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Top islands to visit in 2026
We take a look at the most popular islands to visit in the world – from far-flung escapes to little-known wonders closer to home. What should be on your bucket list?
Whether you’re dreaming of diving into turquoise waters or want to soak in the sun with a cocktail in hand, escaping to an island is a holiday that’s hard to beat.
If you’re planning where to travel in summer 2026, there are hundreds of thousands of archipelagos around the globe. So, how do you decide which makes for the perfect getaway?
We reveal the top island destinations of the year and explore what sets them apart from the rest.
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Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Price comparison site TravelSupermarket looked at the most popular island destinations in the world. The data is based on all island holiday searches via TravelSupermarket between May and September 2026, compared to the same period the year before.
Gozo is the most popular island destination for Brits this year, with interest in visits to the tiny Mediterranean island spiking by 1,703% year-on-year. Behind the surge in popularity is the release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, which was filmed at nearby Fort Ricasoli in Malta. You can expect crystal-clear waters and 300 days of sunshine. Visit the ancient Cittadella, or the Ġgantija Archaeological Park, a prehistoric monument dating back over 5,500 years.
Sri Lanka has had a turbulent few years due to an unstable economy and significant political changes, but the island nation is experiencing a dramatic surge in visitors from all over the world, especially Britain. Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, explains the phenomenon: “The exchange rate is favourable, meaning while it's a long-haul flight, the on-the-ground costs are remarkably low. We're seeing pent-up demand being released as travellers rediscover what has always been one of the world's most beautiful tropical destinations.” With endless beaches for surfing, prehistoric ruins – including a fifth-century rock fortress – and a delectable cuisine, it’s not hard to see why Sri Lanka is gaining so much attention.
The Greek island is popular for its nightlife and coastal views. Some of the most popular landmarks include the blue caves in Agios Nikolaos, the 17th-century Venetian fortress, used by the British as their garrison in the early 1800s, and the Navagio Shipwreck Beach, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Mauritius is famed for its turquoise waters and powder-white beaches. Holidaymakers flock to this island country in the Indian Ocean for its luxury resorts, thrilling water sports and wildlife encounters. Beyond the coastline, Mauritius offers lush mountain landscapes, vibrant markets and a melting pot of culinary heritage influenced by Africa, India, China and Europe. You can visit the basaltic monolith on Le Morne Brabant, wander through the Seven Colored Earths in Chamarel, or see the optical illusion of an underwater waterfall off the southwest coast of the Le Morne Peninsula.
The second largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Fuerteventura appeals to a number of holidaymakers looking for a relaxed atmosphere, white-sand beaches and reliable sunshine. It’s a popular destination for water sports like surfing, waterskiing and kayaking, but you can also do camel safaris, visit the Lobos Island nature reserve, explore the historic town of Betancuria, and see the ‘popcorn’ sand at Playa del Bajo de la Burra.
Kos is a sunny Dodecanese island in Greece, known for its extensive sandy beaches and a vibrant nightlife. It has a rich history as the birthplace of Hippocrates. You can visit the 15th-century Neratzia Castle, the third-century Agora, soak in the thermal springs at Empros Therme, or enjoy fresh seafood with an Italian twist.
Greece has thousands of islands, but Mykonos is one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers. Located in the heart of the Cyclades group, it offers a vibrant mix of stunning landscapes and famous beach clubs, all while being steeped in rich history. You can walk through the maze-like Chora town of Amorgos Island, visit 16th-century windmills or take a boat trip to nearby Delos Island.
This Caribbean island is popular for having 365 beaches – one for every day of the year. It is the larger of the two main islands in Antigua and Barbuda, giving you more to cover, from the white sands of Halfmoon Bay or Galley Bay Beach, where you can see sea turtle hatchlings. Beyond the beaches, Antigua is great for adventures like zip lining, hiking or fruit-spotting – Antigua’s Black pineapple is one of the world’s rarest pineapple varieties.
Join more than 165,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money.
Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals.
Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice.Cymru, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from politics and LGBTQIA+ issues to food and entertainment.
Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl.
