Going for a city break is the perfect opportunity to relax away from the hustle and bustle while immersing yourself in another culture and discovering incredible attractions. The good news is that you don’t need to travel far to get that much-needed break since many of Europe’s most sophisticated cities are only a short flight from London. Choosing a destination you can visit on a single flight means you’ll have more time to explore. If you’re looking for suggestions on where to go, here are the top 5 luxury destinations in Europe you can fly to from London.
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Milan, Italy
The Italian fashion capital is a fascinating city to explore for the weekend. It’s an easy flight from the UK and a popular place to visit for British holidaymakers who want to soak up the sophisticated city’s relaxed and friendly vibe.
The Duomo would be an ideal starting point for exploring Milan. It’s the city’s most iconic landmark, with its spectacular Gothic facade, tall spires, and the shimmering golden statue of the Virgin Mary. From the Duomo, head to the nearby Galleria Vittorio, Italy’s oldest shopping gallery and another iconic landmark in Milan. Even if you don’t intend to shop, you’ll love strolling the Galleria, admiring its frescoed walls, mosaic floors, and glass dome.
When evening comes, treat yourself to the happy hour, or “Aperitivo.” It’s popular among locals and something to experience on your visit to Milan. It starts at 6 PM, as people leave work and meet for drinks and snacks at one of the city’s top bars and pubs. The snacks can come in different forms, from crisps to peanuts and olives. Some of Milan’s best areas to enjoy aperitivo are Colonne di San Lorenzo, Navigli and Darsena, and Corso Como and Brera.
Santorini, Greece
Located only a few hours from London, Santorini is a fantastic destination for a glorious European getaway and one of the Mediterranean’s true gems. The picturesque island is famous for its post-card-perfect views of whitewashed villages, glistening Aegean Sea, and romantic sunsets. Whether you’re here for a short weekend break or a week-long getaway, Santorini has plenty of things to keep you entertained.
If you only have the weekend, you can visit all the highlights within two days. Begin by visiting ancient Akrotiri, an ancient archaeological site destroyed by a volcanic eruption and buried by ash in 1627 BC. Next, head to the nearby Red Beach, renowned for its spectacular landscapes of red volcanic sands backed by rugged cliffs.
One of the top things to do on your short visit is to hike from Fira to Oia. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the island’s incredible scenery. The hike will be more manageable if you’re here in autumn or spring. But if it’s summer, start early morning or late afternoon to avoid the scorching heat.
Cote d’Azure, France
France is one of the best destinations for a short break from London. And while many would choose Paris, Cote d’Azur is a much better option for many reasons. It’s undeniably one of the most stunning regions in France, famous for its turquoise waters and scenic trails, offering fun outdoor adventures like mountain hikes, deep sea diving, and scenic walks by the coast.
Antibes is the perfect place to spend the weekend in Côte-d’Azur. The lovely city boasts fascinating architecture, pristine beaches, and vibrant markets, including La Marche Provençal, where you can shop for fresh produce, cheeses, honey, and jams.
To experience a luxurious getaway in Côte-d’Azur, visit Cannes, a lovely town renowned for its prestige and sophistication, frequented by film stars and other famous personalities. But there’s more to Cannes than its film festivals. Visit Le Suquet district, a historic town centre home to beautiful old houses and the Notre-Dame-de-l’Espérance church, dating back to the 14th century.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, a historic city along the Adriatic Sea, less than a 3-hour flight from London, is another perfect destination for a holiday from the capital of England. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and with a piece of history in almost every corner, Dubrovnik is a fantastic place for a short break.
As one of the most picturesque cities of all Croatian cities, Dubrovnik is famous for its stone wall fortifications that tower over the Adriatic Sea. Exploring the Old Town is a must for every visitor. Packed with history and historic landmarks, stroll through its cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings before taking a break at the many cafes. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, the Old Town of Dubrovnik will be a familiar sight. That’s because it’s the filming location for the show.
For a relaxing day in Dubrovnik, visit one of its beaches. There’s a beautiful beach only a short walk from the Old Town’s Ploče Gate. It’s called Banje Beach, one of the city’s most popular beaches.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is another fun European city you can easily fly to from London. The vibrant Spanish city is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, packed with beautiful museums, fantastic architecture, historic streets, stunning beaches, and a lively nightlife scene.
Barcelona has a bit of everything, making it a great place to explore for the weekend. From the hippie Gothic quarter to the La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, Barcelona is a delight to explore on a short weekend break. Barcelona’s pretty streets are easy to walk around, but there’s also an efficient metro system if you need to travel further afield, such as outside the city centre.
Spend your last day relaxing at the beach. Visit La Barceloneta in the old fisherman district and head on to the main beach, a popular place for tourists and locals to chill out at the weekend, so you can expect it to be lively and full of crowds. It’s a fun place to people-watch from one of the beachside cafes or take a leisurely walk along its lovely promenade. If you happen to visit in the summer, feel free to swim!
