Top Holiday Destinations for Literary Escapes in 2026
Greece, the UK, Italy and Antigua are the top holiday destinations for literary escapes in 2026, according to Sunsail, a leader in yacht charter holidays.
It comes as Bookbounding has been named one of Skyscanner’s top travel trends for 2026, with 48% of travellers either booking or considering a trip inspired by literature. Online searches for ‘literary escapes’ have also increased by 100% over the last three months, while ‘bookish travel’ has risen by 52% in that same time.
From tracing the footsteps of an iconic character, to visiting the places that inspired your favourite author, or finding the perfect spot to switch off and unwind with a book in hand, literature is shaping how we travel in 2026.
Katrina Lawson, Head of Brand and Acquisitions at Sunsail, said: “We have noticed a shift with people looking for more cultural and historical experiences than ever before, particularly literary and reading-related holidays.
“Some of these destinations are home to literary classics and feel like stepping into the pages of your favourite book, while others offer quiet, secluded coves for reading in privacy. Whether you want to feel at one with Shakespeare, be transported into the world of the Odyssey, or read for hours on a tranquil beach with no one else around, these destinations offer the ultimate literary escape for 2026.”
- Literary Classics: From Madeline Miller’s The Songs of Achilles to Homer’s The Odyssey, some of the greatest works of literature are set on Greek Islands. One of the best places to explore is the island of Ithaca, world renowned as the home of Odysseus. Ithaca symbolises the return to the haven, the discovery and the fulfilment.
- Rural Islands: With over 6,000 islands, discover countless secluded coves and hidden beaches, where you can get lost in a book without another soul in sight. The best part? You’ll be reading against the breathtakingly beautiful backdrop of rugged coastlines, stunning blue waters and distant islands.
- Ancient Inspiration: Athens, the birthplace of democracy, art, and literature, is home to incredible ancient sites that spark the imagination and feel like stepping into the past. Visiting the historical ruins will feel like you’re walking among the likes of Sophocles and Plato.
- Incredible Views: As you look out from the shoreline, all you’ll see is the vast Caribbean Sea, providing you with a panoramic background that makes you feel like you’re reading in paradise. The combination of brilliant sunshine, stunning natural beauty and laid-back culture makes for hours of uninterrupted reading pleasure.
- Jamaica Kincaid: Antigua is the home of celebrated essayist and novelist Jamaica Kincaid. Plant your feet in the golden sands, and read Annie John as you experience the sounds, sights and smells of Antigua, the same way Kincaid did.
- Reading under the stars: For an atmospheric reading experience like no other, head to one of the less developed beaches on Antigua and read under the stars. On clear nights, the Milky Way is easily visible from Antigua, enhancing your reading experience even further. The only time you won’t have your nose in a book is when you’re admiring the skies.
- Literary Icons: The UK is a treasure trove for book lovers. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen, discover where Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, or visit the homes of the Brontë sisters. Rich in history, culture and literature, wherever you visit in the UK, you’ll never be far from the setting of a British novel.
- Reading spots: Spend hours with your head in a book, surrounded by the charming landscapes of the UK. In the summer, there’s no better feeling than reading a romance novel on one of the South Coast’s quaint beaches. As the weather turns colder in the winter months, you’ll have your pick of stunning libraries and cosy coffee shops to read in.
Literary Events: Want to meet other literary super fans while on your reading getaway? The UK is renowned for its various literary events throughout the year, from Stratford Literary Festival which is held in Shakespeare’s birthplace, to Hay Festival in Wales.
- Slow Living: Italy’s iconic “slow living” philosophy fits hand-in-hand with a relaxing reading holiday. Treat yourself to a delicious Italian lunch, before whiling away the afternoon reading chapter after chapter, overlooking the sensational Amalfi Coast.
- The Leopard: Be transported into the world of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s novel, The Leopard, by visiting Sicily, where you’ll discover how much has changed since the 1860s The Leopard was also released as an exclusive Netflix series earlier this year, so you can uncover some of the beautiful filming locations and feel like you’re part of the plot.
- Cala Tonnarella: Situated within the Zingaro Nature Reserve in northern Sicily and only accessible to most through a challenging hike, this hidden cove offers untouched natural beauty and a peaceful reading environment. This crescent of round, white pebbles faces the pristine Tyrrhenian Sea, a perfect spot to settle in for a gentle afternoon of reading.
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