Gen Z search interest for various Greek islands climbed more than 20 percent for summer 2026 compared to the same period last year.

The interest in lesser-known Greece hotspots, such as Folegandros and Lefkada, signals a broader shift by younger travelers toward what Airbnb calls “hidden corners” of Greece that happen to be packed with stunning hiking trails and beach scenes that cost less than tier-one markets.

The platform released the data as part of its summer 2026 travel trends report, which tracks Q1 search volume against the prior year.

Here are the hidden gems the company uncovered while digging into early short-term rental popularity for the summer of 2026:

  • Thailand: Surat Thani is becoming a budget-friendly base for Gen Z travelers exploring Southeast Asia’s most iconic islands. An added perk is easy access to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, among other gems.
  • Greece: Younger travelers aren’t just hitting Santorini and Mykonos. They’re also interested in booking trips in hidden corners of Greece like Folegandros, a rugged cliffside escape with untouched hiking trails and a laid-back bohemian vibe, and Lefkada, the home to stunning crystal-blue lagoons and a vibrant seaside vibe.
  • Brazil: Brazil’s coast is another hotspot for Gen Z’ers. Ubatuba is a hidden coastal gem, while Fortaleza offers a bustling nightlife and pristine beaches.
  • Spain: Spain’s rural areas are seeing a surge in Gen Z bookings as younger travelers seem interested in spots like Zaragoza, which is well-known for its Mudéjar architecture, Roman heritage, and lively tapas scene. They also seem interested in Santander, which notably offers a coastal escape, Cantabrian scenery, and amazing dining options.
  • Tennessee, United States: Don’t write off the Great Smokey Mountains in the United States. This part of Tennessee happens to be one of the top trending destinations globally in 2026, especially with Gen Z travelers. Sevierville is a charming town nestled in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains with a picturesque National Park to add value.

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One third of travelers are choosing to stay close to home

According to Airbnb, three forces are driving the season: activity-based “playcations,” nostalgia for millennial-era destinations revisited through a Gen Z lens, and a pivot to nearby, affordable getaways.

The company notes Gen Z is not simply returning to classic millennial destinations but rediscovering them through less publicized areas.

One-third of travelers are choosing to stay closer to their place of residence, with rural and less saturated areas gaining ground as more affordable and authentic STR alternatives.

In the U.S., the same pattern shows up in destinations like Thailand, Brazil, Spain, and Tennessee, all posting search growth above 20% from Gen Z for summer 2026.

Operators in secondary Greek markets now have forward demand signals they can price against — and a window to capture younger cohorts before saturation drives them elsewhere.