The greatest island
in the Med*

The mercury is rising, sea temperatures are warming up, the pillows are being plumped. This can mean only one thing: the Mediterranean holiday season is almost upon us.

These idyllic islands are some of the best holiday destinations not just in Europe but in the world. But which one strikes a perfect balance of beaches, fine dining, sultry weather and luxurious offerings?

We have conducted a comprehensive research study to find out, and it was no small task. After whittling down 10,000 islands and islets to a shortlist of 50, we crunched data across 28 categories in four main areas: History and Culture, Natural Wonders, Weather, and Luxuries. All of the holiday favourites feature – from Mallorca to Crete – plus some lesser-known islands like Symi and Mljet.

We took into account experiential markers like five-star hotels, museums and Michelin-starred restaurants, plus PADI diving spots and ancient ruins. Weather is obviously crucial for a summer escape, so we also studied sea temperatures, rainfall and average summer highs.

It was a closely fought contest, but one island emerged as the clear winner, and a deserving one at that. With seven World Heritage Sites, a vast cellar of award-winning wines, an abundance of pristine beaches and some of Europe’s finest hotels, this island is the definition of Mediterranean style – and less than a three-hour flight away, to boot.

“Home to some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches and a raft of succulent foodie delights – the Ionian isle of Kefalonia was a star long before the 2001 film Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed here.”

Sunny, chic Kefalonia is well deserving of its top-ten spot, with one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean in Myrtos and one of the coolest harbour towns in Fiskardo. The island scored well for its quantity of beaches – you reach a new one every 2.4 miles of coastline: head south for sand and north for pebbles. Kefalonia also performed well in the climate category, with average summer highs of 26C, 13 sunshine hours per day and balmy sea temperatures. It has good wine-growing conditions, too: Decanter recognised four Kefalonian vintages in its 2022 awards. Bonus points were rewarded because Kefalonia does not attract your classic party crowd, which cannot be said for its rowdy neighbour, Zakynthos, which finished seven places below in 17th. Kefalonia is the third highest ranking Greek island in our study, but was the only one to reach the final of our reader poll.

Head to Melissani Cave (entry €7/£6), a subterranean cenote hidden away for thousands of years before it was discovered after an earthquake hit the island. Boat tours take you into the turquoise blue waters and into the depths of the vast cave.

Emelisse Nature Resort: “Emelisse is a classy combination of health resort and family-friendly holiday village. It’s perfectly placed on Kefalonia’s ravishing northern coast, within walking distance of fashionable Fiskardo and the turquoise waters of small, white shingle beach Emplisi.” (0030 26740 41200; emelisseresort.com; from £205/night)

“A quintessential bohemian spirit lingers. Whether on a beach, a dancefloor, or a yoga mat, few are able to resist its unmistakable magic.”

If it’s dancing from sunset to sunrise that gets you going, Ibiza is obviously the number one pick in the Mediterranean. But there’s a lot more to this Balearic island, with its pine forests buzzing with cicadas, quiet inland villages and untouched coves. When it comes to the hard data, Ibiza scored particularly well in our study for its abundance of dive sites; the wreck of Don Pedro is one of the biggest recreational dive sites in the Med. If you’d rather keep your feet on land, there are also three Michelin-starred restaurants and 19 five-star hotels to pick from. It also scored points for its relatively short flight times – just 2 hours 25 minutes. Neighbouring Formentera also featured in our study and finished in a respectable 27th place.

During the daytime it’s all about the markets. There’s one for every mood here, from the unashamedly kitsch goods on sale at the hippie market in Es Cana to the handmade wares available at Las Dalias near San Carlos.

Pure House Ibiza: “With acres of lush garden, pared back design and peerless chilled vibes, Pure House is the archetypal Ibiza bolthole. This fabulous forest finca is only a short drive from Ibiza Town and bears all the markings of the perfect peaceful getaway.” (0034 662 53 69 65; blisspurehouseibiza.com; from £355/night).

“With its rugged coastline, sandy beaches and clear sapphire waters, Mallorca is one of the jewels of the Mediterranean.” 

A true family destination, there is something for everyone in Mallorca. Historic castles, sublime nature reserves, authentic inland villages, and even – dare we mention – the odd waterpark. The Balearic island pipped its neighbour, Ibiza, in our leaderboard thanks to its rugged interior (the high peak of Puig Major towers at 1,436m), 113 distinct beaches, and array of five-star hotels. Mallorca also has 11 Michelin-starred restaurants, which is more than you will find in Scotland, with double-starred VORO (0034 871 811 350; vororestaurant.com) being the pick of the bunch. Menorca narrowly missed out on the top ten, finishing in 13th place.

