Revealed: The top 10 trending Greek islands you should book this summer - including a paradise with over 60 incredible beaches
Greece remains a go-to summer holiday destination, with tourists drawn by its crystal-clear waters, ancient ruins and laid-back lifestyle.
With record-breaking numbers seen in 2024 – 40 million visitors bringing in almost £20 billion in revenue – the figures for 2025 are expected to be even higher.
Now new research shows which of the thousands of Greek islands are surging in interest for holidaymakers.
The travel experts at Iglu Cruise have compared Google Trends search data between 2024 and 2025 and narrowed down a top 10 that is really heating up.
Among the top islands, there's a mix of classic holiday spots and some new favourites.
The destination that saw the biggest increase was Paros, with 283 per cent more people searching for 'holidays to Paros' in the first week of June this year compared to 12 months ago.
The island, part of the Cyclades, is known for pristine beaches, classic whitewashed villages, and its prized marble – the same that was used to sculpt the Venus de Milo.
'Paros is easily becoming a top competitor of Mykonos,' said Iglu Cruise.
'Add in windsurfing at Golden Beach and hidden mountain villages like Lefkés, and you've got an island that truly has it all.'
While Paros has exploded in popularity, the next island has also seen a huge boost in people searching for breaks on its shores.
Skiathos is a nature lover's paradise with a lush pine forest and more than 60 incredible beaches – and it has seen a 110 per cent rise in searches.
Culture lovers will head to the historic Monastery of Evangelistria but whatever your interests, be sure to jump on a boat tour, stopping at beaches and caves only accessible by water.
Searches for holidays in Mykonos also more than doubled compared to the same period in 2024.
The renowned party island still enthralls with its buzzing nightlife but there are also chic boutiques and (rather more sedate) windmills.
In fourth place is the postcard-perfect Santorini, with its cliffside villages and caldera views ensuring it remains a crowd favourite.
Searches for a getaway are up 89 per cent. While there, be sure to hike from Fira to Oia for an unforgettable sunset.
The ancient ruins, brilliant food and rugged gorges of Greece's largest island, Crete, have helped it garner a 55 per cent increase in search interest.
The other islands rounding out the top 10 are Rhodes (searches up 53 per cent), Corfu (52 per cent), Kefalonia (44 per cent), Kos (26 per cent) and Zante (13 per cent).
This week, British tourists escaping to a popular Greek island this summer were being urged to double-check their flight times after one visitor was left stranded due to a strict airport curfew.
Night flights from Zante are heavily restricted to protect the island's loggerhead sea turtles.
The curfew, which has been in place since the early 1990s, aims to minimise disruptions to their nesting patterns at night on Zante's southern beaches, especially during the busy summer months.
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BBC News
35 minutes ago
- BBC News
The Bangkok 'death cafe' that changed my life
A guided experience through birth, ageing, illness and death unexpectedly led me to reconnect with my estranged mother. I was sitting upright in a mock hospital bed holding a plastic tray with my "last meal". Around me, machines beeped steadily. "Now tell me," Keue, my tour guide, said gently, "What would you want to say to your mum if this was your last moment on Earth?" The question stopped me in my tracks – and set in motion an unexpected path to healing. I'd been searching for a unique experience in Bangkok, away from the typical tourist spots, when an obscure Reddit post led me to the looming entrance of the Death Awareness Café. Walking up the long corridor to the start of the attraction, I had no idea what to expect. Flickering illuminated signs in both English and Thai posed confronting questions above my head, like: "What do you want to do but still have not done?" I felt slightly unnerved, but intrigued enough to keep going. Inside, I was warmly greeted by Keue, who explained that the cafe was created in 2018 by Buddhist philosopher Dr Veeranut Rojanaprapa to try to solve some of Thai society's problems, such as crime and corruption. Rojanaprapa believes that many of these issues stem from greed and anger – and that by having and fostering a deeper acceptance of death through Buddhist teachings, people might learn to live more peacefully. To understand why such a place exists in Bangkok, it helps to understand the role of Buddhism in Thai life. Around 95% of Thailand's population identifies as Buddhist, and the country's cultural norms – from its emphasis on compassion and humility to the centrality of family – are deeply rooted in Buddhist thought. Thailand's connection to Buddhism dates back nearly two millennia, when missionaries sent by the Indian emperor Ashoka arrived to spread the teachings of the Buddha. The influence is embedded in everything from daily rituals to the Thai language, which draws heavily on Sanskrit and Pali, the liturgical languages of Buddhist scripture. While the café has smaller installations and exhibitions, the centrepiece is an immersive journey through four