20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK – and some of the world's best beaches
Here are 20 of the best
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Some of the destinations have the most beautiful beaches in the world
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Corfu
The buildings are orange rather than the classic white and blue because of Venetian influence and the island is famous for its old town full of shops and cafes.
One
You can fly from Birmingham airport to Corfu (CFU) in three hours 10 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £23.99 (on October 20, 2025).
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Corsica
The island has over 200 beaches and is known for having chic shops, cafés and restaurants.
The island is also a great place to hop on a boat tour. There's one that stops off to enjoy a Corsican wine tasting hosted by a sommelier and a local wine-grower while watching the sunset.
You can fly from London Gatwick airport to Corsica (BIA) in two hours 14 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £39.89 (on September 23, 2025).
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Crete
It has ancient ruins, but also incredible beaches, including one of the best in the world.
The TUI guide to Crete from best beaches to passport rules
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Elafonisi Beach is known for it's rare pink sand
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One
You can fly from London Gatwick airport to Crete (HER) in three hours 55 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £38.99 (on November 2, 2025).
Fuerteventura
For a summer feeling on sandy beaches head to
Highlights on the island include Corralejo and the Jandía peninsula, and the
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You can fly from London Stansted airport to Fuerteventura (FUE) in four hours 20 minutes with Ryanair one-way flights start at £21.00 (on November 26, 2025).
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The Canary Islands are popular and only hours away from the UK
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Gran Canaria
There's lots to do on the island of
From exploring the
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The island also has busy nightlife too with busy bars and nightclubs.
You can fly from
Ibiza
Ibiza is a popular Mediterranean island when it comes to but beaches, but especially the nightlift.
Dubbed the party island, it has recently
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You can fly from
Kefalonia
It's never actually reached number one, but Myrtos Beach has been named as one of the best in Greece more than ten times.
It's no surprise really as it's adorned with white pebbles, has a cliff backdrop and bright blue waters.
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When one
You can fly from Manchester airport to Kefalonia (EFL) in three hours 45 minutes with easyJet one-way flights start at £29.99 (on October 25, 2025).
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Kos not only has beaches, but natural hot springs too
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Kos
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While visiting the island, one
You can fly from London
Lanzarote
The
Locals revealed to
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You can fly from London Southend to Lanzarote (ACE) in four hours 5 minute with easyJet - one-way flights start at £15 (on November 24, 2025).
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La Palma has bustling towns and volcanic black sand beaches
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La Palma
La Palma is another of the Canary Islands known for forest landscape and beaches with volcanic black sand.
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One of the most famous landmarks is the
Visitors who reach the top can gaze at the valley below from 8,000 feet in the air.
You can fly from London Gatwick to La Palma (SPC) in four hours 25 minute with TUI - one-way flights start at £136 (on November 13, 2025).
Madeira
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The
You can fly from London Luton to Madeira (FNC) in three hours 55 minute with easyJet- one-way flights start at £41.99 (on October 13, 2025).
Majorca
Trusty
It's the most popular of the Balearic Islands, the capital city of
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You can fly from Manchester to Majorca (PMI) in two hours 35 minutes with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £15 (on July 23, 2025).
Menorca
It has four main towns,
including,
You can fly from London Stansted to Menorca (MAH) in two hours 25 minutes with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £21.99 (on August 21, 2025).
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Mykonos has sun, sea, sand and windmills
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Mykonos
Over the years it's become popular with celebrities too like Beyonce and the Hemsworth brothers.
There's even a
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You can fly from London Gatwick to Mykonos (JMK) in three hours 50 minutes with easyJet- one-way flights start at £38.99 (on August 25, 2025).
Rhodes
Dubbed as the quieter neighbour of Crete and Santorini, Rhodes is the place to be, and as one
They discovered the nightlife too with rooftop bars and fine dining at Mystilli Roof Garden.
You can fly from London Luton to Rhodes (RHO) in four hours and 10 minutes with easyJet- one-way flights start at £32.99 (on October 21, 2025).
