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From Caribbean coves to lesser-known European destinations with spectacular scenery, a new ranking of the top islands around the world has been released.
Expedia has published its 2026 Island Hot List, shining a light on the destinations gaining momentum – with searches for islands rising an average of 55 per cent year-over-year, alongside social media mentions up 20 per cent.
Based on Expedia’s search data, the Island Hot List highlights ten fast-rising islands worth visiting.
The destinations offer travellers an alternative to traditional hotspots, combining natural beauty, cultural depth and sometimes better value.
Here’s a rundown of the top 10 spots – and which to pick for different types of holiday…
1. St Lucia – Best for romantic escapes
Taking the gold medal as the best island according to the research is St Lucia
As travellers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, St Lucia stands out for couples with its secluded resorts, dramatic scenery, and soft adventure tailored for romance.
The mountainous island nation is known for its volcanic peaks, the Pitons, as well as its immaculate beaches – of both the black and white sand varieties.
Highlights for visitors include Soufrière and the geothermal sites such as the Sulphur Springs and natural mud baths, Piton Falls and Marigot Bay, one of the island’s top beaches.
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal – Best for wellness and relaxation
In second place, taking the silver medal, is Porto Santo in Madeira, Portugal
A quieter alternative to Madeira’s busier resorts and mainland Europe’s most popular beach destinations, Porto Santo is known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.
In Porto Santo, you’ll get all the beauty of popular spots – but without the crowds.
With a 9km (six miles) stretch of golden sands, it’s great for a crowd-free getaway. Meanwhile, for more adventurous types, check out the trails such as Vereda do Pico Branco, Pico do Castelo and the small but mighty Zimbralinho Beach Trail.
Head to Praia do Porto Santo first and foremost, but then check out the only town, Vila Baleira, which is also home to the Christopher Columbus House Museum.
3. Praslin, Seychelles – Best for nature lovers
Taking the bronze medal in the full list is Praslin in the Seychelles
No longer a launchpad for Seychelles island hopping, Praslin’s protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and untouched beaches are drawing travellers seeking immersive natural beauty.
It’s the second largest island in the Seychelles, and is home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve, often dubbed the ‘Garden of Eden’.
‘Visiting Vallée de Mai in Praslin was like stepping into a prehistoric paradise. Walking through this ancient palm forest was an unforgettable experience, with towering trees, lush greenery, and peaceful nature all around,’ one delighted holidaymaker wrote on Google reviews.
4. Syros, Greece – Best for cuisine and charm
Syros is the fourth island to make the list, a perfect Greek getaway
Syros is an alternative Greek island offering culture, food, and fewer crowds than the region’s better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos.
The compact island is located in the centre of the Aegean Sea and 70 miles from the port of Piraeus.
There’s an added bonus for cat lovers, too – the Greek island is offering free accommodation to look after rescued cats, as it is home to around 3,000 stray felines.
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway – Best for arctic adventures
The Lofoten Islands in Norway scoop up the fifth place award
The Lofoten Islands are a spectacular archipelago in Northern Norway known for dramatic peaks and crystal-clear fjords.
Here travellers find the Midnight Sun in summer and an alternative for Northern Lights spotting from September to April.
It’s also home to one of Europe’s best beaches – hidden within Norway’s dramatic Lofoten Islands, Kvalvika Beach is a remote Arctic bay where golden sands meet turquoise waters beneath towering mountain peaks.
Accessible only via a challenging hike, the untouched beach offers complete seclusion and spectacular scenery that feels worlds away from civilisation, making it especially popular with adventurous travellers and wild campers.
6. Palawan, Philippines – Best for natural wonders
Next up is Palawan, a green haven situated in the Philippines
As travellers seek more dramatic, discovery-driven escapes, this destination is gaining traction for its iconic limestone landscapes and pristine ecosystems.
Tucked away beside towering limestone cliffs in Palawan is what has been described as one of the best beaches in the world – Entalula Beach.
It’s only accessible by boat but once they’ve arrived, visitors can sink their feet into soft white sand and splash in sparkling waters.
With its relatively secluded location, the beach is often much quieter than other spots and has a natural, untouched feel.
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico – Best for water adventures
In seventh place is Puerto Rico’s Culebra – pictured is beautiful Flamenco Beach
Culebra in Puerto Rico offers a quieter escape for its world-class snorkelling, diving and tidal pools.
Flamenco Beach in Culebra is often ranked among the world’s best, with white sands and green hills behind it – as well as abandoned military tanks left on the sand and in the water.
Snorkelling with turtles is popular here, as well as the many natural sights such as the nature reserve and beaches.
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, US – Best for family escapes
Sanibel Island in Florida comes in eighth place on the ranking
Sanibel Island combines easy accessibility with rising global interest from families for its simple, uncrowded beach escapes.
Bowman’s Beach is reportedly the ‘most secluded beach’ on Sanibel Island, making it perfect for couples to spend some alone time.
With no buildings in sight, beachgoers can enjoy plenty of privacy for their seaside adventures.
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam – Best for affordable luxury
In ninth place in the full list is Phu Quoc, located in Vietnam
Rapidly emerging as Southeast Asia’s affordable luxury island hub, Phu Quoc trends up for its strong value appeal and accessible pricing.
It is Vietnam’s largest island, and some areas of Phu Quoc feature European-inspired architecture, creating a distinctive contrast with its tropical setting.
White sand beaches, sunset views, holiday resorts and temples are all available to explore.
10. Fiji – Best for multi-generational value
Rounding out the top 10 in the list is the tropical destination of Fiji
Evolving as a destination for all generations, Fiji is the most mentioned island on social media in 2026, combining family-friendly resorts, cultural depth and strong overall value.
‘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 on Expedia,’ said Melanie Fish, travel expert and Expedia spokeswoman.
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