stages of life: birth, ageing, illness and death. Each of the four rooms offers a tactile, hands-on approach to understanding the origins of human suffering, with the ultimate goal of confronting our fear of dying. "Each room represents the cycle of suffering," Rojanaprapa explained. "Those who seek liberation from this endless cycle must strive to break free through the practice of the Noble Path as taught in Buddhism." The journey begins, fittingly, with "birth". This space is a sensory overload, with flashing lights and bright visuals showcasing the inside of a body. The lights then dim to imitate the darkness that a foetus would experience. Keue invited me to lie inside a red hanging chair that represents the womb. I clambered inside and attempted to lay in the foetal position while Keue zipped up the plastic covering. The discomfort and confinement made me consider, for the first time, how much suffering surrounds even the beginning of life. "From the moment of being confined in the womb – helpless, uncertain of the future – this room allows visitors to experience the physical and emotional discomfort that comes with birth," Rojanaprapa said. In Thai culture, birth is often seen not just as a beginning, but as part of an ongoing karmic cycle. According to Buddhist philosophy, the suffering of birth is the first in a series of life's inevitable trials – a key insight the café seeks to evoke. The second room focussed on ageing. Weighted bags were strapped to my legs to simulate weakening muscle strength, and I donned a pair of glasses that blurred by vision. Climbing a short staircase, I struggled to both lift my feet and see where to place them. It offered a visceral glimpse into the slowing down of the body – something I had never truly considered. In Thailand, elders are deeply respected, and it is common for families to care for ageing relatives at home rather than in care facilities. Deference to elders is an expected social norm – advice given by older family members is typically followed by younger generations. "No matter how much care we give to our physical form, we must eventually accept change and decline," said Rojanaprapa. "Visitors will experience the slowing down and weakening of bodily functions, reflecting the Buddhist principle of annica (impermanence). It encourages mindfulness and reminds us not to be intoxicated by the strength of youth." It was then that we arrived at the most profound of the four rooms: illness. I was instructed to lie on the very realistic hospital bed and to immerse myself into the surroundings. I looked around at the oxygen tanks, a life support machine and heart monitors. Keue then turned to me and asked, "Who would you want to talk to if you were about to die?". "My mum," I said, without hesitation. We've been estranged for many years. A tangled mix of parental divorce and money problems meant our relationship deteriorated to the point where we stopped communication. I held a lot of unprocessed anger towards her that held back reconciliation. Then Keue asked, "Now tell me, what would you want to say to your mum if this was your last moment on Earth?" The question pierced through all the layers of resentment that I had been holding for many years. I looked around the room – at the wires, the machines, the facsimile of final moments – and I imagined it being real. The thought of dying without reconciling filled with me with dread. I wanted to make things right while I still could. It took lying a strange mocked up hospital bed in the middle of Bangkok to come to this realisation. Rojanaprapa explained how the simulation of being "ill or "near death" softens our hearts. "It strips away our armour, breaks down the ego, and invites us to embrace the vulnerability of being human." More like this:• The unstoppable rise of digital detox retreats• Swede dreams: How Sweden is embracing its sleepy side• An ancient water wellness practice to cleanse mind, body and soul Keue added that in Thai culture it is common to give someone who is sick their favourite meal. This is often a symbolic gesture as the person receiving the food may be too sick to eat it. She explained how we should make these gestures to the ones we love when they are well enough to enjoy them. Thoughts about my mother lingered as we arrived at the final room, where I was directly confronted by my own mortality. A pristine white coffin was set upon the top of a black staircase with the word "death" emblazoned on the wall behind. I was invited to lie inside. The discomfort of stepping into a coffin was more than physical; it felt taboo. But that unease, I realised, was exactly the point. Our reluctance to face death head-on creates a blind spot in how we live. I lay back, closed my eyes and imagined my own death. And I thought about my mother. Again. In Thailand, it is customary for family members to bathe the deceased with warm water before cremation – a ritual meant to purify the soul. A coin is sometimes placed in the mouth of the deceased, symbolising the reminder that we take nothing with us when we go. I realised that if I didn't find a way to make peace with my mother, I might carry that regret to the end of my life. At that moment a feeling of lightness came over me. The emotional clarity of knowing what I had to do, and the positive impact it would have, made it feel as though a great weight had been lifted. Since returning from Bangkok, I've begun rebuilding my relationship with my mother. We recently spoke at a family gathering – the first in years. It's not perfect. But it's a beginning. I hope that travellers won't see the Death Awareness Café as a macabre curiosity. It is a quiet, profound space that simply asks: what really matters, in the end? -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Iconic tourist attraction could vanish forever in huge blow to one of UK's most popular destinations
