The British Virgin Islands (BVI), Lefkas, Greece, Croatia, Grenada and St Lucia are the top holiday destinations for 2026, according to Sunsail.
These destinations fall in line with the top travel trends for next year. With blue health escapes, darecations, off-the-beaten-track getaways, nature escapes, and stargazing adventures set to be the most popular travel trends of 2026, Sunsail is seeing more and more people looking to book these types of holidays and recent online searches have also seen huge rises in interest for each of the trends:
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Sailing boat holidays – +150% compared to December 2024
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Bookish travel – +52% over the last three months
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Best adventure trips – +250% compared to December 2024
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Best mountain hiking trails – +200% compared to December 2024
Offering unspoiled landscapes, historical and literary richness, crystalline waters and remote islands just waiting to be explored, each destination is perfect for at least one of the trends, if not more.
Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, said: “With more and more customers moving away from classic tourist hotspots, and instead looking for purpose-led, hyper-personalised holidays which align with their hobbies, it comes as no surprise that the BVI, Lefkas, Croatia, Grenada and St Lucia have made our list of the top holiday destinations for 2026.
“These destinations have gained prominence for offering unspoiled landscapes, historical and literary richness, crystalline waters, off-the-beaten-track adventures, and wellness opportunities, making them top choices for travellers seeking memorable experiences in 2026. Whether you’re planning your next family holiday, a relaxing wellness retreat or adrenaline-filled experience, we hope our recommendations provide you with inspiration!”
British Virgin Islands
With blue health escapes being named among the top travel trends of 2026, marking a rise in people looking to swap the noise of daily life for the soothing stillness of nature, the BVI is being hailed as one of the must-visit Caribbean destinations for 2026. Relax, unwind and switch off as you discover the treasures of the BVI, including:
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Sandy Spit – Sandy Spit is a tiny island with nothing but powdery white sand and a pretty little cluster of palm trees. Time it right, and you just might get to enjoy this dot of paradise without another soul in sight.
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Josiah’s Bay – An emerging hotspot that is set to soar in popularity in 2026 and beyond. It’s a haven for nature lovers and families. The bay even has a dedicated surfing school, ideal for anyone wanting to learn a new skill on holiday.
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Anegada -The BVI’s only coral island, protected by the fourth largest barrier reef in the world. With just 450 locals, it’s a slice of paradise that often flies under the radar. Uncrowded and tranquil, with pristine beaches, it’s the perfect destination for those craving barefoot luxury off the beaten track.
Lefkas, Greece
Greece has experienced a tourism boom in 2025, with visitor numbers increasing by 4%, which is set to continue to rise in 2026. However, online searches for ‘secluded Greek islands’ have risen by 100% year-on-year, while ‘quiet Greek islands to visit’ has increased by 67% in that same time, suggesting people are moving away from the bustling hotspots and searching for serene, peaceful Greek islands to explore.
Offering a less crowded experience compared to Corfu and Athens, Lefkas is an under-the-radar destination ideal for cultural immersion and water-based activities, including kayaking and snorkelling. Discover what makes Lefkas stand out as one of the best places to visit in Greece:
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Ithaca – According to research, 49% of travellers have booked, or would consider, a trip inspired by literature in 2026. Join in on the ‘Bookbound’ trend and step into the pages of Homer’s The Odyssey as you sail from Lefkas to Ithaca, world renowned as the home of Odysseus. Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfilment.
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Paxos – One of the least commercial Greek Islands set in the Ionian Sea, this island is truly beautiful, with scenery that makes it an artist’s paradise. The local people are so welcoming that you feel at home straight away.
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Egremni Beach – This remote, tranquil haven is one of the best beaches in Greece. Egremni Beach is most easily accessed by boat, offering an exclusive and private experience unmatched elsewhere. With deep seabeds ideal for snorkelling, and picturesque views of Lefkas’ rugged coastline, Egremni Beach is second to none.
