2026 Holiday Trend Report

Villa Destination Trends

We analysed the destinations showing the strongest year-on-year rise in confirmed villa bookings for 2026. Below are the top destinations and regions, ranked by growth.

5. Portugal (+24%)

Portugal’s growth for 2026 is being driven by its ease, accessibility and variety - qualities that make this destination especially appealing for relaxed, low-stress villa holidays. Guests value straightforward travel, reliable sunshine and the balance between relaxed villa life and culture‑rich day trips.

The Algarve (+14%) remains central to demand, thanks to its iconic beaches, walkable resort towns and family‑friendly atmosphere, with villas close to the coast and restaurants especially sought after, allowing guests to enjoy local life without relying on a car. Beyond the south, growing interest in areas like the Douro Valley reflects a rising appetite for scenic vineyard settings, food and wine experiences, and a slower pace of travel.

4. Greece (+25%)

Greece remains the most in‑demand villa destinations for 2026, with bookings up 25% year‑on‑year.

Growth is being driven by Greece’s effortless blend of scenery, culture and slow‑paced living. Guests are drawn to classic island experiences — cobalt seas, olive and citrus groves, long evenings of outdoor dining — paired with the privacy and comfort of a private villa. Demand is strongest for villas offering sea views, private pools and easy access to harbour towns and tavernas, allowing guests to balance seclusion with local life.

Key growth regions include:

• Crete (+50%), the fastest‑growing Greek island, valued for its scale and diversity, combining beaches, mountains, archaeological sites and rich food culture in one destination.

• Lefkada (+26%), increasingly popular for its dramatic turquoise bays, cliff‑backed beaches and quieter, less commercial feel.

• Corfu (+15%), where lush landscapes, Venetian architecture and sheltered coves continue to appeal to families and repeat villa guests.

3. Italy (+26%)

Italy is seeing renewed demand for 2026, with villa bookings up 26% year‑on‑year.

Growth is being driven by travellers seeking authentic, immersive experiences that pair iconic scenery with unhurried villa living. Guests are drawn to sun‑drenched terraces, vineyard and countryside views, and the freedom to explore local markets, historic towns and scenic drives at their own pace, before returning to the privacy of a villa.

Key growth regions include:

• Amalfi Coast (+40%), where dramatic cliffs, lemon‑scented lanes and panoramic sea views continue to attract high‑demand bookings, particularly among couples and special‑occasion travellers.

• Tuscany (+30%), valued for its balance of Renaissance cities, rolling hills and timeless vineyard landscapes, appealing to both first‑time visitors and repeat guests.

• Puglia (+30%), increasingly popular for its whitewashed towns, traditional trulli, olive groves and relaxed Adriatic coastline, offering a quieter, more authentic alternative to northern Italy.

2. Spain (+30%)

Spain presents a nuanced but positive picture for 2026. While browsing interest has softened slightly, confirmed villa bookings are already 30% higher year‑on‑year, indicating more decisive booking behaviour.

Growth is being driven by a clear shift towards quieter, more authentic Spanish destinations, with travellers looking beyond high‑season intensity in favour of privacy, space and a slower pace of life. Villas offer flexibility to enjoy Spanish culture, from local markets and tapas to beaches and countryside, while maintaining comfort and seclusion.

In particular, Menorca (+267%) has seen exceptional growth. Its unspoilt coves, gentle countryside, shallow swimming beaches and whitewashed towns strongly reflect rising demand for natural beauty, low‑key elegance and family‑friendly villa stays. 

1. Sri Lanka (+160%)

Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the most compelling long‑haul villa destinations for 2026, with bookings up 160% year‑on‑year.

The surge is being driven by Sri Lanka’s extraordinary concentration of experiences within a compact, easy‑to‑navigate island. Travellers are drawn to the ability to combine wildlife safaris, tea‑covered hill country, historic cities and palm‑lined beaches in a single trip, often without long travel times between regions, a major advantage for itineraries built around villas.

Demand is strongest for villas that blend natural surroundings with modern comfort, offering space to relax after days spent exploring national parks, beaches or cultural sites. Uncrowded beaches, rich food culture and standout experiences, from whale watching to scenic train journeys, are attracting travellers seeking holidays that feel both enriching and restorative.

Villa Holiday Travel Trends

Beyond destination choice, booking data and customer conversations reveal how travellers want to experience villa holidays in 2026. Guests are increasingly prioritising comfort, convenience and a sense of emotional connection. Rather than simply ticking off destinations, they’re focusing on how a holiday feels from day to day. These shifting priorities are shaping three clear trends in how villa holidays are planned and enjoyed.

Walkable Destinations

Walkability has become one of the most important considerations when selecting a villa for 2026, particularly for travellers who want a holiday that feels easy and unhurried.  Filters such as “walking distance to amenities” and “car hire not essential” are now among the most frequently used across our site.

Guests want the freedom to step out of their villa and into local life, strolling to cafés for morning coffee, walking to the beach, or wandering into town for dinner without needing to drive. This preference reflects a broader shift towards slower, more immersive travel, where holidays feel easier, more relaxed and more connected to their surroundings.

Walkable locations are particularly valued by families and multi‑generational groups, where ease of movement allows everyone to enjoy independence while still staying close. For many travellers, the ability to live at a gentler pace has become just as important as the destination itself.

Comfort and Essential Amenities

Travellers are selecting villas that make rest effortless, filtering for features that enhance comfort and allow holidays to feel genuinely restorative.

Private pools are now seen as essential, with pool‑related filters used more than 700 times, while air conditioning remains crucial for ensuring restful nights, particularly during warmer months. Shaded terraces, well‑designed interiors and practical layouts are all key factors in booking decisions.

This focus on comfort closely aligns with the growing popularity of longer stays. As travellers spend more time in one place, they want villas that support everyday living as well as relaxation.

Beach and Family Focus

Beach proximity remains a major draw, but privacy and space are equally important. Guests are looking for villas that allow families and groups to come together effortlessly, with generous communal areas, private pools and outdoor space that encourages time spent together.

At the same time, personal space matters. Villas that balance shared living with quiet corners and separate bedrooms allow different generations to enjoy the holiday in their own way, making them ideal for family celebrations, reunions and longer stays.

Search behaviour highlights a clear emphasis on this, with terms such as “beach villas”, “walk to beach”, “family villas”, “multi‑generational villas” and “great for large groups” continue to rise.

Ready to Plan Your 2026 Villa Holiday?

From Crete’s rapidly rising appeal to Sri Lanka’s rich sense of adventure, and from walkable Mediterranean resorts to family‑focused beach villas, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by thoughtful, unrushed and meaningful villa travel.

With demand building for 2026, booking ahead gives you the best choice of locations, villas and travel dates, particularly if you have specific needs around walkability, family space or travel outside peak summer.

Explore our carefully curated collection and begin shaping your 2026 villa escape while the most sought-after villas are still available.

*All booking insights are based on confirmed CV Villas customer bookings and website search behaviour, comparing 2026 bookings against the same period in 2025. Data reflects bookings made up to October 2025.