Cape Verde holiday packages trend with 265% search spike after World Cup

Cape Verde has been named the ‘best ultimate football-inspired island’ by Expedia, with searches for Cape Verde holiday packages up 265% following the African country’s World Cup heroics this summer

Searches for Cape Verde holidays have soared by 265% following the African nation’s footballing exploits this summer, according to figures from Expedia.

The island, made up of 10 volcanic islands with a total population of 491,233, captured the public’s hearts thanks to their performances at the World Cup. Their impressive showing proved so popular that searches have risen sharply compared to this time last year – with overall interest in island breaks up 55%.

Cape Verde features on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List, which spotlights the world’s most sought-after island destinations. Each location on the list falls into a distinct category, covering the finest romantic, wellness, nature, family and budget-friendly getaways – among others – with Cape Verde crowned the ‘best ultimate football-inspired island’.

Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “The list was finalised until one destination generated so much buzz from football fans that we had to give them an award of their own.”

Elsewhere on the list, St. Lucia takes the top spot as the ultimate romantic escape, while Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal, is the preferred choice for wellness and relaxation.

Praslin, Seychelles leads the way for nature enthusiasts, and Syros, Greece, takes the crown for cuisine. Palawan, Philippines, is ideal for natural wonders, while Culebra, Puerto Rico, reigns supreme for water-based adventures.

Norway’s Lofoten Islands also secured a place on the list for arctic adventures, while Sanibel Island, Florida, USA, is the destination for family getaways. Phu Quoc, Vietnam tops the list for affordable luxury while Fiji leads the way for ‘multi-generational value’.

Expedia’s Melanie Fish added: “Islands don’t just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest holiday values.”

Holidaymakers can book flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia – making the planning process far simpler, and helping save money in the process.

Popular islands fill up quickly, particularly during busy holiday seasons – booking ahead helps guarantee the best prices and availability.

EXPEDIA’S 2026 ISLAND HOT LIST (INCLUDING YEAR-ON-YEAR SEARCH INCREASES).

1. St. Lucia (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes (Hotel Recommendation: Sugar Beach, 5 stars)
2. Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation (Hotel Recommendation: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars)
3. Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers (Hotel Recommendation: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars)
4. Syros, Greece (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm (Hotel Recommendation: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars)
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventure (Hotel Recommendation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, 4 stars)
6. Palawan, Philippines (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders (Hotel Recommendation: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars)
7. Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures (Hotel Recommendation: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars)
8. Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes (Hotel Recommendation: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars)
9. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury (Hotel Recommendation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars)
10. Fiji (+15%) – Best for Multi-generational Value (Hotel Recommendation: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars

• New for 2026: Cape Verde (+265%) – Best Ultimate Football-inspired Island (Hotel Recommendation: Morabeza Hotel, 4 stars).