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Instagram and Google decide: these are Europe’s top islands and the quietest ones in 2025
Europe is full of picture-postcard islands, but not all of them receive the same attention.
For those seeking beaches and relaxation without crowds, car-hire company Avis has analysed which European islands are the most sought-after (and the most overlooked) this summer 2025, based on Instagram hashtags and Google search volume.
At the top of the popularity podium is Ibiza, with more than 20 million hashtags and nearly two million monthly searches. It is followed by Malta and Mallorca, star destinations that combine natural beauty, nightlife and a busy cultural calendar. Islands such as Tenerife, Santorini, Sicily and Gran Canaria also feature in the top ten.
But if peace and authenticity are what you are looking for, there are hidden gems off the radar. Lesbos, in the northern Aegean, is the least crowded in the ranking, followed by Porto Santo, in Portugal, and Symi, another Greek island. In fact, six of the ten least popular islands are in Greece, ideal for those who want to discover unspoilt landscapes without flashes all around.
This summer, the question is simple: do you prefer likes or peace and quiet?