As travellers increasingly seek alternatives to Europe's overcrowded beach destinations, a new wave of lesser-known islands is gaining traction. Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List, released this month, identifies ten up-and-coming islands worldwide, with three European entries ranking in the top five: Porto Santo (Portugal), Syros (Greece), and the Lofoten Islands (Norway).
The research shows that island-based holidays are surging in popularity, with online searches rising an average of 55% year-on-year and social media mentions up by 20%. The list celebrates islands celebrated for natural beauty, cultural offerings, less crowded streets and beaches, and often better value.
Porto Santo: Portugal's Golden Escape
In second place overall, Porto Santo is a tiny island—just 11 kilometres across—a short flight or a two-and-a-half-hour ferry from Funchal, Madeira's capital. While Madeira has long been an alternative to the Canary Islands, Porto Santo remains relatively unknown. Expedia found searches for the island have jumped 85%.
Here, Praia do Porto Santo beach stretches nine kilometres along the coastline, offering golden sands and a slow, relaxing pace. Visitors should not miss the otherworldly Dunas de Porto Santo, a quasi-desert, or the natural pools of Porto Das Salemas for a cooling dip. Local specialities include scabbard fish served with banana and passionfruit, and poncha, a refreshing citrus cocktail made with sugar cane rum.
For those interested in marine conservation, citizen scientists in the nearby Canary Islands are tracking marine life, as reported in Citizen Photos Help Scientists Track Marine Life in the Canary Islands.
Syros: Authentic Cyclades Without the Crowds
Ranked fourth, Syros in the Cyclades offers whitewashed villages and blue-domed churches alongside a thriving food scene and a far more relaxed atmosphere than Santorini or Mykonos. Searches for the island have risen 60%, according to Expedia.
The elegant capital, Ermoupoli, boasts grand Venetian mansions, colourful neoclassical buildings, and lively waterfront cafés. Visitors can wander the marble streets of Ano Syros, the medieval hilltop village, then cool off at Galissas or Kini Beach. Evenings are best spent in a taverna enjoying fresh seafood and local specialities such as loukoumi—rose, bergamot, and mastic-flavoured Turkish delight—paired with crisp Greek wine.
Efforts to reduce coastal pollution on Greek islands are ongoing, as highlighted in Typhoon Project Cuts Coastal Pollution by Up to 75% on Greek Islands.
Lofoten Islands: Norway's Arctic Wonder
In fifth place, the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway are an archipelago of dramatic peaks, crystal-clear fjords, and colourful fishing villages. Searches have climbed 50% as travellers seek outdoor adventures and breathtaking scenery.
Summer brings almost endless daylight under the midnight sun, while from September to spring, visitors have a good chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. Hiking to panoramic viewpoints like Reinebringen, kayaking through mirror-like fjords, or exploring postcard-perfect villages such as Henningsvær and Reine are popular activities. After a day outdoors, warm up with traditional fish soup or freshly caught Arctic cod.
For those considering a broader European island itinerary, Five Underrated European Islands to Visit Instead of the Crowded Classics offers additional suggestions.
Why Islands Are Booming
“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 recommend travelling off-season for better value, heading to ‘next wave’ islands like those on the list, using price tracking for flights and accommodation, and booking popular destinations early, 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.
