Greek Island Sunsets, French Pastries and Foreign Crisps – 30 Things Brits Love About Visiting Europe

Despite eight in ten Brits saying they are proud to be British, as many as 74 percent still feel European at heart, even though the UK is no longer in the EU, according to a new study by TUI.

A further 73 percent say The Mediterranean is their top choice for a holiday – with exploring foreign supermarkets (25 percent) and morning trips to the boulangerie for pastries (21 percent) emerging among the things we love most about visiting our neighbouring countries.

Exploring Roman ruins (20 percent), proper gelato in Italy (19 percent), Greek island sunsets (18 percent) and swimming in hidden coves (19 percent) also made the list, as did evening shopping (16 percent), visiting vineyards (13 percent) and looking at Renaissance art (12 percent).

And seemingly we’re a nation of foodies as other things we love about Europe include trying foreign crisps, Greek salads, and Aperol sundowners.

80 percent said they would love to explore off the beaten track next year, with Croatia’s Korčula island emerging as Europe’s most desired hidden gem, capturing 60 percent of votes.

This was followed by Sibiu, Romania (39 percent), Tallinn, Estonia (37 percent) and Kotor, Montenegro (32 percent). Reykjavik, Iceland and Riga, Latvia were also named as European spots Brits would like to visit.

TUI UK&I’s Commercial Director, Chris Logan commented, “The amazing thing about Europe is that we have so much to explore right on our doorstep. Beautiful beaches, delicious cuisines, rich history and culture or simply the chance to get away from it all and relax. But what’s really clear from this research is that it’s often the small moments and what you discover along the way that stays in people’s minds, plus there’s a real appetite for exploring more of Europe.

“We’re always looking at how we can meet customer needs and provide them with ultimate choice and flexibility, so whether it’s a Greek island escape, or a city break to Tallinn, Estonia – you can book all of that with TUI, flying from your local airport and for a duration that suits you.

And what’s more, customers can now be in with the chance of winning up to £1,000 towards their next holiday.”

*Those looking to make the most of their own Euro summer, can now win up to £1,000 towards their next TUI holiday to Europe to discover its hidden gems*.

*For more information on how to enter, visit: TUI Euro Summer Competition | TUI.co.uk or @tuiuk on TikTok.

BRITISH TRAVELLERS’ FAVOURITE THINGS ABOUT EUROPE

1. Visiting food markets     30%
2. Watching the world go by with a coffee   29%
3. Evening strolls through old quarters   25%
4. Friendly locals      25%
5. Exploring foreign supermarkets    25%
6. Morning trips to le boulangerie to get pastries  21%
7. Sharing tapas in a Spanish square   20%
8. Exploring Roman ruins     20%
9. Proper gelato in Italy     19%
10. Staying up late for dinner with all the family  19%
11. Swimming in hidden coves    19%
12. Greek Island sunsets     18%
13. Drinking espresso in an Italian coffee bar  18%
14. Having a Siesta      18%
15. Belgian Waffles      17%
16. Greek salads      17%
17. Bright blue seas      16%
18. Shopping for trinkets at night markets   16%
19. Trying different foreign crisps    16%
20. Beer festivals      16%
21. Street performers in market squares   15%
22. Churros and hot chocolate    15%
23. Family-centric culture     15%
24. Whitewashed Greek buildings    15%
25. The sound of Church bells in a Spanish village  14%
26. Ordering a big grilled fish     13%
27. Visiting a French Vineyard    13%
28. Looking at Renaissance art    12%
29. Steins of cold lager on a mountain top   12%
30. Aperol Spritz in a small-town square   11%

As one of the top lifestyle magazines in the UK, Crave brings you fresh ideas on food, health and travel.