Greek island set to be the next big thing in 2025 – with much quieter beaches and new hotels
GREEK island are aplenty, with Santorini and Mykonos some of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
But a new study has named the island of Paros as a trending destination for next year.
American Express Travel included the island in their 2025 Trending Destinations list.
Analysing travel bookings as well as working with global travel consultants, the island was one of the few European destinations to make the list.
The website states: “Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many.
“The cultural scene is vibrant here, and the rocky coastline is studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves.
“A mere 40-minute flight from Athens—or three hours on a ferry—this windblown retreat is also easy to get to.”
Around 200,000 people visit a year – just 10 per cent of the annual tourists that go to Santorini.
This means you can expect the island to be much quieter, and off-the-beaten track.
Its famous for a few things. This includes its marble, which was considered to be the best in ancient times, but there are other attractions too, including its many beaches.
The town of Naoussa is the second largest town on the island and has been called a “smaller version of Mykonos”.
Expect amazing seafood when there too, with most of it caught at fresh before being served up
However, it is also undergoing some new changes.
The island’s airport is expanding its terminal and runway, which will allow better infrastructure for travel.
The €41million project hopes to be complete by 2026.
New hotels are popping up too.
This includes the boutique Andronis which opened earlier this year and a new Canaves Collection resort following success in Santorini.
Last year, professional travel planer Jennifer Greene said Paros was on the up.
She added: “The lack of an international airport tends to keep it that way, but a gentle ebb of chic new hotels is attracting more tourists.”
American Express also named Brittany in France as a trending hotspot.
They included the destination because of its “distinctive culture, coastal scenery and miles of seaside walking paths like the GR34 trail”.
Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the region’s most famous attractions, located in the bay shared by Normandy and Brittany.
One beach that’s proven popular among holidaymakers because of its long stretch of sandy beach, stunning views, and tranquil waters is Plage de Tahiti.
Ferry is a popular option for travelling to Brittany from the UK – with routes from Plymouth and Poole.
American Express Travel's 2025 Trending Destinations
- Brisbane, Australia – located between the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane offers excellent museums as well as vibrant dining and nightlife.
- Brittany France – Distinctive culture, coastal scenery and miles of seaside walking paths like the GR34 trail top the list of reasons to visit the Brittany region.
- Franschhoek, South Africa – Franschhoek, the mountain-ringed gem in the Cape Winelands region, is an ideal add-on to a safari vacation with nearly 50 wineries, farm-to-table restaurants and hiking.
- Koh Samui, Thailand – 88-square-mile Koh Samui offers a dreamy combo of lush jungle, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, perfect for active travelers or those looking to relax. The island will be featured on a popular TV show scheduled to air next year and is sure to inspire set-jetting travelers.
- Macau, China – Though The Historic Centre of Macau enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status, and the local Cantonese-Portuguese fusion cuisine is a must-try for foodies, the supersized casinos are the reason this densely populated peninsula, known as the “Las Vegas of the East,” boasts a number of award-winning restaurants.
- Moab, United States – As the gateway to Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks, Moab is a perfect starting point to explore the American Southwest. Travelers come for world-class rafting, mountain biking, and canyon hiking – or simply to bask in the red rock scenery.
- Nikko, Japan – This tucked away mountain retreat in mostly rural Tochigi prefecture blends elements of Kyoto and Mt. Fuji, with photogenic waterfalls and abundant hiking trails.
- Paros, Greece – Laid-back Paros has become the Greek island of choice for many with a vibrant cultural scene and rocky coastline studded with beaches, secluded coves, and sea caves.
- São Paulo, Brazil – This multi-ethnic city is one of the great cultural destinations of South America and home to rich architectural heritage and some of the continent’s best museums, street art, and homegrown fashion.
- Sun Valley, Idaho, United States – With fewer crowds than other Western ski resorts, Sun Valley appeals to premium travellers and everyday outdoor enthusiasts alike. During the summer months travellers can enjoy trout fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and more.