Searches for holidays to Cape Verde up more than three times after African side’s World Cup heroics

Pier and boats on turquoise water in city of Santa Maria, island of Sal, Cape Verde Credit: Alamy SEARCHES for Cape Verde trips are up 265 per cent following the African country’s footballing heroics this summer, according to new data. The small country which consists of 10 volcanic islands and has a total population of 491,233 stunned the world with their displays at the World Cup this summer. Searches for Cape Verde trips are up more than three times, according to new data Credit: Getty The Blue Sharks delivered stunning displays at the World Cup in the USA this summer Credit: Reuters The Blue Sharks were placed into Group H, alongside European big dogs Spain and two-time world champions Uruguay. But against the odds, they held each of their group opponents to a draw to progress to the knockouts for the first time ever in the USA. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The footballing minnows then suffered a brutal 3-2 defeat to Argentina after extra-time in the round-of-32 after scoring two shock levellers. And they impressed viewers so much, searches have increased dramatically compared to a year ago. For anyone looking to experience it for themselves, the four-star Hotel Morabeza is recommended by the global marketplace. Cape Verde forms part of Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List, which highlights globally trending islands – with searches for island getaways up 55 per cent overall. Each destination on the list falls into a different category, including the best romantic, wellness, nature, family, and affordable retreats – and more, with Cape Verde deemed the ‘best ultimate football-inspired island’. Melanie Fish, travel expert and spokesperson, said: “The list was finalised until one destination generated so much buzz from football fans that we had to give them an award of their own.” Most read in The Sun Other locations to make the list include St. Lucia ranking number one, which is considered to be the best for romantic escapes and Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal, which is preferred for wellness and relaxation. Praslin, Seychelles is best for nature lovers and Syros, Greece is top for cuisine. Palawan, Philippines is perfect for natural wonders, and Culebra, Puerto Rico is best for water adventures. Lofoten Islands in Norway also made the list, for its arctic adventures. Meanwhile, Sanibel Island, Florida, USA is the location for family escapes, Phu Quoc, Vietnam is best for affordable luxury and Fiji comes top for ‘multi-generational value’. Expedia’s Melanie Fish added: “Islands don’t just satisfy the urge to get away; they can also be one of the smartest holiday values.” Travellers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia – booking everything together can save hundreds on average, while simplifying planning. High-demand islands fill up fast, especially during peak holiday periods – booking early helps secure the best rates and availability. EXPEDIA’S 2026 ISLAND HOT LIST Here is Expedia's Island Hot List for 2026 including year-on-year search increases: St. Lucia (+125%) – Best for Romantic Escapes (Hotel Recommendation: Sugar Beach, 5 stars) Porto Santo, Madeira, Portugal (+85%) – Best for Wellness & Relaxation (Hotel Recommendation: Pestana Porto Santo Beach Resort & Spa, 5 stars) Praslin, Seychelles (+80%) – Best for Nature Lovers (Hotel Recommendation: Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites, 4 stars) Syros, Greece (+60%) – Best for Cuisine & Charm (Hotel Recommendation: Syrou Melathron, 4 stars) Lofoten Islands, Norway (+50%) – Best for Arctic Adventure (Hotel Recommendation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, 4 stars) Palawan, Philippines (+40%) – Best for Natural Wonders (Hotel Recommendation: Carpe Diem Villas & Resort, 4 stars) Culebra, Puerto Rico (+35%) – Best for Water Adventures (Hotel Recommendation: Club Seabourne Boutique Hotel, 3 stars) Sanibel Island, Florida, USA (+25%) – Best for Family Escapes (Hotel Recommendation: Sanibel Inn, 3 stars) Phu Quoc, Vietnam (+25%) – Best for Affordable Luxury (Hotel Recommendation: Green Bay Phu Quoc Resort & Spa, 5 stars) Fiji (+15%) – Best for Multi-generational Value (Hotel Recommendation: OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort, 5 stars) Comment now