01-08-2025
Brits say they 'still feel European' despite Brexit - and reveal what they love most about Europe
Brits have revealed 30 of their favourite things about Europe - as three in four UK nationals admit they still feel European at heart despite Brexit.
In a new study conducted by TUI, seasoned travellers were asked to share the bits of Europe they love most - from local food to key landmarks to hidden gems.
The UK withdrew from the European Union (EU) in 2020, but that hasn't stopped a whopping 74 per cent of Brits continuing to feel a strong connection to Europe.
And, seemingly, we're an indisputable nation of food lovers, as exploring food markets emerged as Brits' top European pastime, with 30 per cent of respondents agreeing that checking out our neighbours' local delights fulfills their trips.
Coming in at a close second, as listed by 29 per cent of respondents, is watching the world go by while enjoying a warming cup of coffee.
In addition, a quarter of Brits say they enjoy exploring foreign supermarkets, while over a fifth noted nothing beats a fresh pastry during a morning trip to the boulangerie.
Other favourite food-related aspects of Europe include trying an assortment of foreign crisps (16 per cent), tucking into Greek salads (17 per cent) and sipping on Aperol sundowners (11 per cent).
In terms of activities and sightseeing, a fifth of Brits say they enjoy exploring Roman ruins, while 18 per cent shared an appreciation for Greek island sunsets.
Swimming in hidden coves (19 per cent) also made the list, as did evening shopping (16 per cent), visiting vineyards (13 per cent) and admiring Renaissance art (12 per cent).
Though 73 per cent of Brits say the Mediterranean is their top holiday destination, four in five hope to explore off the beaten track in 2026.
Croatia's Korčula island emerged as Europe's most desired hidden most desired hidden gem, capturing 60 per cent of votes, followed by Sibiu, Romania (39 per cent), Tallinn, Estonia (37 per cent) and Kotor, Montenegro (32 per cent).
Riga, Latvia, and Reykjavik, Iceland, were also named as some of the leading European spots British holidaymakers would like to visit.
TUI UK&I's Commercial Director, Chris Logan, said: '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.
It comes as Europe's best holiday city has been revealed, with voters praising the idyllic location for its incredible views, budget-friendly pizza and affordable flights from the UK.
In a survey conducted by luxury magazine Travel + Leisure, readers cast votes for their favourite city worldwide, with the Italian hotspot of Florence taking the crown as Europe's most loved.
Frequented by between 10 and 16million holidaymakers each year, sunseekers eagerly flock to the Tuscan city due to its rich Renaissance art and architecture, walkable city center and delicious food.
Described by Travel + Leisure as a 'must-see' thanks to its 'artistic treasures', 'superlative shopping' and 'wide selection of hotels', Florence, often known simply as 'The Beautiful', gained an overall reader score of 90.08.
Taking the top spot in Europe and 11th in the world, Florence even beat the popular European cities of Seville, Spain, Instanbul, Turkey and fellow Italian city of Rome.
