A new study by Saga Holidays has ranked Europe's best island escapes for 2026, with Tenerife claiming the top spot and Croatia securing four places in the top 10. The research compared 80 islands across three key factors: weather (35% weighting), food and drink availability (20%), and green space (45%).
Top 10 European Islands for 2026
The rankings are led by Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands with a score of 95 out of 100. La Palma, also in the Canaries, follows closely at 94, with Madeira, Portugal, in third at 93. Croatia's Korčula (92) and Mljet (90) round out the top five. Majorca (89), Lošinj (88), Brač (87), Gran Canaria (86), and La Gomera (85) complete the list.
A spokesperson for Saga Holidays explained that the factors were weighted to create the final ranking, 'with green space accounting for 45%, weather 35% and food and drink availability 20%.' Archipelago scores were calculated using the average score of the islands within each group.
Canary Islands Dominance
Tenerife leads thanks to its 'beautiful natural scenery, fresh food, and – its highest scoring metric – incredible sunshine.' The largest of the eight Canary Islands, Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, a volcano over 3,000 meters above sea level. Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Mount Teide casts the largest sea shadow in the world.
La Palma, known as La Isla Bonita (The Beautiful Island), scored runner-up for its 'rich natural environment' and 'focus on sustainable development.' The entire island has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2002. It hosts the world's largest telescope, the Gran Telescopio Canarias, and Spain's first airport powered entirely by wind energy.
However, both destinations, particularly Tenerife, struggle with overtourism. The Canary Islands received over 7.8 million international visitors in the first half of 2025, leading to its inclusion on Fodor's 'No List' this year. Locals have protested against unregulated mass tourism and short-term holiday lets, which they say make life unaffordable.
Madeira and Croatian Gems
Madeira, Portugal, in third place, is the birthplace of footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and features a museum dedicated to him. It is also home to the millenary Laurissilva forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Korčula, the sixth-largest island in the Adriatic Sea with a population under 15,000, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was settled by Greeks in the 6th century BC and later conquered by Romans in the 1st century BC. Mljet, with a population of about 1,000, is known as 'Croatia's greenest island,' with 70% covered in pine and oak forests. A 12th-century Benedictine monastery sits on a tiny islet in Veliko Jezero lake. Legend says Mljet was where the nymph Calypso held Odysseus for seven years, and a local cave is called 'Odysseus Cave.' Saga said Mljet is 'relatively under the radar' compared to Dubrovnik and Split, making it a 'great addition to your Croatian holiday.'
Balearic and Kvarner Islands
Majorca, in sixth place, is home to a museum dedicated to tennis icon Rafael Nadal. The largest Balearic island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, has over 200 beaches, historic Roman ruins, and fresh food markets. It is only two hours by plane from the UK.
Lošinj, part of Croatia's Kvarner Islands in seventh, is a European Region of Gastronomy for 2026. The Museum of Apoxymenos showcases ancient Greek history. Known as 'The Island of Vitality,' Lošinj is a wellness destination with over 1,200 therapeutic herbs.
Brač, the largest Dalmatian island, is one of the sunniest with 2,700 hours of sun per year and over 100 churches despite a population of 13,900. It has been inhabited since Neolithic times and features the highest peak on the Adriatic islands, Vidova Gora at 778 meters. Zlatni Rat beach near Bol is one of Croatia's best.
Final Two: Gran Canaria and La Gomera
Gran Canaria, the third largest Canary Island, is known for its large beaches and African and Latin American-influenced food. The Caldera de Bandama volcanic crater measures 1,000 meters in diameter and 200 meters deep. It is a popular golf destination with seven courses.
La Gomera is quieter and unspoilt, with boutique hotels instead of large resorts. It has no airport; a short ferry from Tenerife provides access. Known for scenic hiking trails, rainforests, and tiny villages, it earned the nickname 'la Isla Colombina' as Christopher Columbus's final European port in 1492.
Category Winners
For sunny weather, the top three are Tenerife (88), La Gomera (86), and Gran Canaria (85). Saga called the Canary Islands the best 'all-rounder.' For food, Capri (75), Sardinia (66), and Santorini (65) lead. For greenery and nature, Mljet (86), Madeira (85), and Korčula (83) top the list.
