British holidaymakers are setting their sights on sun-soaked shores for 2026, with one Spanish island destination seeing a remarkable surge in popularity. According to new search analysis from TravelSupermarket, Tenerife has been crowned the most popular island destination for 2026, defying local tourism tensions.
Canary Islands Dominate British Holiday Searches
The data reveals that interest in the largest Canary Island has skyrocketed, with an impressive 50 per cent increase in searches over the past year. This solidifies its position as a favourite for Brits seeking reliable winter warmth, with temperatures reaching pleasant highs of around 21°C in January and February.
Chris Webber, Head of Holidays and Deals at TravelSupermarket, noted the enduring appeal: 'These remain hugely important and popular destinations for British holidaymakers.' He added that 'the scale of tourism to the Canaries means even with some shifts in search patterns, they continue to dominate British holiday choices.'
However, the picture across the archipelago is mixed. While Tenerife soars, other long-standing favourites have seen a dip in interest. Lanzarote followed in second place overall but experienced a significant 40 per cent decrease in searches. Gran Canaria, placed fifth, saw a 38 per cent fall.
Tourism Politics vs. Holidaymaker Demand
This shift in interest comes after a year which saw anti-tourism protests take place across various locations in the Canary Islands, including Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. Despite these local concerns, the data suggests British travellers remain largely undeterred in their quest for winter sun, particularly when it comes to Tenerife.
The full top 10 island destinations for 2026, as ranked by TravelSupermarket, are:
- Tenerife
- Lanzarote
- Malta
- Fuerteventura
- Gran Canaria
- Majorca
- Crete
- Cyprus
- Rhodes
- Mauritius
Tenerife's appeal was further highlighted by its fifth-place ranking in Good To Go Travel Insurance's recent list of top destinations for winter sun.
Benidorm Breaks Records for British Stays
The trend for Spanish holidays extends beyond the islands. The famous Costa Blanca resort of Benidorm is also proving immensely popular, with new figures showing a historic shift. For the first time in seven years, British holidaymakers now outnumber Spanish tourists staying in Benidorm's hotels.
According to stats released by HOSBEC, the Valencian hotel association, visitors from the UK accounted for a staggering 42.5 per cent of all hotel stays in the town last year. This means UK travellers have surpassed every other nationality, including domestic tourists, who had held the top spot since 2017.
With abundant flight links, plentiful accommodation, and the guarantee of warmer weather during the UK's chilly months, it appears Spanish destinations are set to remain a firm fixture in British holiday plans for 2026 and beyond.
