Jet2 launches new flights to little-known Canary island just 4-hours from UK
Brits will soon be able to fly directly to the 'most beautiful' EU island that has long avoided the tourist limelight.
Last year, a whopping 15.5 million international visitors flocked to the Canary Islands, marking a 10 per cent spike compared to 2023. Almost half (6.3 million) of the influx came from British holidaymakers, who have long favoured the archipelago despite growing anti-tourist sentiment and the subsequent string of confrontational protests.
Most visitors (6.2 million) headed straight to Tenerife, the largest Canary Island famed for its thrilling water park, wild nightlife, and breathtaking mountains. Gran Canaria followed closely behind, welcoming four million overseas visitors, while Lanzarote attracted a still-respectable three million.
The tiny island of La Palma, however, only recorded 120,000 visitors in 2024 - highlighting just how underrated it is. But, this could all soon change.
Jet2 has recently announced the launch of two new routes which could bring a staggering 1.6 million Brits over to La Palma, often referred to as the Canaries 'best-kept secret'. Twice-weekly (Monday and Friday) flights from Manchester Airport to La Palma will commence on April 3, 2026 - while London Stansted Airport will start offering the same flying pattern from 26 October, 2026.
"The UK market is one of our priorities to open and attract to La Palma and we are delighted to have achieved this, thanks to great collaboration and hard work with Jet2 and other partners," Raquel Rebollo, Minister of Tourism of the Cabildo of La Palma, said in a statement sent to the Mirror. "One of the main goals of this administration is to open new doors and tap into new markets, such as the UK, and this announcement just shows how much potential there is to grow tourism on our island."
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, also welcomed the announcement, describing it as a great opportunity to give UK holidaymakers the chance to enjoy everything the 'incredible' island has to offer. "We are delighted to be expanding our presence across the Canary Islands from London Stansted and Manchester Airports by adding this brand-new gateway to our portfolio, appealing to holidaymakers looking to explore the island's natural beauty," he added. "Offering customers and independent travel agents even more choice, we are also pleased to be adding a selection of hotels across scenic resorts, available to book now."
Located to the west of Tenerife, La Palma boasts a much more laid-back vibe than its fellow Canary Islands. Commonly touted as 'La Isla Bonita' - aka the beautiful island - it is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve with 19 protected natural spots. Tourists can lap-up the rays on pristine beaches without having to rub shoulders with strangers, and can hike through luscious woodlands or stargaze at night.
"Sleepy seaside villages and resorts like Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos offer black-sand beaches and peaceful promenades, while the capital Santa Cruz charms with its cobbled streets and colonial-style buildings," states La Palma's official tourist board. "At the heart of the island, the volcanic landscape promises epic hikes and postcard-perfect panoramas."
If you want to explore La Palma before Jet2's inaugural route, you'll have to fly indirectly (usually stopping over at Madrid) which can sometimes mean travelling for more than six hours. Flight prices aren't cheap either, with return fares in August costing around £208.
Accommodation on the island is scarce, meaning the price can also soar during the peak season. For example, a four-night stay (August 11-15) at the Meliá La Palma will set you back £571. This is based on two adults sharing a sea-view room. However, staying in a studio at Apartments La Palma on the exact same dates works out much cheaper (£359).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
28 minutes ago
- The Sun
Beloved restaurant chain shuts ALL its locations in UK and ceases trading after two ‘unforgettable' decades
A POPULAR restaurant chain has shuttered ALL of its UK locations as it ceases trading after 20 years. Hungry customers were disappointed to learn one of their favourite dinner spots would be disappearing from the high street forever. 3 3 Ping Pong was hailed for its range of more than 40 dim sum options and affordable prices. It was founded all the way back in 2005, by restaurateur Kurt Zdesar, and 13 venues quickly popped up within four years. Ping Pong's success continued to soar, and at it's height boasted 12 restaurants in London. The company announced their sad closure in a message on Instagram. "It's a wrap. After 20 unforgettable years, all Ping Pong locations are now permanently closed," they said. "We're incredibly proud of what we built, an independent hospitality brand full of creativity, flavour and soul. 'To everyone who joined us over the years, for dim sum dates, happy hours, bottomless brunches, and just-because catch-ups – thank you… It's been sum-thing truly special.' The move comes after the restaurant came under fire last year for changing its service charge to a 15 per cent discretionary 'brand charge'. Ping Pong also took a significant hit during the Covid pandemic, with trading losses of £1.4million in the year to March 2020. Within two years, their locations had halved in number, and the firm went to administrators in a desperate bid to save the brand. Famous fast-food chain dubbed 'Britain's rudest restaurant' to close final UK branch and teases future plans Begbies Traynor reported in 2022 the pandemic had caused 'significant disruption' to the business. This comes after an Italian restaurant chain faced the same fate and closed down all of its sites after nearly six years. Officina 00 was a popular pasta joint with three locations across Covent Garden, Fitzrovia and Old Street. It charged around £15 for posh pasta dishes such as curly pappardelle and killer bucatini. Owner Elia Sebregondi took to Instagram last week to share news that the business was no more. He said: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Officina 00 restaurants have now permanently closed. "I have done everything in my power to overcome the many challenges faced in the last few months, but despite all efforts I have been forced to close down." The news left diners heartbroken with many describing it as a "big loss". Chains have been struggling recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses have also been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic. As a result, a number of chains have been forced to close down or reduce their estate. And, the branch of a famous fast food chain is set to shut its