Island Hotlist 2026: 10 Most Popular Islands in the World

Many like to journey to dream islands; “Expedia”, the online travel portal, says the demand for island holidays increases by an average of 55 percent per year. Social media is also fuelling an appetite for remote beaches, unique landscapes and island cultures.

Other than the well-known islands, there are lesser known islands that are gaining popularity. The “Island Hotlist 2026” from “Expedia” reveals which island destinations are currently trending.  From Caribbean islands to European coastlines , there is variety in unique landscapes , cultures and tranquillity among the ten most popular islands .

Most Popular Islands 2026

The Caribbean island of St. Lucia has taken first place on the list.  Top 3 most popular islands in the world are two European Islands Falstaff TRAVEL shows the ten most popular islands – we already dream of visiting them.

1. St. Lucia, Caribbean 

It is no surprise that a Caribbean island has taken first place on the list.  In addition to the usual Caribbean charm, St. Lucia has unique volcanoes that shape the islands’ landscape.  The two Pitons, the Gros Piton and the Petit Piton, tower over St. Lucia.  The volcano peaks are surrounded by tropical rainforests in which rare animals live.  There are also some natural attractions in the interior of the island including the steaming Sulphur Springs and the colourful Diamond Falls. The island provides an almost Icelandic alternative with its hot springs and volcanic rock formations.

2. Porto Santo, Portugal 

The island of Porto Santo, a “poor man’s Madeira” is an alternative to the famous island of Madeira. Porto Santo is famous for its sandy beach which stretches for some nine kilometres and slopes gently into the sea. This beach is among the most beautiful beaches of Portugal. Porto Santo has much nature to offer, however. Beyond the sandy beach, the island is a playground for hikers and nature lovers. Besides the sandy beaches, the island offers its visitors golf courses, unique landscapes and local culture. And that is why Porto Santo is also called the "Ilha Dourada" or Golden Island.

3. Seychelles, Praslin

Praslin is the second biggest island of the Seychelles. Praslin is home to the unique and rare Coco de Mer palm trees which grow only in the Seychelles. The Seychelles have the tree that bears the largest fruit in the world, weighing up to 20 kg. In the UNESCO world heritage natural palm forest of Vallée de Mai there are some 5,000 of these rare plants. The island has natural treasures for its visitors such as beautiful beaches, nature trails and waterfalls. Praslin is also home to the most famous Seychellois beach, Anse Lazio.

4. Syros, Hellas

The island of Syros is set to become even more popular in 2026 as an alternative to the Cyclades. Syros is not about luxury accommodation, but about neoclassical buildings, lively taverns and great culinary scene. The capital, Ermoupoli, is worth seeing for its beautiful Miaoulis Square, its impressive Apollo Theatre and elegant architecture. In addition to the capital, Syros has many other highlights to offer, such as secluded beaches and coves, picturesque villages, and the medieval castle district of Ano Syros with its spectacular sea views. 

5. Norway’s Lofoten

Norway’s Atlantic Ocean is home to the dramatic mountains, deep fjords, white sand beaches and traditional fishing villages of the Lofoten islands. Lofoten itself has beautiful hiking tracks, kayaking opportunities and many nature trails. Also unique wildlife such as whales, white-tailed eagles and puffins can be observed by Lofoten visitors. The traditional rorbu cottage hotels are especially picturesque and from there the view of the mountains is unique. The Lofoten islands also have an interesting Viking history which can be experienced at the Lofotr Viking Museum on the island of Vestvagøy.

6. Palawan, Philippines 

The island of Palawan, in the western part of the Philippines, is a unique place in many ways. The island is full of great beaches, turquoise lagoons and dense jungle. The northern part of the island is a particularly popular destination for visitors, being the jump-off point for island-hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago. Dramatic rock formations, secluded beaches, the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon on the island of Miniloc are highlights of this region. Besides adventure activities, the island also offers much for a nightlife, like bars and beach parties.

7. Puerto Rico, Culebra Island

Culebra is one of Puerto Rico ’s top tourist destinations. Culebra is about 30 miles east of Puerto Rico and is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Flamenco Beach is Culebra’s most popular beach and it is often rated as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Apart from white sand beaches, the island also offers unique diving and snorkelling opportunities. Culebra is a great place to relax, because the pace of life is much slower than many other Caribbean destinations. Visitors to the island of Culebra also find unique bars, unique homes and a laid back atmosphere.

8. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States

Beautiful beaches on Sanibel Island in Florida. More than white sand, visitors to Sanibel will find an abundance of shells on Sanibel’s beaches. And the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is well worth a visit, as well. This national wildlife refuge has many mangroves, dolphins and bird species. Sanibel has much to offer in the way of bike paths, cosy restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere, not lots of big hotels. It is this mix of laid-back vacation and family fun that makes Sanibel Island a one-of-a-kind destination.

9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam 

Phu Quoc is the biggest island of Vietnam. Visitors to this island in the Gulf of Thailand will find long sandy beaches, palm trees and crystal clear water. Long Beach, on the west coast of Phu Quoc, is about 20 km long and is particularly popular with spectacular sunset views. In Phu Quoc the national parks are also a delight for nature lovers, besides the natural beauty