New research from Irish travel insurance specialists JustCover analysed Google search data for over 100 international destinations to reveal the locations Irish holidaymakers are most interested in this year.
Key findings:
• Mallorca makes the top 10 destinations seeing a surge in interest, with over 2,500 searches from Irish holidaymakers alone
• Lanzarote, Amsterdam, and Tenerife top the list as the most searched holiday destinations for 2026
• Puglia, Italy, is trending, with searches rising by 223% over the last three months
New research from JustCover reveals which destinations Irish holidaymakers are eyeing up for getaways this year, based on Google search data
• Mediterranean hotspot Lanzarote tops the list of most-searched holiday destinations in 2026, followed by Amsterdam
• Quieter alternatives, Puglia and Sardinia, are trending, with searches for holidays soaring by over 200% in the last three months
While Spring brings glimpses of warmer weather and sunshine, unpredictable conditions are still prompting Irish holidaymakers to look ahead and plan their 2026 escapes. But where are they setting their sights on?
A new study by Irish travel insurance specialists at JustCover analysed online search data to find out which destinations are generating the most interest ahead of summer this year. According to JustCover’s research, which analyses the destinations most frequently searched by Irish holidaymakers, Lanzarote takes the top spot. The Spanish island is a sought-after destination thanks to its warm temperatures which averages 23°C almost year-round, and its scenic volcanic landscapes. It offers something for every traveller, from sunny beaches and waterparks where children can play all day, to hiking trails through volcanic craters.
Amsterdam follows in second place, with an average of 5,540 searches per month for holiday planning. The capital of the Netherlands is a popular city break destination with canals and architecture that can easily be explored on foot or in true Dutch fashion, by bike. A second Canary Island rounds out the top three: Tenerife. Like Lanzarote, the island has almost year-round sunshine and stunning landscapes.
It’s home to black volcanic sand beaches on the north of the island, and typical golden beaches on the other side. For cultural enthusiasts, the island is also home to several UNESCO heritage sites, including Teide National Park, home to the highest volcano in Spain, historic old town San Cristóbal de la Laguna, as well as the Macizo de Anaga Biosphere Reserve.
To predict the locations set to pull in Irish crowds this year, JustCover also analysed which holiday destinations have seen the biggest search increase over the last three months. While long-time favourites dominate the overall ranking, rising interest in destinations such as Puglia, Sardinia and Menorca show travellers are seeking less crowded Mediterranean alternatives.
Puglia leads the way with an impressive 223% increase in searches over the last three months. Located in the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot, it’s typically less crowded than some other popular Italian destinations, offering visitors an authentic experience.
Sardinia, home to some of the most picture-worthy turquoise waters, follows closely with a 203% increase in holiday-related searches. Travellers visiting Italy’s second-largest Mediterranean island can soak up the local culture by exploring charming towns such as Alghero and Cagliari, visiting local vineyards and trying local delicacies. For a more laid-back trip, simply relax along the clear waters and sandy beaches.
Completing the top three is Menorca (194%), a tranquil alternative to other Spanish islands like Ibiza or Mallorca. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to go away to rest and recharge, with quiet beaches, a rich cultural history with several archaeological sites to visit, as well as its famous cuisine centered around seafood.
This shift is also reflected at a country level, with Italy (+110%) and Spain (+99%) both seeing significant increases in search demand among Irish holidaymakers. Overall, there is a noticeable shift in Mediterranean travel from the west to the Balkans, as countries like Montenegro (+308%), Croatia (+146%), and Albania (+130%) are all seeing a surge in interest.
Peter Clark, JustCover Director said: “While established favourites such as the Canary Islands remain firmly in demand, our data suggests Irish holidaymakers are also looking beyond the usual hotspots to escape the summer crowds. With places like Puglia, Sardinia, Menorca and Naxos getting searched more often, there are plenty of alternatives that offer sunshine and culture, but a more relaxed experience.
“As most people start to plan their summer breaks abroad, it’s important to make sure you have the right travel insurance in place. Whether it’s a short city break somewhere you know or a longer holiday overseas, having the right cover can provide peace of mind if things do not go to plan.”
For more information on travel insurance, visit: https://www.justcover.ie/travel-insurance