Britons are flocking to short-haul European hotspots this summer, according to a new report from online travel agent Opodo. Bookings for July and August 2026 have revealed a strong preference for nearby destinations, with a mix of familiar favourites and emerging trends.
The top five most booked city breaks for Brits are Barcelona, Amsterdam, Malaga, Lisbon, and Faro, which offer a blend of culture, sun, and relatively short travel times. This mirrors broader European traveller preferences, with Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona, Paris, London, and Madrid topping global bookings.
Opodo's analysis highlights several 'new' destinations gaining popularity among British travellers, including Preveza (Lefkada) in Greece, which has seen a 230% increase in bookings. Other notable increases can be found in Valencia (160%), Zakynthos (Zante), Mykonos in Greece, and Funchal in Portugal.
Of the 73% of travellers planning ahead, securing their holidays more than 90 days in advance is not uncommon, indicating a persistent aversion to last-minute bookings. When it comes to trip duration, short getaways (3-4 days) account for 26% of bookings, while slightly longer breaks (7-13 days) make up 27%. Short-haul journeys dominate at 46%, with medium-haul making up 40% and long-haul accounting for just 14%.
It's worth noting that UK travellers to these destinations can enter without a visa for short stays, but may be required to obtain pre-travel authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in the future. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises checking their website for up-to-date travel advice, including local laws and safety information. Comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended.