Five of the best island escapes and why they should appeal to LGBTQ+ travellers
As global interest in island holidays jumps by 55%, Expedia reveals the ultimate trending island destinations for 2026, featuring romantic escapes, wellness retreats, and arctic adventures
Research has revealed that interest in holidays to islands has jumped by 55% on average year on year.
The data collected by Expedia is based on global flight and property searches on its platforms, as well as social media mentions.
The travel company has created an Island Hot List 2026 made up of 10 islands. The list provided includes how much interest in the destination has risen, and why the island is a “Next Wave” destination and an ideal property to stay in.
Thankfully, it’s legal for same-sex couples to visit all 10 islands. Here, we’ve featured the top five islands and added the Equaldex rating, a measure of the current status of LGBTQ+ rights, laws, and freedoms as well as public attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people, for each island’s country or region.
1. St. Lucia (+125%)
Best for Romantic Escapes
Why it’s 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.
The nation decriminalised same-sex relations in July 2025 in a historic turn that will see more LGBTQ+ travellers flocking to the island.
Flagship eco-luxury properties like Jade Mountain Resort and Anse Chastanet where rooms feature three walls and open-air views of the Pitons, two iconic volcanic hills, have publicly embraced inclusive hospitality, welcoming LGBTQ+ couples for anniversaries, honeymoons, and symbolic wedding ceremonies. An Attitude staff member just had a honeymoon there, which will be featured in our September/October issue…
Equaldex score: 33/100
Where to stay: Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%)
Best for Wellness & Relaxation
Why it’s Next Wave: A quieter alternative to Funchal and mainland Europe’s busiest beach destinations, known for its golden sands and relaxed pace. Unlike the rocky ocean access of Madeira, Porto Santo boasts a single, unbroken 5-mile stretch of silky golden sand washed by turquoise waters. Local thalassotherapy spas offer hot sand baths and mineral seawater treatments that utilise the island’s volcanic sand is uniquely rich in iodine, calcium, and magnesium.
In 2020, the entire island and its surrounding waters were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for their pristine marine biodiversity and geological landscapes.
Portugal consistently stands as one of the most progressive and legally safe countries for LGBTQ+ travellers in Europe having legalised same-sex marriage in 2010 alongside comprehensive constitutional protections against discrimination.
Equaldex score: 77/100
Where to stay: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa
3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%)
Best for Nature Lovers
Why it’s Next Wave: No longer a launchpad for Seychelles island hopping, Praslin’s protected landscapes, rare wildlife, and untouched beaches are drawing travellers seeking immersive natural beauty. Travellers can hike beneath massive canopy palms, take guided conservation tours, or paddle quietly along the coastal mangroves.
Visit the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site and ancient palm forest that remains largely unchanged since prehistoric times. It is the natural home of the famous Coco de Mer palm, producing the world’s largest, uniquely shaped seed, and the Seychelles Black Parrot.
While local Seychellois culture remains somewhat conservative and favors modest public displays of affection across the board, the country officially decriminalised same-sex intimacy in 2016, the legal protections ensure that LGBTQ+ travellers can move, stay, and explore with confidence and safety.
Equaldex score: 61/100
Where to stay: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites
4. Syros, Greece (+60%)
Best for Cuisine & Charm
Why it’s Next Wave: An alternative Greek island offering culture, food, and fewer crowds than the region’s better-known islands, Santorini and Mykonos (just a short ferry away if you want to island hop).
Syros has emerged as a premier cultural hub in the Aegean, hosting several international festivals that celebrate diverse voices including the Syros International Film Festival (SIFF), which features films by LGBTQ+ creators and Animasyros, one of Europe’s largest animation festivals, consistently featuring inclusive programming and international queer animators.
Equaldex score: 66/100
Where to stay: Syrou Melathron
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%)
Best for Arctic Adventures
Why it’s 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.
Norway consistently ranks as one of the safest and most progressive countries in the world for LGBTQ+ people, frequently landing in the top 10 on the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map. Tiny fishing villages like Henningsvær (famous for its iconic football field on a rocky islet) host their own local, grassroots Pride parades.
Equaldex score: 88/100
Where to stay: Henningsvær Bryggehotell