10 European island hotspots for summer

1. Sardinia, Italy

This Italian island has seen the biggest increase in interest this year. It’s up a whopping 405% compared to 2024.

With white-sand beaches and incredibly clear, turquoise waters, Sardinia gets more than a few comparisons to the Caribbean. Head to beaches like Cala Goloritzè and Cala Luna on the east coast and you’ll get a taste of what they mean.

Beyond the beaches, Sardinia is an island made for exploring. Get cosmopolitan vibes in cool cities like Cagliari or hire a car to discover inland treasures like Giara di Gesturi plateau, where wild horses roam.

2. Kefalonia, Greece

Kefalonia’s attractively cheap prices for summer 2025 may have something to do with its 363% rise in popularity. In fact, it’s the cheapest Greek island for a seven-night holiday this year.

The Ionian island wraps up everything Greece does well into one neat package. There are upmarket towns with incredible food in places like colourful Fiskardo, family-friendly resorts (try Lassi) and pristine beaches such as Myrtos, made famous for its starring role in the film adaptation of Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Adventurous types can hop to the nearby island of Ithaca for a trip that ticks off two of Greece’s most underrated islands.

3. Menorca, Spain

Not only is interest in Menorca up 255% this year, but it seems to be stealing the spotlight from its Balearic Island siblings, with Ibiza down by 66% and Majorca by 41%.

Finally stepping out of their shadow, the tranquil spot is a brilliant antidote to its busier neighbours. You’ll quickly discover why it’s known as the ‘green island’ on a ramble along its Camí de Cavalls trails, and its beaches – all 100 of them – rival anything you’ll find elsewhere in the Med.

A holiday to Menorca wouldn’t be complete without visiting its two main cities: capital Mahón and charming Ciutadella.

4. Rhodes, Greece

Sandy beaches, ancient history and addictive nightlife make Rhodes a brilliant all-rounder for a holiday in the sun. And people are catching on – interest in the Dodecanese island is up 152% this summer.

The north and east coasts have the lion’s share of resorts. With the aptly named Bar and Club Streets, buzzy Faliraki is the one for chilled-out beach days and big nights that last ‘til dawn. Further south, Lindos’s sandy beach is overlooked by an ancient acropolis.

Make time to visit Rhodes Town, the island’s capital and Europe’s oldest inhabited medieval city. As well as its impressive historical sites, the city’s shops and restaurants are highlights.

5. Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote seems to be having a bit of a moment. In 2024, the Canary Island saw record visitor numbers, and this summer holiday operators are increasing their flights, with eight more weekly departures than last year.

Here at TravelSupermarket, we’ve seen a 148% increase in search share for summer holidays to the island. Perhaps it’s because holidaymakers are cottoning on to Lanzarote’s charms away from its rowdy reputation.

Equal parts art and adventure, in Lanzarote, you can learn to catch waves in the north, whizz through volcanic landscapes in Timanfaya National Park and satisfy culture cravings at Jameos del Agua.

6. Gozo, Malta

There’s no airport on the little Maltese island of Gozo, which means getting to this destination requires a bit more patience than other places on this list.

That interest in the island is up 114% suggests we’re all bang on trend this year. Hilton’s Trends Report says ‘soft travel’ is all the rage for 2025 – and what’s more laidback than a slow-paced mosey over to a tiny island without all that much to do?

From hiking and history to snorkelling and sunbathing, it’s easy to take it slow on a holiday to Gozo. Hire a car and you can reach almost anywhere on the island within half an hour, meaning you’ll never have to rush.

7. Skiathos, Greece

Skiathos has floated in and out of the limelight for a few years. With a 107% increase in search share this year, 2025 is the year it’s back.

The island in the Sporades is known for its golden sands, such as the pine-backed Koukounaries and Vromólimnos Beaches, but it’s not all about lazy days by the sea.

The island’s old town is worth visiting for its maze of cobbled streets lined with bougainvillaea-draped houses. You can also take a boat trip to nearby Skopelos, the filming location of Mamma Mia!, for a Hollywood-worthy day out.

8. Malta

Don’t want to make the extra hop to Gozo? Malta has more than enough to keep you busy. This Mediterranean marvel is packed with history and culture, from the ruins at Hagar Qim to the lively waterfronts at St Julian’s and Sliema.

Explore capital Valletta, then hop on a ferry to the Three Cities for a peek into Malta’s maritime past. Sun-seekers will love the Blue Lagoon on Comino, while adventurers can dive into underwater caves and reefs.

This summer, the island is enjoying a 59% boost in interest.

9. Gran Canaria, Spain

Gran Canaria’s popularity has soared by 58% this year – at the same time, the usually more popular Tenerife has dropped by 33%.

Perhaps it's down to Canaries fans seeking to explore beyond their usual haunts. With similar flight times, beaches equally as beautiful and weather just as sunny, you won’t regret giving Gran Canaria a go.

A few places for your hitlist include the dunes of Maspalomas, which provide a dramatic desert-like landscape perfect for exploring and lively Playa del Inglés. For a more relaxed vibe, Puerto de Mogán is often called ‘Little Venice’ because of its charming canals and seafood restaurants.

10. Sicily, Italy

Sicily is a veritable feast for the senses. Busy port cities have something going on around every corner, from fresh fruit and fish markets to buskers belting out Italian classics; dusty tracks lead you to some of Europe’s best beaches; and ancient ruins are a cool trip back in time.

Spend your days exploring historic sites like the Valley of the Temples or wandering the picturesque streets of Taormina. For beach lovers, Cefalù’s sandy shores are a must.

With a 54% increase in interest this summer, Sicily’s post-White Lotus boom isn’t showing signs of stopping.

*Please note: The research looked at all clicks via TravelSupermarket from 1 - 16 March 2025 and 1 - 16 March 2024 for all holidays departing between May - September in 2025 and 2024 respectively.