FAMILIES planning a budget ­self-catering holiday to Cyprus could get burnt by the sky-high cost of local groceries, which are 79% higher than Portugal.

The Mediterranean island popular with British sun seekers is the most expensive in Europe for a weekly shop containing 12 staples, from bread and milk to eggs and teabags.

A study by Post Office Travel found that a list of everyday essentials was £24.55 higher in Limassol than in the Algarve, in Portugal, and cost £22 more than in Spain.

The self-catering hotspot was more ­expensive than the two other top destinations for families for every item, with some groceries costing more than double.

Orange juice to last a family of four staying for a week cost £8.12 for four cartons compared with just £3.72 in Portugal and Spain.

And a pizza would set a family back ......