From windswept beaches in Northern Ireland to Albania’s answer to The Maldives, a new report has revealed the UK and Europe’s most in-demand destinations.
TripAdvisor has released its Summer Travel Index for 2026, highlighting the locations gaining traction among British travellers, based on trips planned between June and August.
The report identifies the fastest-rising hotspots by analysing year-on-year growth in bookings.
Across the UK, those opting for staycations are show a balanced interest in both countryside retreats and coastal spots.
Topping the list is Grasmere, a small village often hailed the most beautiful in the Lake District.
Once described by William Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’, it continues to draw visitors with its scenic lakeside setting, charming cottages, winding cobbled streets and famous gingerbread shop.
In second place is Carbis Bay, a Cornish seaside village known for its white-sand beach, clear waters, Blue Flag status and variety of recreational activities.
It has held a Blue Flag for its beach for 18 consecutive years, and was named Best Coastal Wedding Venue in the 2018 UK Wedding Awards.
Leading the top 10 UK trending hotspots for summer 2026 is Grasmere, a charming village situated by a lake within the Lake District
Ranking second is Carbis Bay, a Cornish gem that boats turquoise waters and a pristine sandy beach
Belfast ranks third thanks to its mix of culture, history, warm atmosphere and bustling nightlife
Rounding out the top three is Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland and the birthplace of the famous RMS Titanic.
The port city has become a hit with a visitors thanks to its vibrant nightlife, warm atmosphere and easy access to beauty spots like the Giants Causeway, not to mention its prominent role in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.
In fourth place is Bowness-on-Windermere – a tiny village that lies on the shore of England’s largest lake in Cumbria – while the Northern Irish seaside town of Portrush falls in fifth place.
Other UK spots that made TripAdvisor’s top 10 include: Coventry, Nottingham, Torquay, Buxton and Glasgow.
As for Europe, Spain dominates the top 10, with Alicante emerging as the leading destination for British holidaymakers this summer.
Last year, the port city welcomed a record-breaking 1.7 million international visitors who flocked for its sun-drenched shores, vibrant festivals and 1,700 dining spots that helped secure the city’s title as Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2025.
In second place is Alvor, a Portuguese gem tucked away in the Algarve – a region that recorded yet another record-shattering 2.38 million overnight stays in September 2025 alone.
The town has all the charm of a traditional fishing village with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and top-quality seafood spots, all while being home to scenic, golden sand beaches like Praia de Alvor and Praia dos Três Irmãos.
Leading the top 10 European trending spots is the Spanish city of Alicante, which draws over a million visitors each year thanks to its beaches, festivals and hundreds of restaurants
Alvor places second – offering tourists a blend of traditional village charm and sunny beaches like Praia de Alvor and Praia dos Três Irmãos
In third place is Spain’s Playa del Palma, most renowned for its long stretch of sandy beach and lively nightlife scene
Ranking third is Spain’s Playa de Palma, a 6-kilometre beach resort in the heart of Palma that offers a long stretch of sandy beach and over 100 restaurants, bars and cafes.
It’s especially popular with party-loving tourists thanks to its lively nightlife scene, which includes themed party venues, nightclubs and British and Irish pubs.
In fourth place is Malaga, an Andalusian gem famed for its sunny beaches, historic landmarks and sweet Malaga wine, while Albania’s Ksamil places fifth.
Situated in the heart of the Albanian Riviera, the village might be small, but it has become a viral sensation thanks to its crystal-clear turqouise waters, white sand beaches and affordability, earning the nickname ‘The Maldives of Europe’.
Rounding off the top 10 trending destinations in Europe is Krakow, Sitges, Rhodes, Budapest, and Dublin.
