Expedia has released its 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the next wave of island destinations gaining global momentum with searches for islands rising an average of 55 percent year-over-year, alongside social media mentions up 20 percent.
Based on Expedia's search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 fast-rising islands offering travelers an alternative to traditional hotspots, combining natural beauty, cultural depth, and sometimes better value.
Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List
- St. Lucia (+125%) - Best for Romantic Escapes
(Hotel Recommendation: Sugar Beach, 5 stars) - Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) - Best for Wellness & Relaxation
(Hotel Recommendation: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars) - Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) - Best for Nature Lovers
(Hotel Recommendation: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars) - Syros, Greece (+60%) - Best for Cuisine & Charm
(Hotel Recommendation: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars) - Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) - Best for Arctic Adventures
(Hotel Recommendation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, 4 stars) - Palawan, Philippines (+40%) - Best for Natural Wonders
(Hotel Recommendation: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars) - Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) - Best for Water Adventures
(Hotel Recommendation: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars) - Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) - Best for Family Escapes
(Hotel Recommendation: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars) - Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) - Best for Affordable Luxury
(Hotel Recommendation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars) - Fiji (+15%) - Best for Multi-generational Value
(Hotel Recommendation: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars)
New for 2026: Best Ultimate Soccer-inspired Island: Cape Verde (+805%)
Cape Verde has been named Expedia’s top soccer-inspired island, after interest boomed following a summer of soccer, where team Cape Verde melted soccer fans’ hearts and drove a new wave of travel demand. (Hotel Recommendation: Morabeza Hotel, 4 stars).
New for 2026: Best Private Island for Cruises: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (+50%) has been named Expedia’s Best Private Island for Cruises. Exclusive to Norwegian Cruise Line guests, Great Stirrup Cay has emerged as a standout private island destination, earning recognition for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear Bahamian waters, and diverse experiences that exemplify the seamless, all-in-one escape driving the growing popularity of private island cruise stops.
“Islands don’t just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest vacation values, thanks to all-inclusive resorts and bundle savings on Expedia,” said Melanie Fish, VP of Public Relations, Expedia Group Brands. “The list was finalized until two destinations generated so much buzz from cruise travelers and soccer fans that we had to give them awards of their own.”
Package Stays
Because travelers in 2026 are focused on value, island bundles are increasing in popularity. Here are examples:
- A 3-night stay in St. Lucia available to book on Expedia.com between November 9-12, 2026, starts at $880 per traveler, including accommodation at Villa Beach Cottages and direct flights from JFK with JetBlue Airways.
- A 3-night stay in Sanibel available to book on Expedia.com between August 17-20, 2026, starts at $923 per traveler, including accommodation at Sanibel Inn and flights from LAX via Nashville to Fort Myers with Southwest Airlines.
- A 3-night stay in Phu Quoc available to book on Expedia.com between September 8-11, 2026, starts at $1,138 per traveler, including accommodation at Riverside Mini Hotel Grand World and flights from LAX via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.
Expedia’s Top Tips for Island Travel
- Travel off-season for better value: Island escapes can be significantly cheaper outside peak periods. Shoulder- and off-season travel often delivers lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.
- Swap hotspots for “next wave” islands: Instead of well-trodden favorites, consider emerging destinations like Syros or Porto Santo. These islands offer similar natural beauty and cultural experiences, often at a lower price point.
- Bundle and Save with package bookings: Travelers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia. Booking everything together can save hundreds on average, while simplifying planning.
- Use Price Tracking and Flight Deals: Flight deals and price tracking can help travelers identify the best deals on flights, especially useful for long-haul island trips.
- Book popular island destinations sooner rather than later: High-demand islands fill up fast, especially during peak holiday periods. Booking early helps secure the best rates and availability.
Learn more about the top 10 islands on www.expedia.com/see/islandhotlist2026
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