Island holidays continue to attract travellers looking for beaches, outdoor activities, local culture and nature.

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List highlights the destinations that recorded the biggest growth in travel searches over the past year, offering a glimpse into where travellers are planning to visit next.

Read also: Starlink enters island nation Seychelles, challenging traditional telcos

Here are the top 10 island destinations for 2026, according to Expedia.

1. Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia tops Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List after recording a 125 per cent increase in year-on-year searches, the highest of any island destination.

Located in the Eastern Caribbean, Saint Lucia is known for its volcanic landscape, beaches and outdoor experiences. Visitors can hike the Gros Piton, explore marine life through diving and snorkelling, or visit cocoa estates to learn about local chocolate production.

The island also remains one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations for couples. Expedia named it the best island for romantic holidays, while Travel + Leisure recently included it among the best islands in the Caribbean.

The busiest period for tourism is between December and April.

2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal
Porto Santo ranked second after recording an 85 per cent increase in searches.

The island, part of Portugal’s Madeira archipelago, is recognised for its beaches and slower pace of travel. Expedia named it the best island for wellness and relaxation.

Visitors also use Porto Santo as a gateway to Madeira, where hiking trails, whale watching and surfing attract tourists throughout the year.

3. Praslin, Seychelles
Praslin secured third place with an 80 per cent rise in travel searches.

The island is one of the best-known destinations in the Seychelles and is home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, where the rare coco de mer palm grows naturally.

Expedia named Praslin the best island for nature lovers because of its forests, wildlife and beaches.

4. Syros, Greece
Syros ranked fourth on the list, reflecting continued demand for Greek island holidays.

Unlike some of Greece’s busiest islands, Syros combines beaches with history and local culture. Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, is known for its public squares, museums, theatres and waterfront.

Visitors also enjoy traditional villages, walking routes and local cuisine.

5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
The Lofoten Islands completed the top five after recording a 50 per cent increase in searches.

Situated above the Arctic Circle, the islands offer long summer days, mountain landscapes, beaches and fishing villages.

Travellers visit Lofoten for hiking, kayaking, fishing and photography, while winter visitors often travel there to see the Northern Lights.

6. Palawan, Philippines
Palawan remains one of Southeast Asia’s leading island destinations.

Known for its limestone cliffs, lagoons and marine parks, the island attracts travellers interested in island hopping, diving and snorkelling.

Popular attractions include El Nido, Coron and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Culebra, located east of Puerto Rico’s mainland, is known for Flamenco Beach, which regularly appears on lists of the world’s leading beaches.

Its protected waters also make it a popular destination for diving, snorkelling and wildlife conservation.

8. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States
Sanibel Island was the only destination in the contiguous United States to make Expedia’s top 10.

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the island is known as the “seashell capital of the world” because more than 400 species of shells can be found along its shoreline.

Cycling, birdwatching and nature reserves also attract visitors throughout the year.

9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
Phu Quoc combines beaches with fishing communities, seafood markets and national parks. Visitors also explore pepper farms, fish sauce factories and coral reefs.

Recent investment in tourism infrastructure has helped increase international arrivals.

10. Fiji
Fiji made up of more than 300 islands in the South Pacific, Fiji attracts visitors with beaches, coral reefs and marine life.

Activities include diving, sailing, village tours and cultural performances, while many travellers choose the destination for family holidays, honeymoons and adventure trips.

Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.