Mediterranean 'hidden gem' named top 'alternative' holiday spot for 2025

As the summer holidays are set to hit, finding which spot should be your next sun-drenched getaway is seeing high search results on the internet. Fortunately, new research from has taken out the guesswork for choosing where after their new study revealed the top alternative summer getaway for 2025. The UK's top airline carried out this research as searches for alternative destinations have recently surged.

Alongside these alternative destinations Brits are looking to call home during holidays, searches for "hidden gems" have also seen a massive rise of 50%. took the top spot for alternative holiday destinations in 2025. In fact, the Mediterranean island has seen a search increase by more than 120% this year as the tiny yet beautiful nation has also ranked as the most appealing spot for adventurous Brits looking for something different.

Located roughly halfway between Italy and Northern Africa, Malta is undoubtedly Europe's hidden gem thanks to the island's captivating mix of natural beauty, charming culture and rich history.

Thanks to its climate, Malta boasts almost year-round sunshine. It is also no stranger to stunning coastlines and unique architecture.

These factors and a host of many more all contribute to Malta's enduring allure and are a big step away from the run-of-the-mill sunny European countries out there.

In fact, Malta is also highlighted as a place offering unique offerings, with new research from easyJet revealing that two in five Brits are looking to try somewhere new this summer.

The research also showed that Malta was the top dog, scoring an impressive 38% when it came to its appeal, with Sardinia and Seville following closely behind, both with a 34% score.

When it comes to summertime, Malta is a clear winner for spending your sun-filled days with stunning coastlines, dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, all ideal for water sports or simply just lazing about in the sun.

A visit to the Blue Lagoon comes highly recommended and is famed for its turquoise waters and endless beauty.

One review on TripAdvisor raved about Malta and wrote: "Always love coming here it offers all you need and so much more and love that its not a mainstream destination, yet."

The 10 best spots for an alternative holiday for 2025 according to easyJet research includes:

Malta, Malta - 38%

Sardinia, Italy - 34%

Seville, Spain - 34%

Budapest, Hungary - 30%

Oslo, Norway - 29%

Munich, Germany - 28%

Gibraltar, Gibraltar - 26%

Bordeaux, France - 26%

Zurich, Switzerland - 25%

Marrakesh, Morocco - 23%