Croatia
Whether you want a lively city experience in Dubrovnik or an off-the-beaten-track adventure around the Adriatic, Croatia offers the best of both worlds, which is why it’s one of the best destinations for 2026. Learn about Croatia’s rich history, taste mouthwatering local cuisine, spend hours snorkelling and discover the very best of this Mediterranean playground:
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Lastovo Island – Lastovo Island is one of the best hidden gems in Croatia for nature lovers, and a must-add to any itinerary in 2026. It is known as the ‘island of crystal stars’, so star gazing is a must. The whole archipelago is under protection as a nature park, and the water is seethrough-clean.
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Mljet – A national park covers the entire northwest side of the island, if you’re a lover of nature, hiking and swimming, you might never want to leave. Mljet National Park has several saltwater lakes and one of them, Veliko Jezero, has a vibrant coral reef that’s perfect for snorkelling as it’s teeming with marine life.
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Agana – Step away from the crowds and sunbathe on beautiful, unspoiled beaches near Agana. One of the must-visit beaches in Croatia is Prališće Beach, with crystal-clear waters, a mixture of deep and shallow water, and brilliant facilities such as a cafe bar, showers and parking.
Grenada
Another Caribbean jewel gaining popularity, and offering a scenic backdrop for your next holiday, is Grenada. Online searches for ‘Grenada yacht charter’ have risen by 50% over the last three months alone, and 120% year-on-year. World-renowned as the ‘Spice Isle of the Caribbean’, your visit to Grenada will be perfumed by the rich aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon. If you’re looking for a culinary delight, cultural experience or island-hopping adventure in 2026, add Grenada to your list:
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Magazine Beach – Sunbathe on the beautiful 500-yard-long pink-hued sands of one of the best beaches in Grenada. Just off the shore, you can snorkel in the sheltered waters and explore the vibrant coral reef, where you may catch a glimpse of trunkfish, sea urchins and more.
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Underwater Sculpture Park – One of Grenada’s must-see attractions is the exquisite Underwater Sculpture Park in Moliniere Bay. Grab your scuba diving gear and dive down to witness the magnificent life-size artwork created by Jason deCaires Taylor.
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Tobago Cays – Set sail around the deserted isles of the Tobago Cays, known for being one of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean. As Pinterest names Darecations as one of the biggest travel trends for 2026, this is an ideal destination for thrill-seekers. With dazzling natural beauty, Caribbean charm and turquoise waters, the Tobago Cays simply have to be seen to be believed. For nature lovers, visit Baradal Turtle Sanctuary, a protected area where green and hawksbill turtles can be observed foraging freely.
St Lucia
According to Skyscanner, mountain and hiking holidays are seeing a peak in popularity, with 71% of travellers considering a mountain escape in 2026. St Lucia offers lush, mountainous landscapes as well as exceptional wildlife. Explore the Windward Islands and visit lesser-known gems, before challenging yourself to some of the most incredible hiking trails in the Caribbean:
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The Pitons – Hike up the iconic Pitons, two mountainous volcanic spires, and experience the world from new heights. Gros Piton is generally considered easier to hike, but for experienced hikers, Petit Piton is a welcome challenge. One TripAdvisor review says: “You cannot truly appreciate the magnificence of these volcanic peaks until you visit St Lucia. The lush colours of the peak towering over the beautiful colours of the Caribbean are so unique.”
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Tet Paul Nature Trail – For anyone looking for a shorter hike, the stunning Tet Paul Nature Trail takes around 45 minutes and showcases St Lucia’s incredible landscapes, lush vegetation and beautiful plants. Continue your hike up the Stairway to Heaven to experience some of the best views of the Pitons.
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Toraille Waterfall – For nature lovers, take a break from hiking to witness the beauty of one of the biggest and most popular waterfalls in St. Lucia. Toraille Waterfall is around 50 ft tall and even has a nearby watering hole where you can swim in the gorgeous waters, making it one of the best things to do and see in St Lucia.
