s only golden sandy beach, featuring shallow waters ideal for families.
• Eco-tourism and nature: The island is a magnet for hikers, with over 40 km of signposted trails that lead through dense pine forests and olive groves to secluded bays. Alonissos is also a pioneer in sustainability, being one of the first Greek islands to go plastic-bag-free.

The findings revealed that Greece stands out as the best country to visit for relaxation in 2026, with destinations across the Greek islands and mainland dominating the rankings. In fact, 70% of the top 10 destinations are located in Greece, highlighting the country’s strong appeal for travellers seeking a more peaceful summer holiday this year.

There is no airport on Alonissos. To get there you need to travel by ferry from the nearest airports, which are on Skiathos (2.5 hrs by ferry) or at mainland Volos (3-4.5 hours by ferry). You can also fly to Athens or Thessaloniki and continue via internal flight or ferry.

Dubbed a ‘Mediterranean masterpiece’ that’s like ‘stepping into a screensaver’, this unspoilt beach has been among the world’s best – and it’s just three hours from the UK with £28 flights

The world’s best beaches have been named, and there’s one pristine shore just three hours from the UK with turquoise waters and sugar-white sand.

Fteri Beach on Greece’s Kefalonia island is officially Europe’s most beautiful beach after it was named on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Beaches list. The stunning coastline of Fteri was ranked second-best in the world in the annual awards and was the only European coastline to secure a place in the top 10, while Entalula Beach in the Philippines took the top spot.

The votes were decided by a team of more than 1,000 travel experts, who noted that Fteri Beach was an “isolated and majestic Greek perfection”. They highlighted that its position tucked away in a secluded cove contributes to its “pristine and serene atmosphere,” which sets it apart from other tourist hotspots.

READ MORE: Beautiful overlooked European gem outside Schengen zone has £17 flights and £2 pintsREAD MORE: World’s top 10 most beautiful beaches for 2026 ranked with new number one

The shore could easily be compared to those found in the Caribbean, thanks to its stunning white pebbles mixed with sand and the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Its breathtaking scenes are only enhanced by the dramatic white cliffs that tower around the beach, adding to its secluded oasis beneath the Mediterranean sun.

The unspoiled beach is a haven for those looking for a quieter day at the beach and to admire some of the most picture-perfect vistas. Despite its more remote location, the beach is accessible by boat or by hiking down a steep trail, and the journey is well worth it to experience this little slice of paradise.

What’s more, the island of Kefalonia is just over three hours from the UK, and direct one-way flights start from just £28 with Ryanair, departing from London Stansted, according to Skyscanner. You can also fly directly to Kefalonia from various UK airports, including Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff, so it couldn’t be easier to jet abroad to one of the world’s best beaches.

Those who have visited Fteri Beach have been blown away by its azure waters and views that have been compared to a computer screensaver. One fan shared on TripAdvisor: “Such beautiful waters are hard to see! Of course, it requires an effort because they are only accessible by a mountain path, but it is absolutely worth it!

A second commented: “Fteri Beach is the real deal – glistening turquoise water, towering white cliffs, and the kind of peaceful silence you want to bottle and take home. Swimming here feels like stepping into a screensaver, and the lack of crowds keeps the magic intact. It’s not just one of Kefalonia’s best – it’s a full-on Mediterranean masterpiece.”

However, due to its untouched location, travellers noted that there aren’t any facilities, including toilets, bars, or sunbeds, so advised visitors to take their own umbrellas and drinks. Many also mentioned that they reached the beach by booking a water taxi within about 5 minutes and were able to swim in the crystal-clear waters during a serene day out.

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