AN ICONIC tourist attraction in one of the UK's most popular cities could soon be extinct. Punting on the charming River Cam in Cambridge could soon be a thing of the past as the organisation managing the time-honoured tradition warns it could collapse within twelve months. 1 CamCon, who act as the Conservators of the River Cam, says it is "in crisis" and may become "unviable and inoperative" without urgent financial intervention, The Times reports. The crisis centres on two lock islands essential for regulating water levels and which are at urgent risk of collapse. Their potential demise could mean the the famed Backs - which offers punters a scenic view of King's College and other landmarks - could soon be rendered "a measly, muddy trickle" which won't be able to support flat-bottomed boats which accommodate tourists. David Goode, CamCon's chairman, has highlighted that both Jesus Lock island and Baits Bite Lock, situated a few miles up the river, face an "imminent danger of collapse". "If it was imminent a year ago it's not going to get better," he added. "On the river stretch along the Backs between Mill Pond and Jesus Lock the water level is held artificially high by the sluice gates at the lock." The historic city heavily relies on the industry for waving in thousands of domestic and international visitors annually. Beyond the punting industry, university rowing clubs will also be affected as the Cam could soon become overgrown with weeds. David continued: "There would be a lot of consequences: the loss of punting, exposing of the foundation of college walls and the devastating impact to the appeal and economy of Cambridge." Provisional financial support to stabilise the river could cost in excess of £1.5million, while permanent aid would require more than £10million per structure. Oxford and Cambridge's chief coaches share how they're feeling ahead of The Boat Race Anne Miller, co-chair of the Cam Valley Forum which advocates for river conservation, called on the colleges to step up their efforts. 'If the river is fetid sludge the tourists aren't going to want to come; the colleges along the river are going to suffer," she said. 'We are a techy city. We've got loads of billionaires, wealthy colleges, wealthy businesses from Microsoft to AstraZeneca. "If everybody puts a chunk in a kitty we can get this sorted." The Sun Online has reached out to Cambridge County Council for comment. How to enjoy a river punt on the Cam Nothing is as quintessentially 'Cambridge' as floating down the River Cam in a wooden punt. It's the best way to view the city's most famous buildings, as many of these are spread along the banks of the river and cannot be seen from the centre of town. Punting is also the only way to see all the stunning bridges which give the city its name, including the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge (which, according to urban legend, was constructed using no nuts or bolts). You can get a chauffeured tour complete with a guide or simply rent your own, but be warned, first-timers are known to occasionally fall in. Don't worry if you're visiting during the colder months — punting firms will equip you with blankets to stay warm and umbrellas in case of bad luck with the weather. Prices vary by season and by company, but guided tours on a shared boat cost around £15-30 per person for adults and roughly £10 for kids. If you fancy a go at pushing the punt yourself, it will cost between £24-£36 per hour.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Beautiful beach-side all-inclusive hotel, with stunning swim-up rooms, fabulous food and incredible cocktails
WHEN you choose to slip a descriptive adjective into a name, you'd better make sure everything lives up to the billing. The late, great MARVELOUS Marvin Hagler fought his corner as undisputed middleweight boxing champion. 12 12 Footballer BRIGHT Osayi-Samuel justified his name to star under Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce in Turkey. So when we headed for the Sherwood EXCLUSIVE Kemer on Turkey's Mediterranean, we had high hopes. Fortunately, it did produce the X-Factor and completely live up to its lavish title. The trip to the Sherwood Exclusive Kemer began with a direct flight from Glasgow to Antalya before an hour-long transfer from the airport. We'd stayed in the town of Kemer in the past but this was definitely a step up in class. Located right on the beach in Goynuk — just outside Kemer — it had everything for a relaxing break for couples or families. 