A popular travel company has disclosed the Spanish destination expected to experience a surge in visitors this year, with bookings to the island doubling amid global uncertainties.
Recent data from lastminute.com indicates a growing trend among British travelers opting for short-haul destinations deemed ‘safe,’ with Spain emerging as a top choice for summer 2026. The report highlights the top six Mediterranean beach holiday spots for British families during the upcoming May half-term, revealing a notable twofold increase in bookings for one particular island.
Ibiza, renowned for hosting approximately three million visitors annually, including around 800,000 Brits, is poised to be a key destination during the May half-term period. According to lastminute.com’s statistics, bookings have surged by 100% compared to the same period last year, signaling a potential rise in beach crowds for British vacationers on the Balearic island.
The spike in bookings can be attributed to several factors, such as Ibiza’s close proximity to the UK, averaging just a two-and-a-half-hour flight, favorable May weather conditions, and heightened uncertainties surrounding other destinations like Cyprus and Turkey.
Despite its party island reputation, Ibiza caters to families as well, offering picturesque beaches with shallow, turquoise waters ideal for children to play. Visitors can enjoy various activities, including boat excursions on the calm sea and leisurely hikes. The island features family-friendly attractions like the Sirenis Aquagames Ibiza waterpark with colorful slides and the Slingshot Ibiza beachfront amusement park suitable for all age groups.
However, the anticipated influx of British tourists may spark a rise in anti-tourism sentiments on the island. In 2024, Ibiza was among the Spanish destinations witnessing mass protests urging authorities to address the issue of overtourism in regions like the Balearics and Canaries.
Ibiza is not the only short-haul hotspot experiencing a surge in bookings. Tenerife, which annually attracts seven million visitors, has witnessed a 48% increase in bookings, while Malta recorded a 51% boost year-on-year.
Costa Blanca, encompassing popular spots like Benidorm, Alicante, and Calpe, has observed a 33% rise in bookings compared to 2025. Majorca, another site of significant anti-tourism demonstrations, has seen a notable 28% uptick in bookings.
Completing the roster of top Mediterranean destinations for the upcoming half-term is the Algarve in Portugal, featuring tourist hubs like Faro and Lagos. Lastminute.com reports a 21% increase in bookings compared to the previous year.
Zoe Fidler, head of brand and PR at lastminute.com, commented, “British families are prioritizing hassle-free, sun-drenched getaways for the May half-term holiday, with traditional Mediterranean beach vacations leading the way. There is a noticeable demand for short-haul destinations as families seek dependable sunshine, short flight durations, and attractive package deals.”
