Cyprus among top ten island destinations for UK travellers

Cyprus remains firmly on the radar of British travellers planning their island escapes for 2026, even as newer destinations edge into the spotlight, according to Condé Nast Traveller.

The luxury and lifestyle travel magazine reported that islands continue to dominate summer wish lists, with Mediterranean and Atlantic favourites once again ranking among the world’s most sought-after places to unwind.

Island holidays, long associated with tranquillity and escape, continue to resonate with UK travellers.

That preference was reflected in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, which saw the Isles of Scilly, Greece’s Naxos and Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha among the leading destinations, while Turks and Caicos topped the Caribbean and Atlantic category.

However, travel tastes are not standing still. New destinations regularly rise in prominence, shaped by social media, film and television exposure or shifting demand for less crowded experiences.

Against this backdrop, TravelSupermarket has analysed search data to identify the island destinations seeing the sharpest rise in interest for summer 2026.

Greece features strongly in the rankings. Searches for Zante rose by 269 per cent year on year, pointing to renewed momentum for the Ionian island, while Kos also appears in the top ten.

Mykonos, meanwhile, continues to attract attention, with searches for 2026 breaks up by 126 per cent, underlining the island’s enduring appeal.

The most striking movement, however, comes from Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, which recorded a 1,703 per cent surge in searches.

The rise has been linked to the release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, which showcased Gozo’s rugged landscapes and unspoilt Mediterranean setting.

“The Gladiator II effect on Gozo has been remarkable,” said Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket.

“We’re seeing holidaymakers actively searching for this quieter island that offers ancient history, dramatic landscapes and a more authentic Mediterranean experience.”

While interest in Malta also increased, with searches up 95 per cent, Gozo’s performance points to a growing preference for less familiar destinations with cultural depth.

At the same time, established island favourites continue to attract demand.

Cyprus ranks among the top ten, with searches rising by 104 per cent, alongside destinations such as Antigua, Mauritius and Fuerteventura, which remain popular choices for British holidaymakers.

Overall, the data suggest a balance between the familiar and the emerging. Well-known islands continue to draw travellers, while lesser-known destinations are gaining ground as travellers look beyond traditional hotspots.

Based on year-on-year search growth, the top trending island destinations for 2026 are Gozo, Sri Lanka, Zante, Mauritius, Fuerteventura, Kos, Mykonos, Antigua, Cyprus and Malta.