Syros, a quiet Greek island in the Cyclades, has landed on Expedia’s list of the world’s hottest destinations for 2026, ranking fourth out of ten spots worldwide. The travel booking company named Syros its top pick for cuisine and charm in its second annual Island Hot List.
Expedia said searches for Syros rose 60% as travelers look for authentic Greek destinations without the crowds found on nearby Santorini and Mykonos.
The island’s capital, Ermoupoli, is known for its grand Venetian mansions and neoclassical buildings lining the waterfront. Visitors also head to Ano Syros, a hilltop village with narrow stone streets dating back to medieval times.
The island’s beaches, including Galissas and Kini, draw swimmers during the day. In the evening, local restaurants serve fresh seafood alongside loukoumi, a delight made with rose, bergamot and mastic flavors, often paired with Greek wine.
Syros ranks fourth among Europe’s Hottest Destinations
Syros was one of three European islands, along with Porto Santo and the Lofoten Islands, to rank among 2026’s hottest destinations in the top five. Porto Santo, near Madeira in Portugal, placed second after an 85% jump in searches, the largest increase on the list.
Norway’s Lofoten Islands ranked fifth, with searches up 50% among travelers drawn to Arctic scenery and the Northern Lights.
St. Lucia topped the overall ranking, followed by Praslin in the Seychelles at third. Expedia mentioned that island vacations overall are becoming more popular, with search volume up 55% on average and social media mentions rising 20% compared with the previous year.
Melanie Fish, a spokesperson for Expedia, said that islands appeal to travelers because they combine getaway appeal with financial value, pointing to all-inclusive resorts and bundled deals as reasons costs can stay manageable.
Fish also said that one destination on this year’s list drew a late surge of attention from soccer fans, prompting the company to give it a special mention.
The full 2026 Island Hot List
10. Fiji
09. Phu Quoc, Vietnam
08. Sanibel Island, Florida
07. Culebra, Puerto Rico
06. Palawan, Philippines
05. Lofoten Islands, Norway
04. Syros, Greece
03. Praslin, Seychelles
02. Porto Santo, Portugal
01. St. Lucia
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