Cape Verde’s football success sparks 265% surge in travel interest, says Expedia

UpdatedTue, 21 July 2026 at 11:02 am UTC

Searches for Cape <a href="https://absafricatv.com/ape-verde-represented-as-fifa-reveals-best-world-cup-goals/” title=”ape Verde represented as FIFA reveals best World Cup goals”>Verde trips are up 265% following the African country’s footballing heroics this summer

The small country which consists of 10 volcanic islands and has a total population of 491,233 caught the public eye thanks to their display in the World Cup. And they impressed viewers so much, searches have increased dramatically compared to a year ago – with searches for island getaways up 55% overall.

Cape Verde forms part of Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List, which highlights globally trending islands. Each destination on the list falls into a different category, including the best romantic, wellness, nature, family, and affordable retreats – and more, with Cape Verde deemed the ‘best ultimate football-inspired island’.

Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson, 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.”

Other locations to make the list include St. Lucia ranking number one, which is considered to be the best for romantic escapes and Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal, which is preferred for wellness and relaxation.

Praslin, Seychelles is best for nature lovers and Syros, Greece is top for cuisine. Palawan, Philippines is perfect for natural wonders, and Culebra, Puerto Rico is best for water adventures.

Lofoten Islands in Norway also made the list, for its arctic adventures. Meanwhile, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA is the location for family escapes, Phu Quoc, Vietnam is best for affordable luxury and Fiji comes top 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.

High-demand islands fill up fast, especially during peak holiday periods – booking early helps secure the best rates and availability.

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).