The trending Mediterranean breaks Britons are booking for sunshine and £2 pints

Sarra Gray
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:35:50 +0000

Britons are looking closer to home for their next getaway as uncertainty continues over travelling to some destinations.

Instead of long-haul trips, travellers are opting for short-haul breaks in the western Mediterranean, and new data has unveiled the most popular options.

According to TUI, destinations across Spain, Italy and Portugal are seeing a surge in demand, with holidaymakers prioritising stress-free travel and destinations they can enjoy from the moment they land. With TUI Airways operating regular thrice-weekly flights to Alicante and daily flights to Ibiza from across the UK, the trend is only growing.

Commercial director TUI UK&I, Chris Logan, said: “We're seeing an appetite for hassle-free travel, with customers prioritising familiar destinations they can reach easily and enjoy from the moment they land.

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"The Western Mediterranean ticks all the boxes, with sunshine and a huge variety of experiences, whether you're after beaches, culture or both. That’s why we’ve increased capacity to popular destinations, ensuring customers have plenty of choice at a range of excellent value price points.”

Holidaymakers are looking towards Mallorca, the Algarve, Costa Blanca and Sorrento.

Mallorca

A long-time favourite for UK travellers, Mallorca offers a mix of beach days and culture-packed city breaks. The island’s coastline is dotted with scenic coves and inlets, perfect for relaxed sunbathing, while Palma has historic sights and vibrant dining.

Resorts like Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona remain popular for families thanks to their easy-going atmosphere and abundance of restaurants and cafés. Meanwhile, Sa Coma is great for couples hoping for a more romantic escape. Not the cheapest on the list, but with pints costing around €4, it is still a great-value destination for long lunches and sunset drinks.

Algarve

The Algarve continues to shine as one of Europe’s most reliable sunshine destinations. Known for its dramatic coastline of hidden coves and golden beaches, it is a top pick for both families and couples.

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Many beaches hold Blue Flag status, and the region combines laid-back seaside charm with traditional fishing villages and world-class golf courses. Local beers are often around €3, and wine is between €3 to €4 in relaxed coastal spots.

Sorrento, Italy

Sorrento is fast becoming one of Italy’s most sought-after coastal destinations. Perched above the Bay of Naples, it offers sweeping views of Mount Vesuvius alongside charming cobbled streets and colourful buildings.

As a gateway to the Amalfi Coast, it blends style with authenticity - from boutique shopping to traditional trattorias serving fresh seafood, pasta and limoncello. Despite its picturesque setting, it still offers solid value, with house wine available from around €5 away from the main tourist squares.

Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca remains a firm favourite for Britons, thanks to its combination of great beaches, year-round sunshine and affordability. Alicante is a standout, offering sandy shores just minutes from the city centre alongside a mix of historic and modern architecture.

Meanwhile, Benidorm is enjoying a resurgence. Beyond its famous nightlife, the Old Town reveals cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and a more traditional side to the resort. This is where you will find the most affordable drinks, as pints start from around €2.50 (around £2) in local bars, making it one of the best-value options in the Med.