Top trending holiday destinations on the rise for 2026

If you’re already dreaming about where to head next year, you’re not alone. Holidaymakers are planning earlier than ever, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of new adventures, hidden gems and a few surprise favourites making a big comeback.

Here’s a look at the places topping the travel wish list for 2026, from wellness-led escapes to off-the-radar destinations you’ll want to bookmark now.

Still shining: Euro destinations that keep climbing

Mallorca continues to lead the pack, with a 45.2% rise in interest in Google searches since 2024. Searches for ‘hidden beaches’ and ‘warm sea’ are also climbing fast, up 44% and 34% respectively, and Majorca delivers both in style. Think tucked-away spots like Cala Estreta’s rugged cove, the wave-carved caves of Cala Varques, or Cala Brafi’s secluded but walkable shoreline. Summer sea temperatures hover around 26°C, and even in December it’s still a mild 16°C, perfect for year-round dips.

For a quieter, more authentic take on the island, our rural stays reveal a different side of the Balearics. Expect olive groves, peaceful coves to explore, and long, laid-back lunches far from the crowds.

Pomerania in northern Poland (+30.6%) is firmly on the rise, offering coastal charm, cultural depth and outdoor adventure, all without the crowds of Europe’s better-known hotspots. Stretching from Stegna in the east to Ustka in the west, the region serves up golden beaches, medieval cities like Gdańsk, and plenty of space to roam in national parks and lake districts.

Travellers are increasingly drawn to meaningful, nature-rich escapes and Pomerania fits the brief. Global market insights show a growing appetite for ‘nature tourism’, and with direct flights from the UK starting from as little as £14 (or around €30 from Copenhagen and Hamburg, just a 1.5‑hour hop), it’s easy to see why this region is climbing search rankings fast.

Jönköping in southern Sweden (+36.1%) offers the best of both worlds, a peaceful lakeside escape with easy access to the wild beauty of Småland’s forests and countryside. The city itself has plenty of pull too. With searches for ‘walkable cities’ up 18% year on year, its pedestrian-friendly streets and strong bike culture make it a great base for those who love the freedom to explore at their own pace.

Jönköping is also the birthplace of one of Sweden’s most cherished creatives, fairy-tale illustrator John Bauer. Sweden’s love of folklore runs deep, and that cultural connection, tied with an 18% increase in ‘illustration’ interest may explain why Jonkoping is growing in popularity compared to 2024. It’s part of a growing shift towards learning-focused getaways, with more people seeking experiences that feel meaningful. According to Statista, alongside classic reasons like rest and relaxation, “experiencing new cultures” and “learning something new” are rising motivators for travel across Europe. Jönköping taps into all of this with its story-rich, nature-filled, and quietly creative culture.

Across Denmark, the coastal favourites of Hejlsminde, Jammer Bay, and Lønne have seen steady growth too, combining family-friendly beaches with easy access and plenty of space to unwind. Hejlsminde, just a stone’s throw from Fyn and the famous Little Belt strait, is perfect for lazy beach days and gentle paddling. It’s close to Odense, the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, making it a great pick for little storytellers and daydreamers. Jammer Bay, the closest Danish coast to Norway, offers wide-open skies and peaceful sands, while Lønne brings big-lake charm beside Ringkøbing Fjord, the largest lake in West Jutland. These easygoing resorts mix nature, space, and simplicity, making them ideal for family-friendly getaways in 2026.

Over on the island of Bornholm, the peaceful pocket of Melsted is quietly gaining fans. Global interest is up by 1%, with a noticeable 6% spike among Danish holidaymakers. Tucked away on the island’s sunny eastern shore, Melsted offers gentle coastal walks, a picture-postcard harbour, and a slower pace that’s perfect for recharging. It’s a brilliant shout for families who want nature without the crowds, and with Bornholm’s blend of beaches, bike trails and Baltic charm, it’s no wonder more people are searching for it.

Quietly consistent: the steady favourite

Rogoznica, a charming coastal town in Croatia, continues to hold its own with steady interest into 2026,  already reaching 12.5% of bookings for the year. Located near Split, the region’s surge in flight availability is making it easier than ever to reach this Adriatic gem. Expect crystal-clear waters, hidden coves and a relaxed pace that rivals better-known resorts without the crowds. Visitors should make sure to experience Rogoznica’s peaceful Lavender Labyrinth which has become a symbol of slow travel, a place where visitors can wander among fragrant fields overlooking the Adriatic. A labyrinth is traditionally a place of mindfulness and active meditation and with these keyword searches being on Google up 66% on last year, its growing appeal mirrors the wider mindfulness movement, as more travellers seek calm, sensory experiences that help them pause and reconnect with nature.

View all holiday homes in Croatia

Some destinations are stepping into the spotlight for the first time, and we’re here for it.

Zeeland in the Netherlands (+5.51%) is making waves with its wild dunes and family-friendly beaches, ideal for anyone craving fresh sea air.

In Siena, Italy (+4.56%), interest has soared since Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy featured the famous Palio horse race. Add in baby-name buzz from Princess Beatrice’s daughter, Sienna, and it’s easy to see why this spot in Tuscany is trending.

Liznjan, Croatia (+16.67%), and Vaucluse, France (+2.17%), are also seeing a rise in searches. Both offer sun-drenched vineyards, Mediterranean charm and that irresistible “off-the-map” feeling that’s winning over travellers looking to escape the crowds.

Why 2026 is all about meaningful escapes

The travel trends for 2026 are clear: we’re looking for more connection, more nature and more mindful ways to get away. Wellness retreats, eco-friendly lodges and hidden-beach escapes are all on the rise. Easy-to-reach destinations with good public transport links and regional flights are also driving choice, with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays already expanding routes to Croatia’s Istrian Coast and Split.

Whether it’s a family-friendly park in Denmark or a peaceful rural retreat in Mallorca, 2026 is all about finding somewhere that feels both exciting and restorative.

Ready to plan your 2026 getaway?

Start exploring our holiday homes across Europe today, and get ahead of the crowd before next year’s favourites fill up.