{"id":65797,"date":"2026-07-21T11:21:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T11:21:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/newsroom\/?p=65797"},"modified":"2026-08-11T19:49:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T19:49:18","slug":"expedia-reveals-2026-island-hot-list-the-next-wave-of-trending-islands-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/newsroom\/expedia-reveals-2026-island-hot-list-the-next-wave-of-trending-islands-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Expedia Reveals 2026 Island Hot List: The Next Wave of Trending Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Emerging island interest jumps 55% on average as travelers trade hotspots for better value.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Unexpected twist: One island surged on cruise demand while another rode a wave of soccer fandom.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expedia\u00ae<\/sup> today released its 2026 Island Hot List<\/a><\/strong>, <\/strong>revealing the Next Wave of island destinations gaining global momentum with searches for islands rising an average of 55% year-over-year,1<\/sup> alongside social media mentions up 20%.2<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expedia\u2019s 2026 Island Hot List<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. St. Lucia<\/strong> (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Sugar Beach<\/a>, 5 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal <\/strong>(+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa<\/a>, 5 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Praslin, Seychelles<\/strong> (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites<\/a>, 4 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Syros, Greece<\/strong> (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Syrou Melathron<\/a>, 4 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Lofoten Islands, Norway<\/strong> (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventures
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Henningsv\u00e6r Bryggehotell<\/a>, 4 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Palawan, Philippines<\/strong> (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Carpe Diem Villas & Resort<\/a>, 4 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Culebra, Puerto Rico<\/strong> (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel<\/a>, 3 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA<\/strong> (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Sanibel Inn<\/a>, 3 stars)       <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam<\/strong> (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury
    (Hotel Recommendation:     Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa<\/a>, 5 stars)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Fiji<\/strong> (+15%) – Best for Multi-generational Value
    (Hotel Recommendation:     OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort<\/a>, 5 stars)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    New for 2026: Best Ultimate Soccer-inspired Island:<\/strong> Cape Verde <\/strong>(+805%3<\/sup>)
    Cape Verde <\/strong>has been named Expedia\u2019s top soccer-inspired island, after interest boomed following a summer of soccer, where team Cape Verde melted soccer fans\u2019 hearts and drove a new wave of travel demand. (Hotel Recommendation:     Morabeza Hotel<\/a>, 4 stars).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    New for 2026: Best Private Island for Cruises: Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas<\/strong> (+50%4<\/sup>) has been named Expedia\u2019s 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. (Cruise Line Recommendation: Norwegian Cruise Line<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cIslands don\u2019t 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,\u201d said Melanie Fish, VP of Public Relations, Expedia Group Brands. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Package Stays<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Because travelers in 2026 are focused on value, island bundles are increasing in popularity. Here are examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n