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Santorini
While some try to steer away from the busier Greek islands, there are some you have to see for yourself - like
Popular sites are the blue-domed churches and views of the houses carved into the cliffs.
You can fly from London Stansted to Santorini (JTR) in three hours 50 minutes with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £34.99 (on September 28, 2025).
Sardinia
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You can fly from London Stansted to Sardinia (AHO) in two hours 30 minutes with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £18 (on September 28, 2025).
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Siscily has striking cliffs and plenty of vineyards inland too
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Sicily
Just under two miles from the Italian mainland is the island of
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With ancient ruins, incredible food, plenty of vineyards and beautiful coastlines, the island is understandably a popular destination for Brits.
You can fly from London Stansted to
Tenerife
Sun, sea and sand,
One Sun Writer visited
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You can fly from London Luton to Tenerife (TFS) in four hours 20 minute with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £21 (on September 17, 2025).
Zante
Also known as Zakynthos,
It's a great location for holidaymakers wanting to relax and have fun during the evening at local bars and clubs too.
In 2023,
in the world by the travel website
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You can fly from London Stansted to Zante (ZTH) in three hours 25 minute with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £29.99 (on October 21, 2025).
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These 20 European islands have direct flights and incredible beaches
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The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreak as couple miss their £1,200 TUI honeymoon due to tiny passport mistake that could happen to anyone
The couple described TUI's decision to bar them from the flight as 'pathetic' SHALL NOT PASS Heartbreak as couple miss their £1,200 TUI honeymoon due to tiny passport mistake that could happen to anyone A NEWLYWED couple were left feeling heartbroken when they missed out on their TUI honeymoon in Cyprus. The couple were banned from going due to a tiny passport mistake that could have happened to anyone. Advertisement 6 The newlyweds were banned from going on their honeymoon when check-in staff discovered the groom's passport was 'torn and held together by tape' 6 The rip on Joe's passport that resulted in him being denied boarding 6 Joe shows the tape on the front cover of his passport that resulted in him missing his honeymoon 6 The newlyweds were left feeling heartbroken after being denied their honeymoon Staff insisted they could not travel Joe and Beccy Barnes had booked a last-minute honeymoon to Ayia Napa, Cyprus, after tying the knot on Saturday August 2nd. The pair, who have been together for five years, had collected all the money given to them as wedding presents to pay for a five-day, all-inclusive TUI package holiday. However, when the couple arrived at East Midlands Airport on Wednesday [August 6th], they were shocked when TUI check-in staff discovered a 1cm rip on the upper right-hand corner of Joe's photo page in his passport. TUI said the passport was 'very badly damaged', including suspected water damage, a small tear in the photo page, as well as the cover being ripped and repaired with tape. Advertisement The 35-year-old forklift driver said he'd flown with Jet2 on his stag do three weeks before with no issues, but said TUI staff insisted he could not travel. The dad-of-two and his new wife remained in the airport for two hours trying to come up with a solution before heading home. 'The decision was pathetic' Joe and Beccy, a 38-year-old civil servant, were 'devastated' after losing out on their £1,200 honeymoon, describing TUI's decision to bar them from the flight as 'pathetic'. Joe, who lives near Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, said: "The wedding was the best day of my life. Advertisement "We just wanted to get away and chill out for a bit so used the cash from all the guests to book the honeymoon. "We got to the front check-in desk and the woman said you've got a slight rip in your passport page. I need to go talk to my manager. Horrified Brits watch as TUI plane tyre EXPLODES during take-off in Corfu "She said 'yeah there's a rip in it'. I'd actually flown with Jet2 three weeks before for my stag do and that was absolutely fine. "I didn't know about the rip until then. There was no compassion at all. Advertisement "I