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Holidaymakers flock to new Canary Island with 6-mile-long beach

The island of 5,000 is reached by hopping on a two and a half hour ferry from Funchal on the bigger island. The waves may get a little choppy, but it's well worth taking on the journey

[Seaside view of Porto Santo, "Porto Santo", Madeira island, Portugal]

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The island is a lot quiet than its bigger sibling (Image: Getty Images)

A European island with stunning beaches is one of this summer's hottest spots.

Porto Santo is Madeira's much quieter, sandier sibling island. Its main draw is exactly what Madeira and the Canary Islands can't deliver: a bit of peace and quiet. While Madeira welcomes 2.2 million and Tenerife seven million visitors a year, only around 50,000 make it to Porto Santo.

The island of 5,000 is reached by hopping on a two and a half hour ferry from Funchal on the bigger island. The waves may get a little choppy, but it's well worth taking on the journey.

Porto Santo's headline feature is its single, near-uninterrupted 5.5-mile golden sand beach that runs almost the entire length of the island's south coast. This is a big deal because Madeira proper barely has any sand beaches; they're mostly volcanic pebble or rock. So Porto Santo is the go-to for a classic beach holiday in the archipelago.

[A view of the island]

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It is known for its fantastic beaches(Image: Getty Images)

[Tourists have made my home a ghost city - I think of leaving every day]

OPINION

The beach sand is locally famous for supposed therapeutic properties, particularly for joint and skin conditions, and people travel specifically to bury themselves in it or take mud/sand treatments. Whether or not it actually works, digging yourself down into the ground like a baby turtle sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Once you've cured yourself, a quick dip to get the residue sand off will likely be in order. The island's clear, calm turquoise waters are great for swimming, unlike much of Madeira's rockier coastline, and decent for watersports like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving.

[The sun shines down on three traditional windmills on the Portuguese island of Porto Santo.]

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The beaches are dotted by historical windmills(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Porto Santo delivers golden sand, reliable warmth and a slower pace made for switching off. Its gaining momentum this year as travellers move beyond Europes classic beach staples in search of calmer, more relaxed stays.

The island was named in Expedia's Island Hot List, having seen a 85% spike in interest over the past year.

Expedias 2026 Island Hot List

1. St. Lucia (+125%) - Best for Romantic Escapes

Why its Next Wave: As travellers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, this destination stands out for couples with its secluded resorts, dramatic scenery, and soft adventure tailored for romance.

Where to stay: Sugar Beach, 5 stars

2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) - Best for Wellness & Relaxation Why its Next Wave: A quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europes busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace.

Where to stay: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars

3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) - Best for Nature Lovers

Why its Next Wave: No longer a launchpad for Seychelles island hopping, Praslins protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and untouched beaches are drawing travellers seeking immersive natural beauty.

Where to stay: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars

4. Syros, Greece (+60%) - Best for Cuisine & Charm

Why its Next Wave: An alternative Greek island offering culture, food, and fewer crowds than the regions better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos.

Where to stay: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars

5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) - Best for Arctic Adventures

Why its Next Wave: A spectacular archipelago in Northern Norway known for dramatic peaks and crystal-clear fjords. Here travellers find the Midnight Sun in summer and an alternative for Northern Lights spotting from September to April.

Where to stay: Henningsvr Bryggehotell, 4 stars

6. Palawan, Philippines (+40%) - Best for Natural Wonders Why its Next Wave: As travellers seek more dramatic, discovery-driven escapes, this destination is gaining traction for its iconic limestone landscapes and pristine ecosystems.

Where to stay: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars

7. Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) - Best for Water Adventures Why its Next Wave: It offers a quieter escape for its world-class snorkelling, diving, and tidal pools.

Where to stay: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars

8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) - Best for Family Escapes

Why its Next Wave: Re-emerging on travellers radars, it combines effortless access with rising global interest from families for its simple, uncrowded beach escapes.

Where to stay: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars

9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) - Best for Affordable Luxury

Why its Next Wave: Rapidly emerging as Southeast Asias affordable luxury island hub as it trends up social (mentions +235% YoY) for its strong value appeal at accessible pricing.

Where to stay: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars

10. Fiji (+15%) - Best for Multi-Generational Value

Why its Next Wave: Evolving as a destination for all generations, it's leading the conversation as the most mentioned island on social in 2026, combining family-friendly resorts, cultural depth, and strong overall value.

Where to stay: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars

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