Go Backpacking

  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Travel Tips
    • Accommodations
    • Budgeting & Money
    • Adventure Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Gear & Gadgets
    • Packing Tips
    • Travel Blogging
    • Travel Insurance
    • Trip Planning
    • UNESCO Sites
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Botswana
      • Egypt
      • Ethiopia
      • Morocco
      • Rwanda
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Nepal
      • Philippines
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • England
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Costa Rica
      • Cuba
      • Guatemala
      • Mexico
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
      • United States
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • French Polynesia
      • New Zealand
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Colombia
      • Ecuador
      • Peru
  • Advertise
×
Home » Destinations » Europe

The European Islands That British Holidaymakers Love The Most

Modified: Mar 23, 2025 · Published: Sep 20, 2023 by Sarah Siddle |

The weather is beginning to deteriorate at home as summer ends. But - good news! The autumn months are some of the best times to book a sunny getaway! Consistently warm temperatures combined with off-season prices and far fewer tourists, what's not to love?

Tenerife (photo: Andreas M via Unsplash)
Beach sunset in Tenerife (photo: Andreas M)

And where better to experience it than on an island? Without having to travel far to the Caribbean or Asia, there are plenty of breathtaking islands only a few hours away by plane right here in Europe. 

Holidu, the holiday rental portal, has dug into data to uncover which European islands are most frequently searched for by internet users in the UK. In cases where islands have the same search popularity, the number of Instagram hashtags was used to sort the results. 

View the complete top 20 rankings here: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/most-popular-islands

Table of Contents

  • Top European Islands
    • 1. Tenerife, Spain
    • 2. Lanzarote, Spain
    • 3. Majorca, Spain
    • 4. Santorini, Greece
    • 5. Madeira, Portugal
    • 6. Fuerteventura, Spain
    • 7. Gran Canaria, Spain
    • 8. Ibiza, Spain
    • 9. Corfu, Greece
    • 10. Rhodes, Greece
  • Methodology

Top European Islands

The most popular European islands for UK tourists.

1. Tenerife, Spain

Avg. 165,000 searches per month

Beach in Tenerife (photo: Maxim Berg via Unsplash)
Coast of Tenerife (photo: Maxim Berg)

It's official - Tenerife is the most popular European island among British people! Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands and lies off the coast of West Africa.

Scenically, it is dominated by the dormant volcano Teide, Spain's highest mountain. Two airports ensure easy access, so the sun-drenched island welcomes millions of holidaymakers annually. It's no wonder Brits flock to the island year after year to enjoy the sun all year round and its incredible beaches.

2. Lanzarote, Spain

Avg. 135,000 searches per month

Lanzarote (photo: Thibault Mokuenko via Unsplash)
Lanzarote beach (photo: Thibault Mokuenko)

In second place is another of the fantastic Canary Islands. Lanzarote offers opportunities for activities such as surfing, diving, hiking, and cycling, making it a playground for adventure enthusiasts.

Lanzarote's black sandy beaches, formed by volcanic activity, offer a distinctive coastal experience. Like Tenerife, Lanzarote's pleasant climate, with year-round sunshine, appeals to British travelers seeking respite from the colder months back home. 

3. Majorca, Spain

Avg. 134,500 searches per month

A pretty beach in Majorca, one of the most popular European islands for British holidaymakers (photo: Fa from Pixabay)
Beautiful Majorca (photo: Fa)

Majorca (or Mallorca in Spanish) secures its sport as the third favorite island for British tourists to travel to. With a diverse landscape, fantastic beaches, numerous outdoor activities, and good accessibility, Brits search for Majorca on the web around 134,500 times a month, and we can't blame them! The island is treated to an average temperature of 80.6 F (27 C) in September, making it the ideal autumn sun destination.

4. Santorini, Greece

Avg. 110,000 searches per month

Santorini (photo: Pat via Pixabay)
Santorini (photo: Pat)

The Greek island of Santorini steals fourth place thanks to its 110,000 monthly searches and over seven million Instagram hashtags. Santorini is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, picturesque white-washed buildings, and iconic blue-domed churches, making it a photogenic paradise.

Visitors can explore historical sites like Akrotiri and ancient ruins, adding a cultural dimension to their stay. The local Greek cuisine, especially fresh seafood and Mediterranean flavors, adds to the overall experience. The island's exclusivity and reputation for luxury travel attract those seeking a lavish escape. 

5. Madeira, Portugal

Avg. 110,000 searches per month

Madeira (photo: Matthias Groeneveld from Pixabay)
Cliffs of Madeira (photo: Matthias Groeneveld)

The Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination. Nature lovers and active holidaymakers appreciate the exceptional climate, which has earned the year-round green island the nickname "Island of Eternal Spring."