doors after being "forced into liquidation" with £400k debt. The unique restaurant went viral back in 2022 with its performative staff being purposely rude to guests. Karen's diner on White Lion Street in London's Islington will close at the end of June after trading for two years. It's the restaurant's last remaining venue in the UK and is regularly described as one of the most memorable and bizarre dining experiences in the capital. With their deliberately rude waiters, Karen's has racked up millions of views on TikTok with clips of them insulting customers. Their website describes it as an "absurdly fun experience" where you are "greeted and waited upon by rude waiters and forced to play a variety of stupid games". How to save money eating out THERE are a number of ways that you can save money when eating out. Here's how: Discount codes - Check sites like Sun Vouchers or VoucherCodes for any discount codes you can use to get money off your order. Tastecard - This is a members club where you pay to have access to discounts worth up to 50 per cent off at thousands of restaurants. It costs £4.99 a month or £34.99 for the year. Loyalty schemes - Some restaurants will reward you with discounts or a free meal if you register with their loyalty scheme, such as Nando's where you can collect a stamp with every visit. Some chains like Pizza Express will send you discounts for special occasions, such as your birthday, if you sign up to their newsletter. Voucher schemes - Look out for voucher schemes offered by third party firms, such as Meerkat Meals. If you compare and buy a product through then you'll be rewarded with access to the discount scheme. You'll get 2 for 1 meals at certain restaurants through Sunday to Thursday. Student discounts - If you're in full-time education or a member of the National Students Union then you may be able to get a discount of up to 15 per cent off the bill. It's always worth asking before you place your order.
Scottish Sun
43 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit tourist and her pal ‘killed by rampaging elephant' during walking safari
Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the rampaging elephant to stop it from charging at the victims SAFARI HORROR Brit tourist and her pal 'killed by rampaging elephant' during walking safari Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRITISH tourist and her friend from New Zealand have been killed by an elephant while on a walking safari in Zambia today, cops said. The victims were tragically attacked by a female elephant that was a calf at South Luangwa National Park. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 A Brit tourist and her friend from New Zealand have been killed by an elephant Credit: Remote Africa Safaris 2 Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the rampaging elephant to stop it from charging at the victims Credit: Getty - Contributor Safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the rampaging elephant to stop it from charging at the victims. The elephant was hit with the bullets and wounded, but guides were unable to prevent the attack and both women tragically died at the scene, cops said. The South Luangwa National Park sits in eastern Zambia, roughly 370 miles from the capital Lusaka. Female elephants are renowned for being extremely protective of their babies and can respond with aggression to what they may see as threats. Last year, two tourists from the US were killed in separate encounters with elephants in Zambia. The elderly women were on safari vehicles when they were attacked. In January, a Spanish tourist has been killed by an elephant she was bathing at a sanctuary in Thailand. Blanca Ojanguren García, 22, was washing the animal when it gruesomely drove its tusk into her. The attack caused injuries from which Blanca could not be saved and the student later died. Blanca was bathing the animal at Koh Yao Elephant Care centre on the island of Yao Yai, Clarin reports. She reportedly passed in front of the animal when it attacked. Blanca, from Valladolid in northwest Spain, was a student at the University of Navarra and was in Thailand travelling. She was with her boyfriend at the time. Navarra University said it 'expresses its sorrow' for García's death and 'shares the grief of her family and asks for prayers for her soul.' Blanca had been on exchange and living in Taiwan when she had travelled to Thailand for a holiday. Washing elephants is a popular activity at some sanctuaries in Thailand. Experts told Clarín the elephant had likely become stressed due to interacting with tourists. Some 4,000 elephants live in sanctuaries, national parks, and nature reserves in Thailand.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Morrisons brings back £8 cabin bag that's Jet2 approved, has wheels & fits under plane seat perfectly
Get in quick because "when it's gone it's gone" CASE IN POINT Morrisons brings back £8 cabin bag that's Jet2 approved, has wheels & fits under plane seat perfectly Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MORRISONS is selling an underseat cabin bag for only £8, just in time for the summer holidays. Travel enthusiasts took to social media to share the exciting deal for others to scoop up too. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Jonas bag by Manoukian Paris can be purchased from Morrisons for £8 Credit: Facebook They revealed how the bag can be bought in red, blue or grey, and is perfect for Jet2 flights. The bag measures 40 x 20 x 25cm, and has a telescope handle, as well as a carry handle, with two wheels. Morrisons described their cabin bag, from French brand Jonas, as being made of a "durable material". The user, sharing the bag to the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Facebook group, attracted a number of responses from other keen bargain seekers. They described it as a "quite spacious" bag, and praised it for also having an interior zip pocket, and pocket on the side. It also includes a side pocket that makes it easy to find and store your passport when travelling. The greatly priced bag was also shared on Facebook at the end of last year, when it was put on sale for cheap during Black Friday. This poster said: "Ryanair approved underseat bags with wheels and handle to pull at Morrisons cheapest I've seen." It was described as an "excellent find", with one user who added: "I'll have to grab two of them." Major airline introduces strict new luggage ban forcing travelers to keep item in 'plain sight' It comes after Morrisons' also had another cheap bag to fit under the seat in its WIGIG (when it's gone it's gone) range. Their Lugg bag was a hard case luggage with wheels, going for £8, that could have its wheels detached to fit into under seat flight dimensions.