How better to explore the mountains of Mallorca than in the polished wood carriage of a vintage train? The Tren de Sóller (trendesoller.com; €32 adults, €16 concessions) offers a scenic one-hour journey through the Tramuntana mountains. Crossing bridges, a five-arched viaduct and rumbling through 13 dark tunnels, it makes for a thrilling ride.

Palacio can Marques: “A magnificent former palace, five-star Palacio Can Marqués, is one of Palma de Mallorca’s most captivating and romantic historic properties. Sensitively restored into a warm and inviting luxurious urban oasis, it offers superb service and every comfort.” (0034 871 520 290; palaciocanmarques.com; from £285/night).

“Birthplace of Europe’s first evolved society, Crete is a vivid and sensual mosaic of contrasts: from lofty mountains and pink-sand beaches, to buzzing nightlife and traditional kafeneions (coffeehouses).” 

At the crossroads of three continents, Crete was described by Homer in his Odyssey as “a fair land… in the midst of the wine-dark sea”. Centuries later it continues to capture imaginations. Holidaymakers love Crete for its golden sands, but the island also takes every excuse to host a glendi (party) which usually revolves around food. In our study Crete scored top for its 108 five-star hotels, more than any other island in the shortlist, and it also scored points for its fascinating neolithic and bronze age remains  – be sure to add the ruins at Knossos, Europe’s “oldest city”, to your itinerary. Throw in 117 museums, the towering Idi Mountain (2,456m) and 212 distinct beaches and it’s a wonder Crete didn’t rank even higher.

For a dose of local lifestyle, spend an evening at warehouse-style music venue Nyn Kai Aei (0030 695 630 6002), where Cretan music stars come to strum and improvise their rhyming mantinades folk songs.

The Island Concept: “From the blissfully private sandy beach to the high-tech facilities and seamless service, luxury is the hallmark of this white-on-white boutique haven, which stands like a watchtower behind high gates on a breezy hilltop. It has spectacular sea views towards East Crete’s capital Agios Nikolaos.” (0030 284 109 0004; theislandconcept.gr; from £233/night).

“The vista of dramatic caldera cliffs rearing from the Aegean and sugar cube houses dribbling seawards like gravity-defying diamonds make Santorini the can-can dancer of the Cyclades.” 

We’ve all seen that quintessential sunset photograph of Santorini, but nothing can quite prepare you for the raw beauty of the island. Despite being the third-smallest island in our study (approximately the same size as Northampton, since you asked), Santorini shrugged off some of the most popular Mediterranean islands to secure sixth spot. It ranks high for its quantity of museums (one for every 345 people), the Akrotiri ruins dating back to the bronze age, and an extraordinarily high density of five-star hotels. Santorini also excelled in the weather subcategory; with zero rainy days in August, the only function for an umbrella is to shield you from the 13 sunshine hours per day in peak summer.

Watch the sunset from Oia Castle and then descend the 300 steps for an early dinner at the nearby Ammoudi Fish Tavern (0030 22860 72298; ammoudisantorini.com), where you can continue to enjoy the views as the sky morphs from dazzling technicolour to ink black.

Erosantorini: “Eight hundred hotels are squeezed onto Santorini, but this private estate dangling on the volcanic caldera has blasted the competition out of the water. With a concierge, chef, trainer and masseur at your service, and a pool terrace suspended between sky and sea, you’ll feel on top of the world.” (0030 2286 036396; erosantorini.com; from £658/night).

“Malta may be well-known for its sun and sea, but the island’s real USP is its extraordinary history (and prehistory) and the fabulous sights this has left behind.”

Given that the two islands (well three, actually, including Comino) of Malta and Gozo combine to form a single country, for the purpose of our study we have grouped them together. Its three World Heritage Sites (City of Valletta, the Megalithic Temples and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum) ancient Xaghra stone circle and – believe it or not – fine wine according to Decanter (Gran Cavalier Sauvignon Blanc), leave it in second place out of the 50 islands for History and Culture. Throw in six Michelin-starred restaurants and 75 recognised dive sites, and Malta emerges as the fifth finest Mediterranean island in our study. It will be a popular choice, we suspect, having reached the final four in our reader poll.