April to October is considered the best time to travel to Madeira, so you're not too late to enjoy the island at its best! The temperatures are pleasant because the humidity is low, and the days are wonderfully sunny. 

6. Fuerteventura, Spain

Avg. 110,000 searches per month

Fuerteventura (photo: Jessy Hoffmann via Unsplash)
Colorful sky in Fuerteventura (photo: Jessy Hoffmann)

Fuerteventura follows in sixth place with an average of 110,000 monthly searches and more than three million Instagram views. This puts Canary Island on par with Santorini and Madeira regarding searches, but the corresponding hashtag was used less frequently on Instagram.

Fuerteventura is a good destination because of its breathtaking beaches, pleasant climate, and diverse opportunities for water sports activities. The average temperature in September is still an impressive 77 F (25 C).

7. Gran Canaria, Spain

Avg. 90,500 searches per month

Gran Canaria (photo: Joel Rohland via Unsplash)
Gran Canaria (photo: Joel Rohland)

Another Spanish island with 90,500 searches per month on Google and over five million mentions on Instagram is Gran Canaria, which lands in seventh place. With an area of 969 square miles (1,560 square kilometers), Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands after Tenerife and Fuerteventura and is virtually circular. Travelers encounter stark contrasts here: Within a day, they can enjoy beautiful beaches with extensive dunes and then hike high peaks.

8. Ibiza, Spain

Avg. 90,500 searches per month

Ibiza beach scenes like these are why it's one of the busiest European islands every summer. (photo: Ferran Feixas via Unsplash)
Ibiza beach (photo: Ferran Feixas)

British tourists are drawn to Ibiza for various reasons. The island offers a mix of vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and beautiful landscapes. Ibiza's reputation as a party destination, with its world-famous clubs and DJ performances, has made it a magnet for young Brits seeking an exciting nightlife experience.

Additionally, Ibiza's historic Old Town and picturesque beaches provide opportunities for relaxation and exploration. Despite recent shifts in tourism trends and preferences, Ibiza remains a sought-after destination for British travelers seeking a perfect mix of entertainment and relaxation.

9. Corfu, Greece

Avg. 90,500 searches per month

Beach in Corfu (photo: Corfu Diary via Unsplash)
Corfu (photo: Corfu Diary)

Corfu offers stunning landscapes, greenery, and beaches, making it ideal for relaxation and exploration. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features Venetian architecture, fortresses, and a rich history. From scuba diving to epic viewpoints, there are various things to do on the island, catering to different interests.

Cruises and connections to nearby islands provide opportunities for exploration. Corfu's culinary scene offers a blend of Greek and Mediterranean flavors.

10. Rhodes, Greece

Avg. 75,600 searches per month

Turquoise waters of Rhodes, one of the most popular European islands for UK tourists (photo: Antonio Magri on Unsplash)
Turquoise waters of Rhodes (photo: Antonio Magri)

Last but not least, Rhodes is the 10th most popular European island, with an average of 75,600 monthly searches. The island's crystal-clear water surrounds it in the Aegean Sea. Although Rhodes, with temperatures of more than 86 F (30 C) in summer, is mainly suitable for a beach holiday, relaxing days by the sea can be combined with excursions. For example, the old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is worth visiting.

View the complete top 20 rankings here: https://www.holidu.co.uk/magazine/most-popular-islands

Methodology

Holidu, the holiday rental portal, created the ranking. To make the ranking, the average monthly Google search queries by users in the UK were gathered for the 1,946 islands in Europe. The list of islands was taken from Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia. In the case of islands having the same number of searches, the number of posts under the respective hashtag (e.g., #tenerife) on Instagram was used to prioritize. The data was collected in August 2023.

_____

This story is provided in collaboration with Holidu.

Related Stories

  • Dining al fresco in the Trastevere neighborhood (photo by Marialaura Gionfriddo).
    Rome Like a Local: Where To Eat, Wander, and Take Day Trips
  • Windmills on Mykonos in Greece.
    Best Things To Do in Old Town Mykonos: A First-Timer's Guide
  • Parikia, Paros.
    Discover Paros in the Cyclades: Beaches, Trails, and Villages
  • Hall of Mirrors (photo by Jessica Kantak Bailey).
    5 Things Luxury Travelers Should Know About Versailles Before They Go
  • Share
  • Tweet
Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

Footer

back to top

About

  • About
  • Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Follow Us

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Submissions

Copyright © 2025 Go Backpacking