told them it was my honeymoon. But TUI headquarters got back to say 'do not let this man travel'. "I thought this can't be happening. It was horrible. We sat around the airport for a good two hours trying to think of solutions. "We thought we could catch a flight with a different airline, but Jet2 said they wouldn't let us fly either." Fundraising for another honeymoon The couple were left 'devastated' after returning home from the airport, and said they've complained to TUI about the 'pathetic' decision to ban them from flying. Advertisement Joe said: "I just couldn't believe it. Me and my Mrs were mortified. I felt like crying my eyes out. "We'd had an amazing weekend with the wedding and everything just went downhill. "My wife was absolutely devastated. It was a horrible feeling. I wouldn't want my worst enemy to go through this. "I think it's pathetic I got denied boarding for that tiny rip. I could understand it if it was a massive rip over my photo or my personal details and you couldn't read them. Advertisement "It's looking doubtful that insurance will cover it. It's quite unlikely. We're just going to try and book something later on ."The worst bit is that it's other people's money. I would warn people to get their passport checked, even if there's a slight mark on it." A spokeswoman for TUI confirmed that Mr Barnes was refused travel by check-in staff at East Midlands Airport due to his passport being 'very badly damaged', including suspected water damage, a small tear in the photo page, as well as the cover being ripped and repaired with tape. The holiday giant said that staff recommended that Mr Barnes liaised directly with his insurance provider regarding compensation and to contact the passport office to get a replacement. Advertisement The Sun has approached TUI and Jet2 for a comment. A fundraising page has been launched to help pay for another honeymoon for Joe and Becci. 6 A fundraising page has been launched to help pay for another honeymoon for Joe and Becci 6 The couple tried to find solutions but eventually had to head home
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Cheapest beach holidays for September revealed – where all inclusives cost from £421
Plus, the full list of the cheapest 10 destinations for a September break SANDS GOOD Cheapest beach holidays for September revealed – where all inclusives cost from £421 GETTING jealous of everyone heading on their summer holidays? Well, you could head off next month to an all inclusive beach destination for less than £500. 5 Turkey secured the top spot for the cheapest all-inclusive September break Credit: Alamy 5 The NoxInn Deluxe Hotel features several pools, bars and even a private beach Credit: Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here TravelSupermarket has revealed the cheapest beach holidays for couples in September. Konakli in Turkey Sitting at the very top of the list is Turkey's Konakli, costing just £421 per person on average for a seven-night September stay. The all-inclusive Konakli holiday offers "the best of all worlds", explained Steph Marinkovic, head of editorial at TravelSupermarket. Read more on travel deals OFF TRACK Five stunning European holidays that are cheaper than a UK train fare "There is a quiet, sandy beach for sunbathing, the Taurus Mountains for hiking and lively Alanya – ideal for fun nights out – just 20 minutes away." You would stay all-inclusive for seven nights at the five-star NoxInn Deluxe Hotel. When it comes to food options, guests are spoilt for choice with a main restaurant and five à la carte restaurants with a range of different cuisines including seafood, Mediterranean dishes and Turkish plates. The six bars on site have a variety of tipples as well, like 100 per cent malt beer and local spirits. And for a pamper session, there is a spa offering traditional Turkish baths. The resort has multiple pools too, such as the Flamingo Pool which has amazing views. Inside luxury five-star Turkish hotel perfect for rest and relaxation The resort's private Blue Flag beach is just two minutes away and is 300 metres long and 35 metres wide. Guests can even use the sunbeds, umbrellas and beach towels for free. And then in the town itself, you can explore Konakli Clock Tower Square, the mosque and Alaettinoglu Cultural Park - which features different cultural exhibits and events. Just outside of the town, there is also Alanya Castle and Alanya Aquapark. Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife Alternatively, you could head to Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife for £487 per person for B&B at the four-star Melia Costa Atlantis. "Puerto de la Cruz is a world away from the resorts in Tenerife's south," said Steph. "Colourful streets splashed with huge murals make this north coast city a joy to explore. "The black-sand beaches and cool Lago Martiánez pools are just the cherry on top!" 5 And there is a spa to enjoy too with traditional Turkish baths Credit: Getty Alanya in Turkey Turkey also took third place, with Alanya resort costing around £493 per person. Steph shared: "Couples can combine culture, history and plenty of opportunities for R&R in sun-drenched Alanya. "Highlights include Cleopatra Beach, Alanya Castle, and the city's excellent range of traditional Turkish hammams and spa hotels." Spain's Costa Dorada destination Salou then ranked fourth at £506 per person. Some Greek destinations have good September prices too, with two Corfu spots making the list. Alykes in Zante features in fifth place, for example, costing around £508 per person. 5 Other destinations including Spain could be found for less than £500 per person Credit: Getty Steph commented: "The village centres around a golden beach lined with loungers and relaxed bars. "Paddleboard together by day, then sip cocktails as the sun sinks over the Ionian Sea." Or you could head to Marrakech in Morocco for £531 per person, with Corfu's lively Kávos ranking seventh at £543 per person. Then in eighth was the popular spot of Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, at £558 per person. In ninth was Corfu's Sidari, costing around £562 per person. And then the final spot went to another Turkish destination - Marmaris - costing £597 per person. Top 10 cheapest couples destinations for September 2025 HERE is the full list of the cheapest 10 destinations for a couples break in September. 1. Konakli, Turkey - £421 per person 2. Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife - £487 per person 3. Alanya, Turkey - £493 per person 4. Salou, Spain - £506 per person 5. Alykes, Zante - £508 per person 6. Marrakech, Morocco - £531 per person 7. Kávos, Corfu - £543 per person 8. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria - £558 per person 9. Sidari, Corfu - £562 per person 10. Marmaris, Turkey - £597 per person The Sun Travel also found the cheapest all-inclusive holiday destination for 2025, which is a Brit favourite that even beats Tunisia in price. And then there is also a Spanish holiday resort that has the cheapest all-inclusive holidays this summer for families on a budget.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Spain issues urgent Status Red warning as Irish tourists endure brutal 44C heat
Summer holidays are in full swing and thousands of Irish travellers are gearing up to head to Spain's sun-soaked beaches. However those visiting over the coming days are being urged to stay alert as a brutal heatwave has gripped much of the country - including some popular holiday hotspots. Spain's meteorological agency AEMET has issued dozens of weather warnings, including Status Red alerts, ahead of temperatures soaring as high as 44C. The heatwave, which began on Sunday, August 3, is expected to continue at least until Tuesday, August 12, creating dangerous conditions - particularly in inland and southern regions that Irish visitors frequently flock to. According to AEMET, a "stationary synoptic weather pattern" is sustaining a hot, dry air mass over most of Spain and the Canary Islands. Combined with intense summer sunshine, this has pushed temperatures well beyond the usual highs for this time of year. Today maximum temperatures across the peninsular interior are forecast to reach between 37C and 39C, with some areas expected to hit as high as 42C. Inland Basque Country and parts of the Mediterranean basin are also likely to experience temperatures exceeding 40C. The heat will remain blistering through Tuesday, with temperatures on the Mediterranean coast beginning to drop slightly. But in the southwest, the mercury may climb to an alarming 44C in parts of the Guadalquivir valley. There is some uncertainty due to possible widespread afternoon thunderstorms, which could influence daytime temperature peaks. Spain weather warnings (Image: AEMET) Meanwhile, minimum temperatures are forecast to stay very high overnight, rarely dipping below 22C to 25C in southern and eastern areas. Looking ahead, temperatures are signalled to start to ease from Wednesday, particularly along the Cantabrian coast. However, AEMET warns that heatwave conditions will likely persist in southern and northeastern regions due to residual heat and potential thunderstorms. Canary Islands weather warnings (Image: AEMET) Worryingly, AEMET says a new upward trend in temperatures could emerge later in the week, especially across the northern half of Spain. Given these extreme conditions, Irish holidaymakers are advised to take precautions such as staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours and monitoring local weather updates. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