12 12 12 The difference from the rest? What marked it down as truly Exclusive? Well, the design and layout of the gorgeous hotel is the first thing that struck my wife Fiona and I. It's not some high-rise city hotel with balconies in the clouds. The Sherwood Exclusive has an airy reception and lobby bar to greet you on arrival. Rooms are located in three-storey buildings dotted around luscious, green grounds. Our accommodation was on the ground-floor, a swim-up room with plush sun loungers just outside the patio doors and a short step into the very inviting pool. I took my family to the new Nickelodeon Land in Turkey with rides and character meets - here's how to get free entry The pools are located all around the grounds, and are all equipped with pool bars for residents. The main pool is close to the hotel's seafront boardwalk and served by a huge pool bar. Espresso Martinis were the afternoon cocktail of choice here. Only once the sun was over the yardarm, you understand. The beach — 500 metres of sand and pebble for hotel residents only — is just a short walk away sitting in the shadow of the imposing Taurus Mountains. 12 12 No interruptions, no one trying to flog you anything. Just you, your book and maybe a cocktail or two. Comfy sun loungers line the Sherwood Exclusive's private beach and, of course, all are served by a beach bar. For the really adventurous, you can stride out to the hotel's own pier and — again — it has a bar over the water for those catching the rays. The weather was much better than we'd expected in late April. It was in the low 20s with just one spot of rain in the middle of our week-long stay. But having holidayed in the area in high summer in years gone by — both Kemer and Lara Beach — you're virtually guaranteed dawn to dusk blistering sunshine during June, July, August and September. Fiona's day would begin at 9am with yoga. Mine began with yoghurt. Normally accompanied by fresh fruit and granola. Plus a little something from the hot buffet. Well, the friendly staff in the kitchen worked so hard that I didn't want to disappoint them. And here's another aspect of the place which backed up their EXCLUSIVE name. This was the BEST buffet we've experienced on our travels to Turkey. A huge selection, fresh fruit and salads, different and varied main course options and delicious sweet treats. But perhaps most importantly for Fiona — a Gluten-free diner — there were loads of options and everything was well marked with that crucial 'GF' seal of approval. Buffet aside, there are four a la carte restaurants to satisfy every taste. The Waribashi Far East restaurant offers an Asian flavour, while the Mama Cocha caters for seafood lovers. But when in Kemer, we just had to try the Turquoise restaurant which offered local flavours from Turkish starter platters through delicious kebabs to the pastry, nut and honey sensation known as baklava. 12 12 12 We also dined at the Basilico Italian restaurant during our stay. The Chicken Parmigiana is to be recommended! And, once again, the Exclusive tag came to prominence at the Basilico when the chef specially cooked the Parmigiana to his own GF recipe for Fiona. With the belt feeling tighter by the day, it seemed sensible to attempt some athletic pursuit during our Turkish travels. 12 12 Yes, the on-site waterpark and splash park were great. And, in the interests of this feature, I felt compelled to have a go. Let's just say those flumes were a little too racy for a 53-year-old with a bad back and a diminishing sense of adventure . . . Another bottle of Efes from the all-inclusive bar was required to calm my nerves. Medicinal purposes only, of course. All the kids around the hotel seemed to love the flumes, though, and the presence of ANOTHER eatery right next to the waterparks (serving delicious pizza, burgers and snacks) meant they never had to stray far from the excitement. Aside from the watery delights, there was everything available from tennis, aerobics, water-skiing, basketball, water aerobics and even darts. The airy gym is also equipped with everything you need. But the pace of our break seemed far more suited to the Amon Spa, with its hammam and beauty treatments. Pack off your kids for face painting or other pursuits while you relax and get some well- deserved pampering. If retail therapy is your thing, though, you could either stroll into Goynuk's little shopping centre or head into Kemer. The bus stops right outside the Sherwood Exclusive and costs just £2 each way. While many head to Antalya for new hair or teeth (no, I didn't), there are also plenty who love the Turkish shopping scene for, er, 'designer gear'. We were sent with a shopping list by our daughter, Katie. And, of course, everything we brought her back was authentic. But back to the real authentic and EXCLUSIVE element of this holiday. It's always the little touches which make your break special. Like wandering into the shade to the hotel's all-inclusive coffee shop, ice cream parlour or waffle house. Like the little calls from guest relations to make sure everything is to your liking. Like the beachfront towel huts where you can grab the fluffiest, thickest towels for your spot on the pier. The Sherwood Exclusive was established just 11 years ago but already it's a jewel in the heart of Goynuk. With 492 rooms spread across its vast grounds, it offers a perfect holiday experience amid nature and stunning sea views. Just eating outside in the month of April was a special treat. It was marvellous, it was magnificent. You could even say it was EXCLUSIVE.
