Upon landing in a new destination, what excites you the most? Whether it’s exploring landmarks or relaxing on sandy shores, everyone has their holiday highlights they eagerly anticipate throughout the year. Surprisingly, recent trends on social media showcase vacationers sharing not scenic views but rather their adventures in supermarket aisles.
Platforms like TikTok are flooded with videos of UK visitors joyfully embarking on supermarket trips at their holiday spots. One video features a man dancing exuberantly in the aisles with the caption “Nothing beats the feeling of the first supermarket trip in Spain,” while another captures a tourist in a Mercadona store proclaiming, “Me, as soon as I land in Spain.”
This newfound enthusiasm for a typically mundane task back home has prompted travel website Superbreak.com to unveil the Gourmet Grocery Index for 2026, highlighting the top ten UK and European destinations for grocery tourism. Factors considered in this index include supermarket availability, independent food shops, shopping costs, retail diversity, and the ease of transporting popular food items.
Earning the top spot on this list is Lisbon, Portugal, a city celebrated for its vibrant culture, picturesque streets, and surprisingly well-stocked supermarkets. Lisbon’s diverse food shopping scene, ranging from traditional delis and markets to specialty boutiques, propelled it to the forefront of grocery tourism.
Portugal is also recognized for its cost-effective living compared to other Western European countries, with food shopping expenses reportedly 20-40% lower than in the UK. Tinned fish emerges as a popular choice for travelers due to its convenient packability, durability in transit, and extended shelf life, making it a sought-after souvenir. However, travelers should be cautious as fish in brine or oil is considered a liquid for hand luggage restrictions.
Visitors exploring Lisbon are advised to explore mercados municipais, traditional markets housed in historic buildings offering a range of local goods. Notable options include Mercado de Campo de Ourique, accessible via tram, and Loja das Conservas, a colorful shop known for its variety of tinned fish products ideal for gifts.
For an authentic shopping experience, tourists can visit Continente, a prominent supermarket chain in Lisbon, or opt for Pingo Doce, known for its fresh produce and in-store bakeries. Barcelona and Florence also made the list for their vibrant food markets and specialized stores offering local ingredients.
Among the UK destinations, Lynton & Lynmouth on the Exmoor coast secured a spot as the only entry, praised for its abundance of independent farm shops and artisanal food producers, catering to food enthusiasts seeking a unique shopping experience.
Before bringing back supermarket items from abroad, travelers should ensure products can withstand cabin pressure changes and rough handling during transit. Additionally, travelers should be mindful of liquid restrictions for hand luggage and note that certain food products, including meat and dairy, cannot be brought into the UK from the EU.
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