Seven European islands to swap to for your next holiday – with smaller crowds and much more affordable prices

SICK of squeezing your towel between a hundred others on a packed beach in Majorca? You’re not alone.

New data reveals Brits are turning away from overcrowded island favourites and searching for quieter, better-value alternatives instead.

“We are seeing a clear ‘Island Swap’ trend for summer,” says Chris Webber, Head of Deals at TravelSupermarket.

“British holidaymakers want destinations that deliver the same Mediterranean magic but with more breathing space.”

Research by the holiday comparison site, which compared the number of searches for holidays in summer 2024 and summer 2025, shows a dramatic shift in travel patterns, with traditional hotspots seeing declines and neighbouring alternatives surging in popularity by up to 405 per cent.

Here are seven island swaps trending for summer 2025 with insight from TravelSupermarket’s Steph Marinkovic.

• See travelsupermarket.com for deals quoted.

CORFU VS KEFALONIA

AS Corfu takes a small dip in popularity, interest in Kefalonia has surged by a massive 363 per cent – the biggest jump among Greek islands.

Both sit in the Ionian Sea and share a backdrop of lush greenery, dramatic coastline and Venetian-style towns, but Kefalonia offers a wilder, less crowded version.

“It wraps up everything Greece does well into one neat package,” says Marinkovic.

“There’s upscale dining in colourful Fiskardo, family-friendly resorts and some of the country’s best beaches – without the summer squeeze you might find in Corfu.”

GO: Seven nights’ room-only at the 3H Panas Hotel, Kefalonia, is £589pp including flights from Gatwick on July 4.

MAJORCA VS MENORCA

STEPPING out of its busier sibling’s shadow, tranquil Menorca offers the perfect antidote to overcrowded Majorca. Discover beautiful beaches and charming towns like Mahón and Ciutadella.

There’s a far more laid back, relaxed feel to the smaller Balearic island while it still has a similar coastline, with crystal-clear waters and great beaches.

You’ll quickly discover why it’s known as the “green island”, on a ramble along its Camí de Cavalls trails, and “its beaches rival anything you’ll find elsewhere in the Med”, notes TravelSupermarket’s Steph.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Minura Cala Galdana, Menorca, is from £557pp including flights from Newcastle on May 9.

TENERIFE VS LANZAROTE

LANZAROTE offers the year-round sun and easy flights of Tenerife, but with more style and striking volcanic scenery.

It is equal parts art and adventure. You can learn to catch waves in the north, whizz through volcanic landscapes in Timanfaya National Park and satisfy culture cravings at the Jameos del Agua caves or at the home of Canarian artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

Lanzarote’s smaller size makes it a better choice for a more tranquil, less-crowded atmosphere compared to Tenerife.

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 4H THB Tropical Island in Playa Blanca is from £432pp including flights from Gatwick on June 23.

SANTORINI VS SKIATHOS

WITH Santorini showing the steepest decline at 88 per cent, due to recent volcano warnings, travellers are opting for Greek islands with similar charm – minus the magma concerns.

While Skiathos isn’t a straight stand-in for Santorini, it offers its own kind of magic – whitewashed villages, golden beaches and a pretty old town that rewards aimless wandering.

“Skiathos offers the wow factor without the crowds or price tag,” says Marinkovic.

“Take a boat to neighbouring Skopelos – the Mamma Mia! island – for even more postcard-worthy views.”

GO: Seven nights’ self-catering at the 3H Agnadi Hotel, Skiathos, is from £580pp with Birmingham flights on June 17.

SICILY VS SARDINIA

ALTHOUGH Sicily is performing well, Sardinia is this summer’s standout star with a staggering 405 per cent growth.

“With white-sand beaches and incredibly clear, turquoise waters, Sardinia gets more than a few comparisons to the Caribbean,” Marinkovic says.

“Head to beaches such as Cala Goloritzè and Cala Luna on the east coast and you’ll get a taste of what they mean.”

There’s also plenty of culture with ancient ruins and medieval towns such as Alghero to explore, and the island’s dramatic interior has lush forests ideal for hiking.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Residence Oasis in Alghero, Sardinia is from £596pp including flights from Stansted on June 2.

MYKONOS VS RHODES

WHILE Rhodes is no carbon copy of Mykonos, it ticks a lot of similar boxes: sunshine, sandy beaches and buzzy nightlife, just without the all-day beach club scene and the sometimes crazy prices.

“Rhodes blends party spots like Faliraki with family-friendly beaches and cultural highlights like Lindos and its ancient acropolis,” explains Marinkovic.

“While Mykonos’ size means it can be heaving in peak season, Rhodes promises a more varied holiday. You can dance till late or wander medieval lanes in Rhodes Town, all in one trip.”

GO: Seven nights’ self- catering at the 3H Emerald Hotel including flights departing Manchester on June 23 is from £371pp based on two sharing.

MALTA VS GOZO

WHILE Malta is growing, its more rural sister island is outpacing it with 114 per cent growth.

The island’s small size makes it perfect for exploring, with most destinations reachable within half an hour.

“From hiking and history to snorkelling and sunbathing, it’s easy to take it slow on a holiday to Gozo,” says Marinkovic.

It also has an advantage over Malta with its unspoilt beaches, such as Ramla Bay.

For history lovers, there’s plenty to explore, from the ancient Ggantija Temples to the striking citadel in Victoria.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B at the 4H Cornucopia Hotel, Gozo is from £459pp including flights from Birmingham on June 20, based on two sharing.