Beyond the Crowds: The Top Trending Islands to Visit in 2026
As popular holiday spots buckle under the weight of overcrowding, smart travelers are looking for alternatives. Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List offers a timely guide to the fast-rising destinations that promise tranquility, value, and authenticity. From the Caribbean to the South Pacific, these islands are the ones to book now before the secret gets out.
St. Lucia Takes the Top Spot
St. Lucia leads the list, a Caribbean gem where golden sand beaches meet dramatic cliffs. At Jade Mountain, rooms famously have only three walls, so your private infinity pool frames the Pitons with no glass in the way. Beyond the resort, you can head to the Gros Islet street parties for grilled fish and rum, or drive a rental car into the crater of a dormant volcano. The natural mud baths, rich in iron and sulfur, smell like rotten eggs but are said to soothe sunburns and mosquito bites.
Porto Santo: A Sleepy Madeira Escape
Second on the list is Porto Santo in the Madeira archipelago. Its nine-kilometer stretch of golden sand is made from ancient coral and seashell sediments, believed to relieve muscle pain and arthritis. Local wellness centers bury guests up to their necks in 40°C sand for a mineral soak. History buffs can visit the stone house where Christopher Columbus once lived.
Praslin and the Seychelles' Natural Wonders
Third is Praslin in the Seychelles, home to the Vallée de Mai forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hike beneath giant Coco de Mer palms, and you might spot the rare Seychelles black parrot, found nowhere else on earth.
Syros: Greek Culture Without the Mykonos Price Tag
Syros in Greece ranks fourth. Its capital, Ermoupolis, is a colorful town inspired by 19th-century Italian opera houses. Enjoy crispy marathopita (fennel pie) and fennel-stuffed pork sausages with ouzo. For cat lovers, the island offers free stays in exchange for cleaning, feeding, and socializing young rescues. A purr-fect holiday indeed.
The Full Expedia Island Hot List 2026
- St. Lucia
- Porto Santo, Madeira
- Praslin, Seychelles
- Syros, Greece
- Lofoten Islands, Norway
- Palawan, Philippines
- Culebra, Puerto Rico
- Sanibel Island, Florida, USA
- Phu Quoc, Vietnam
- Fiji
For travelers seeking value, authenticity, and freedom from the crowds, these islands offer a smart alternative to overpriced, overrun hotspots. As always, book early to secure the best deals.