At the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (€35/£30 for entry, cheaper for concessions) you can experience the world of the “temple people” who occupied Malta more than 5,000 years ago. The tour leads you through the three-storey subterranean labyrinth cut into solid rock. Book well in advance, as only ten people per hour are allowed in.

Phoenicia Hotel: “Malta’s iconic Art Deco hotel, the Phoenicia is perfectly located beside the main gates of the citadel capital, Valletta. A favourite of the British Royal family, it is a destination in itself, as well as a five-star hotel with character and all the facilities – including gardens, pools indoor and out, and a spa.” (00356 212 25241; phoeniciamalta.com; from £195/night).

“There’s something about the Island of Beauty that inspires devotion. From hidden horse-shoe beaches to its hallmark sawtooth peaks, there is character and good looks enough to make a broad church swoon.”

It is hard to say why, exactly, but Corsica doesn’t receive nearly the quantity of British tourists that it deserves given its scale and historical significance. Indeed, it is the only island in the top ten that didn’t proceed through the first round in our reader poll. But the French island made fourth place thanks to its excellent snorkelling, catalogue of beaches and undulating landscape. Corsica also excelled in the Luxuries subcategory, with its four Michelin-starred restaurants and 17 5-star hotels. But this is an island that sticks to its roots with its own distinct culture. Donkeys dot the countryside, a very Corsican brand of music remains popular, and you will find delicacies including chestnut polenta and spicy cheeses served in restaurants.

For those who enjoy getting active, sign up for a day of canyoning with Outdoor Visit (00420 737 707 397; outdoorvisit.com; £65/person) – nine hours of climbing, jumping, swimming and zip-lining around the flanks of Monte Cito. Runs April to October from £66 per person.

Grand Hotel de Cala Rossa: “The only hotel on the peaceful cove in the Gulf of Porto-Vecchio, this family-owned grand dame gazes out towards town through the fragrant parasol pines. A destination restaurant plates up artful dishes of local meats, cheeses and seafood, with vegetables and herbs grown in the kitchen garden.” (00334 95 71 61 51; hotel-calarossa.com; from £510/night).

“Where to start? Giants' tombs, mysterious Nuraghic fortresses, or exquisite sandy beaches lapped by impossibly turquoise sea? Then there’s the mountainous interior, excellent for hiking. But one of the best ways to experience Sardinia is to arrange your trip around one of its many festivals.”

The people of Sardinia share something in common with the islanders of Okinawa, Japan: namely, that they live longer and healthier lives than anyone else on the planet. No surprises, really. With exquisite food and wine and turquoise seas, this epitomises the sweet life of the Mediterranean. Sardinia came out top in the Natural Wonders category, thanks to top quality beaches (all 470 of them), world-class snorkelling and 40 recognised dive sites. It’s got the longest coastline of any island in our study, at 1,149 miles.

On the northwest coast, the medieval city of Alghero is a delight to wander around. Once conquered by the Catalans, some of the residents here speak ‘Algherese’, a variant of the Catalan language, and the historic centre is still known as ‘Barcelonetta’.

Capo d’Orso: “It’s hard not to be seduced by Capo d’Orso’s bewitching location, suspended over the boundless sea on Sardinia’s voluptuous north coast. Five-star service, two beaches, a seawater pool and an intimate Thalasso spa add to its heady pleasures.” (0039 0789 790 317; hotelcapodorso.com; from £305/night)

“The glistening, blue waters of the Mediterranean hosts thousands of islands, but the one that ticks all the boxes and is arguably the finest the sea has to offer is Cyprus.” 

Variety is the chief appeal of any holiday in Cyprus. Where else in the Med could you visit mountain vineyards, luxuriate in thalassotherapy spas, explore ancient tombs, snorkel and even ski (in winter months)? Cyprus did well in our study for history and culture, with ancient ruins, three World Heritage Sites and intangible cultural heritage markers – including Lefkara laces and Tsiattista poetic duelling. Cyprus also scored highly for its climate, with summer highs of 27°C, 12 sunshine hours per day and just one rainfall day in August. An island that is well worth the slightly longer flight time of 4 hours 20 minutes, and a very popular choice among our polled Telegraph readers.

