logo
Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK

Fairytale European city that is like ‘going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK

Scottish Suna day ago

Plus, 11 other easyJet routes you can travel on this summer
DREAM LAND Fairytale European city that is like 'going back centuries' to get new easyJet flights from the UK
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A EUROPEAN city most people associate with Christmas is getting new UK flights this year.
Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region and sits on the French-German border.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
easyJet is introducing new flights to Strasbourg
Credit: Alamy
5
The Petite France quarter is known for its beautiful houses and canals
Credit: Alamy
And in November, easyJet will be flying to Strasbourg from Manchester.
Despite the UK getting hot this week, the city is known for its bustling Christmas market.
Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas" with the market, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is scheduled to run from November 27 to December 27.
Flight tickets have been released already with tickets on sale in November from £48.99 (one-way).
From November 28, the new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.
This is part of easyJet's expansion of 22 new routes from UK airports for the winter season.
For anyone keen to jet off before then, easyJet already offers flights from the UK to Strasbourg flying from London Heathrow from £38.99 - and it's one hour and 35 minutes away.
And the city is equally just as beautiful to explore during the summertime with average highs of 26C.
The area of Strasbourg that attracts most of the tourists is Petite France where you'll find the charming houses, cobbled streets and canals.
One visitor said: "It's breathtaking, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been to.
Escape Winter: Fly to Gran Canaria with EasyJet
5
easyJet flights from Manchester align with the Christmas market
Credit: Alamy
5
Strasbourg also houses what's believed to be the world's oldest wine barrel
Credit: Alamy
"It's like stepping back in time several centuries."
Another added that it's a place that makes you "feel like you're in a fairytale."
Not that you can taste it, but Strasbourg is home to what's believed to be the world's oldest barrel of wine.
It's housed in the Historic Wine Cellar of Strasbourg Hospital, a 14th-century cellar beneath the modern city hospital.
The wine has been tasted only three times in its history, in the years 1576, 1718, and 1944.
It's not drinkable any longer though as it dates back to 1472.
While that barrel remains untouched, the cellar still produces wine, around 140,000 bottles each year.
Not to mention there's lots of wine bars and pubs throughout the city, it's known for its white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewürztraminer.
Popular spots for wine include L'Alsace à Boire which sells local wines along with charcuterie boards.
Or Le Purgatoire which has been praised for its extensive wine list.
Here are 11 more easyJet routes from UK airports including Greek islands and African beach resorts.
Plus, easyJet has launched new flight route to 'underrated' Italian seaside city with stunning golden beaches and historic sites.
One Travel Writer visited Strasbourg
The Sun's Health Feature Editor Alice Fuller recently visited the city - here are her thoughts.
"The vibrant French city is a powerful political centre (home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights) yet it still has a quaint countryside village feel.
"With half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a 1,000-year-old cathedral stood alongside lively bars, modern museums and shimmering glass consulates, it's a seamless mix of mediaeval and futuristic.
Strolling the narrow streets, I marvel at colourful toytown cottages that look like they're straight out of a Grimm's fairytale next to sprawling French chateaux."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret
I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret

Metro

time3 hours ago

  • Metro

I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret

When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. This article was originally published on June 14, 2025. MORE: This African country is the continent's best-kept safari secret MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C MORE: Budapest Pride attracts 100,000 in defiance of Hungary's ban

The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches
The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches

Scottish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches

Plus, one Scandinavian island which will one day cease to exist ISLAND LIVING The European country with more than 260,000 islands – they have blue lagoons, sea stacks and sandy beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DID you know that Sweden has thousands of islands? In fact, Sweden has the most islands in the world with 267,570 to be exact. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Sweden has over 200,000 islands Credit: Alamy 7 The biggest island is Gotland which is home to 60,000 people Credit: Alamy Even the capital of Stockholm is built across a 14-island archipelago. Despite the enormous number, the majority of these islands are uninhabited, with only around 1,000 having any form of building or settlement. The largest Swedish island is Gotland which is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and has a population of around 60,000. On the island is the medieval town of Visby which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has cobbled streets, ancient walls, and picture-worthy architecture. The island of Gotland is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with galleries, studios, and art exhibitions. One of the most popular foodie spots is Lilla Bjers with small plates that have been called "once-in-a-lifetime dining" with it all farm to table. Another popular attraction are sea stacks, also called raukar, which are limestone monoliths scattered along the coast. The island even has its own Blue Lagoon with waters that are a vibrant turquoise during the summer. From mainland Sweden, the ferry to Gotland takes around three hours. From Stockholm to the island by plane takes just 45 minutes. European 'paradise' island is home to fairytale towns and blue lagoons 7 Gotland has its very own Blue Lagoon Credit: Alamy 7 Stockholm to Gotland takes just 45 minutes on the ferry Credit: Alamy Fårö, a smaller island just off the coast of Gotland, is known for it's beautiful beaches, including Sudersand. It's a huge sandy stretch along the coastline, with shallow waters ideal for families, and along the front are cafes, kiosks, and activities, like mini-golf. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "Fantastic beautiful beach! Of course I stop every year I'm on Gotland. Love how shallow and family friendly it is. The sand feels like paradise underfoot." Another added: "We were delighted to find an immaculate sandy beach with clear and warm water. "First week off season, so not very crowded. Well worth the trip. We had a nice lunch in the surfers' shack on the beach." Another island off the coast of Sweden that known for its beauty is Ven. It's known for its beautiful cliffs that drop into the sea, white beaches, cottages and hills perfect for cycling. Also on the island is Hvens Glassfabrik, an ice cream factory - and you can have tastings. 7 The sea stacks are another popular attraction on Gotland Credit: Alamy 7 No one lives on the tiny islet of Märket - the one attraction is the lighthouse Credit: Alamy The Spirit of Hven Backafallsbyn, which is a resort with a four-star hotel, restaurant and on-site distillery that makes whiskey. One visitors said: "It's simply beautiful. Unspoilt nature at its best. Pretty little houses and few cars." Märket, a tiny islet shared with Finland, with a total area of 3.3 hectares. The island is divided between the two countries, with the border running through the middle since the Treaty of Fredrikshamn in 1809. No one lives there, and it's known for its lighthouse. Other popular islands include Öland, Orust, Hisingen and Värmdö. Plus, one Scandinavian island which will one day cease to exist. And the 35-minute train that lets you travel underwater between two countries - and it costs just £10.

Latest travel advice for Spain as heatwave triggers danger to life alert
Latest travel advice for Spain as heatwave triggers danger to life alert

Metro

time6 hours ago

  • Metro

Latest travel advice for Spain as heatwave triggers danger to life alert

Spain is sweltering through temperatures of more than 40°C as a heatwave sweeps across southern Europe just as the summer holiday season begins. Heat health and fire alerts have been issued, and now all eyes are on Seville, which is forecast to hit 42°C on Sunday. By 10am this morning, the Andalusian city was already at 41°C. While southern Spain is always hot in summertime, meteorologists and locals say it is unusual to see heat so extreme this early in the year. Hot air from North Africa, which is spreading across the Balkans to the continent's most popular tourist destinations, is contributing to soaring temperatures. In terms of official advice from the UK Foreign Office, it's business as usual for travelling to Spain. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. However, the country's national weather agency AEMET has warned of extreme temperatures exceeding 40°C across much of the country this weekend. On the streets of Madrid and Barcelona, people were seen cooling themselves in fountains. One tourist was spotted using two umbrellas to shield herself from the blazing sun at the Sagrada Familia. June is on track to be the hottest on record. The state weather agency has issued a special heatwave warning for the southwest and the northeast near the Pyrenees, where in parts it is expected to reach 42°C. Spanish health authorities have advised people to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day, from 11am to 3pm, and to stay hydrated. This advice is particularly important for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children. Each summer, Metro chats to experts about how to keep cool when the mercury rises. Over the years, they've told us how to make your own air con (by putting a bottle of ice and a tablespoon of salt into the freezer, then sticking the frozen bottle in front of a fan; as the ice melts, the breeze from the fan will pick up the cool air coming from the ice's surface. This will recreate a cool breeze, similar to an air conditioning unit). While it might sound counterintuitive, they say it's best to keep windows and curtains closed during the day to prevent a greenhouse-like heat effect inside. More Trending Similar to windows, it can be tempting to keep all of your inside doors open as the weather hots up – but experts say this can add to the problem. When heat is at its most intense, shut off unused rooms so the limited breeze can permeate through the rooms you're in. As it starts to get cooler, leave the bedroom doors open at night so cool air can travel through the home. Otherwise, it's all about staying cool and hydrated. Wear loose-fitting clothing, sip on water and keep a bottle close at hand, and remember to stay in the shade as much as possible. MORE: Affordable and 'overlooked' European capital gets new flights from the UK MORE: I spent 96 hours in 'little London', where life is easier MORE: Tributes to Brit, 41, who died after falling onto rocks in Majorca

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store