As travellers look beyond Europe’s busiest beach destinations, a new wave of lesser-known islands are having a moment.
From the golden sands of Porto Santo near Madeira to the foodie favourite of Syros in Greece and Norway’s dramatic Lofoten Islands, these under-the-radar escapes are seeing a surge in popularity as holidaymakers swap overcrowded hotspots for somewhere a little more authentic.
Online travel agency Expedia has released its 2026 Island Hot List, which reveals the best up-and-coming islands to know now.
Expedia’s research revealed that island-based holidays are getting ever more popular, with online searches for them rising an average of 55% year-on-year, and social media mentions up by some 20%.
The hot list shines the spotlight on 10 increasingly popular islands, celebrated for their natural beauty, cultural offerings, less busy streets and beaches and, sometimes, better value.
While St Lucia in the Caribbean topped the list, and islands across five continents made the ranking, three out of the 10 entries are in Europe, and also in the top five, meaning you don’t have to go far to experience some of the coolest islands right now.
Europe leads the way for island escapes
Porto Santo, Portugal
In second place overall is Porto Santo, a brief flight or easy two-and-a-half hour ferry from Madeira’s capital of Funchal. While Madeira has long been recognised as an alternative to the nearby Canaries, Porto Santo is relatively unknown.
Expedia’s research found that searches for the tiny island – just 11 kilometres across – are up some 85%. For now, though, it’s a quieter alternative to its larger neighbour and many of Europe’s far busier beach destinations.
Here, you’ll find no end of golden sands, Praia do Porto Santo beach makes up nine kilometres of the coastline, while it’s very much the embodiment of ‘island time’, meaning you can enjoy it at a slow and relaxing pace.
Don’t miss the otherworldly Dunas de Porto Santo, a quasi-desert, or the natural pools of Porto Das Salemas, ideal for a cooling dip.
Be sure to try scabbard fish, traditionally served with banana and passionfruit, and sample poncha, a refreshing fresh citrus cocktail made with sugar cane rum.
Syros, Greece
Coming in fourth place in the ranking is Syros, in the Cyclades island group, where whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches meet a thriving food scene and a far more relaxed atmosphere than nearby Santorini or Mykonos.
According to Expedia, searches for the island have risen by 60%, as more travellers seek out authentic Greek islands without the crowds.
The elegant capital, Ermoupoli, is packed with grand Venetian mansions, colourful neoclassical buildings and lively waterfront cafés and is well worth a visit.
Spend your days wandering the marble streets of Ano Syros, the island’s medieval hilltop village, before cooling off with a swim at Galissas or Kini Beach.
Come evening, settle into a taverna for fresh seafood and local specialities such as loukoumi, the island’s famous rose, bergamot and mastic-flavoured Turkish delight, washed down with a glass of crisp Greek wine.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Following in fifth place are the Lofoten Islands in the north of Norway.
An archipelago of dramatic peaks, crystal-clear fjords and colourful fishing villages, they feel a world away from the continent’s busier holiday destinations.
Expedia found searches for the islands have climbed by 50%, as travellers continue to seek out outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery.
Summer here brings almost endless daylight under the midnight sun, while from September through to spring, visitors have a good chance of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Hike to panoramic viewpoints including the iconic Reinebringen, kayak through the mirror-like fjords or simply explore postcard-perfect villages like Henningsvær and Reine.
After a day outdoors, warm up with a bowl of traditional fish soup or freshly caught Arctic cod, one of the region’s best-known delicacies.
Why are islands so popular as holiday destinations?
“Islands don’t just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest holiday values, thanks to all-inclusive resorts and bundle savings,” said Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson.
Experts at the company have a number of top tips to make sure your island escape is a real success.
These include choosing to travel off-season for better value, as island trips can often be significantly less expensive in shoulder seasons and just as pleasant a holiday.
Instead of well-trodden favourites, head to ‘next wave’ islands, including those recommended on Expedia’s list.
If you can, use price tracking to help find the best deals on flights and accommodation, and be sure to book the most popular island destinations as soon as you can, as they tend to fill up, especially during peak periods.
Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List
- 1. St. Lucia
- 2. Porto Santo, Portugal
- 3. Praslin, Seychelles
- 4. Syros, Greece
- 5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
- 6. Palawan, Philippines
- 7. Culebra, Puerto Rico
- 8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
- 9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- 10. Fiji