Fancy cooling off from the heat with some snorkelling? Head to St George’s Island and Devil’s Head off the Akamas Peninsula, or take an excursion to the Amphorae Caves and Manidjin Island off Paphos. The marine life across the island is nothing short of spectacular.

Anassa Hotel: “Hotels may vie for being the island’s best, but the Anassa always comes out on top. Given its tranquil location on the fringes of Cyprus’s Akamas national park, and luxury amenities like a seriously opulent spa and gourmet cuisine, it is easy to see why.” (anassa.com; +357 26 888 000; £369/night).

“Through the ages Sicily has been a crossroads and crucible of Mediterranean culture. The island today is a fascinating palimpsest, its history and abundant natural wonders ensuring that there’s something for everyone.”

Top of the pack by some margin, Sicily lapped up 70.7% of available points. And it’s no surprise whatsoever, given that the island combines natural wonders, history, luxury and temperate weather like nowhere else in Europe. It’s also your favourite, coming out as the number one island in our reader poll.

Its 538 museums and seven World Heritage Sites, including the ancient city of Agigrento and Mount Etna, prove that there is intrigue and depth to the island beyond the prerequisite sun, sea and sand. Although it doesn’t do those too badly, either. There are 334 beaches and 922 miles of coastline to explore. The fact that Sicily scored 40th in the Weather category, due to its rainfall and (slightly) cooler summer temperatures, and still took top spot by such an impressive margin is a testament to the depths of Sicily’s offerings.

If you’re the kind of person who wants to get the heart beating while on holiday, there are 45 PADI-listed dive sites and there’s the option to hike in the vertiginous Parco delle Madonie. But what Sicily does best is quality. With a total of 22 Michelin stars across 19 restaurants, the island has the finest dining in the Med. There are even sublime wines here – Decanter recognised 171 Sicilian vintages in its 2022 awards.

Whether you visit the dazzling churches of Palermo, wander the narrow streets of Cefalù, roam the ancient theatre of Taormina or go chocolate tasting in Modica, or just hunker down in a remote hillside cottage with sea views, there is nowhere better than Sicily to fully experience la dolce vita.

Vines have lined the mineral-rich slopes of Mount Etna since ancient times, but it is only in recent years the region’s wines have been recognised for their superior quality. Attend a session at the Etna Wine School (0039 347 334 8782; etnawineschool.com; from €200 for a day course), where sommelier Benjamin Spenser offers tours and tastings.

Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo: “The luxurious Timeo, set in one of Sicily’s prettiest towns, not only offers exceptional services and facilities, but also one of the best views in Italy, straight onto Europe’s largest active volcano. Use of the beach facilities at sister hotel the Sant’Andrea is the icing on the cake.” (0039 0942 6270 200; belmond.com; from £534/night).

Even though many of the criteria were calculated per square mile or per capita, the winners in our study were still the biggest players: the four biggest islands, Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica and Cyprus, finished in the top four. But size isn’t everything. Some of the bigger islands in our study including Djerba (finished 47th), Chios (36th) and Euboea (28th) prove this.

And some smaller islands punched way above their weight, too. Santorini, the third-smallest island in our list, finished sixth overall, and Malta – 26th in size – finished fifth. Other smaller islands that performed well include Milos (38th biggest, ranked 18th), Paros (37th biggest, ranked 16th) and Mykonos (43rd biggest, ranked 15th).

The Croatian island of Cres propped up the bottom of the table. Despite being one of the country’s biggest islands, along with neighbouring Krk, it scored just 15.3% of the available points. Mljet, Kalymnos, Djerba, Ithaca, Icaria, Skyros, Pag, Gökçeada, Lemnos and Symi make up the rest of the bottom ten. While each has its own merits (hence them featuring in our shortlist of 50 islands), they just couldn’t compete with the high bar of historical sites, natural wonders and luxurious appeal of the other islands. But then again, for some people, their more modest offerings (and therefore, fewer tourists) might add to the allure.

A number of islands which ranked lower overall sneaked into the top ten for a specific category. Hvar, for example, scored well in History and Culture for the fact that the entire island is a Unesco World Heritage Site and it boasts fascinating sites like the neolithic Grapčeva Cave. Zakynthos made the top ten for Natural Wonders thanks to its abundance of beaches and snorkelling spots. Symi topped the chart for its climate credentials, while Menorca made the top ten for luxuries due to its range of quality hotels and the absence of your typical ‘party’ crew found elsewhere in the Balearics.