While many travelers search for alternatives to Europe’s most crowded beach destinations, a new wave of lesser-known islands is now stepping into the spotlight. Looking at destinations relatively close to Israel, the new ranking includes the golden beaches of Porto Santo near Madeira, the Greek island of Syros (detailed below), and Norway’s Lofoten Islands with their dramatic landscapes. True, two of these require more than one flight from Ben-Gurion Airport, but they are still in Europe.
These destinations, which were under the radar until recently, are enjoying a sharp rise in popularity as more and more vacationers prefer to swap crowded tourist hotspots for more authentic, tranquil destinations. The list of hot islands for 2026, published by the online travel company Expedia, presents the promising islands worth discovering right now. Another interesting fact: The new study shows that island vacations are becoming more popular year after year, with online searches surging by an average of 55% compared to last year, while social media mentions rose by about 20%.
The list includes 10 islands gaining momentum thanks to natural landscapes, local culture, less crowded streets and beaches - and sometimes more affordable prices. Although the Caribbean island of St. Lucia was ranked first, and islands from five different continents made the list, three of the top 10 islands are in Europe. This means travelers do not need to go to the end of the world to enjoy some of the best islands.
Europe leads island destinations
In second place in the ranking is the island of Porto Santo, accessible via a short flight or a ferry ride of about two and a half hours from Funchal, the capital of Madeira. While Madeira has long been considered a successful alternative to the Canary Islands, Porto Santo remains a relatively unknown destination. According to Expedia, searches for the tiny island - which is only about 11 kilometers long - increased by about 85%. Despite this, it still offers a much quieter alternative than its larger neighbor and many of Europe’s crowded swimming beaches.
The main attraction on the island is its endless stretches of golden sand. In fact, the entire island embodies the spirit of the island "easy life" - a slow, relaxed, and unhurried pace. Unmissable sites include the Dunas de Porto Santo, reminiscent of a desert landscape, as well as the natural pools of Porto das Salemas - a perfect spot for a refreshing dip. The local cuisine is also worth exploring: Sample the black scabbardfish traditionally served with banana and passionfruit, accompanied by poncha - a refreshing citrus cocktail made with sugar cane rum.
In third place is the island of Praslin in the Seychelles, which was described as excellent for nature lovers. The island features protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and pristine beaches that attract travelers seeking an authentic and immersive nature experience.
The Greek island where the pro-Palestinian demonstration took place
In fourth place was the island of Syros in the Cyclades group, featuring villages with white houses and blue-domed churches - all combined with a vibrant food scene and an atmosphere far more relaxed than nearby Santorini or Mykonos. That tranquility was disrupted this week by pro-Palestinian protesters who demonstrated against the docking in port of the Crown Iris ship belonging to Mano Maritime. This was not the first protest on Syros against Israelis. In July of last year, about 300 residents of the Greek island took part in a demonstration against the presence of Israeli passengers aboard the same Mano Maritime ship, waving Palestinian flags and signs condemning Israel.
Those who do choose to vacation on the island can enjoy its beautiful capital, Ermoupoli, filled with magnificent Venetian mansions, colorful Neoclassical buildings, and bustling cafes along the waterfront. According to Expedia, the number of searches for the island rose by about 60%, with more travelers seeking an authentic Greek experience without the crowds. Visitors can wander the marble streets of Ano Syros - a medieval village on a hilltop - and then cool off with a swim at the beaches of Galissas or Kini. In the evening, sit at a local tavern, enjoy fresh seafood and Loukoumi - the sweet identified with the island, flavored with rose water, bergamot, and mastic - and pair it all with a chilled glass of Greek wine.
Islands where summer is relatively cool
What is the secret of the islands’ charm?
There are several ways to make an island vacation particularly successful. First, consider traveling outside peak season. During shoulder seasons, prices are often significantly lower while the weather remains very pleasant. Additionally, instead of choosing familiar and overly worn destinations, give a chance to the "next generation" of islands - such as those appearing on the current list. Use flight and hotel price-tracking tools to find the best deals, and book as early as possible for the most popular destinations, as they tend to fill up quickly - especially during peak seasons.
The list of hot islands for 2026:
- St. Lucia, Caribbean Sea
- Porto Santo, Portugal
- Praslin, Seychelles
- Syros, Greece
- Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Palawan, Philippines
- Culebra, Puerto Rico
- Sanibel, Florida, United States
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Fiji