The hidden gem location in Italy you can visit to avoid all the crowds - as BA launches new flight route to beauty spot
British Airways is launching new flights to a gorgeous Italian region known as the country's quiet alternative to Tuscany.
The flag carrier will offer flights to Rimini, a seaside resort in the Emilia-Romagna region, three times per week.
Flights will depart from London Heathrow on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the first leaving on May 15.
BA has said the flights will operate throughout the summer season until September 27 with prices starting from £131.
The airline describes Rimini as 'an old city full of charm' that's 'known for sandy beaches and the Adriatic sea'.
It adds: 'Those in search of beach holidays can enjoy more than 15km of beach along the seafront, while night owls can soak up the city's vibrant nightlife.'
When it comes to history, BA recommends visiting the Arch of Augustus, built in around 27BC, and the Tiberius Bridge, which dates back to the first century AD.
Children will love Rimini's 'Italia in Miniatura' theme park which has 273 miniature models of Italian monuments.
Tourists will also have access to the wider Emilia-Romagna region, which Rough Guides has described as 'Tuscany without the crowds'.
Holidaymakers can reach Bologna, known as Italy's food capital, by train in around an hour.
And if you're looking for a real adventure, you can even tick another country off your bucket list on a trip to Rimini.
San Marino, a microstate that sits within northern Italy, is just a 28 minute drive from Rimini.
Top sites in San Marino include the Palazzo Pubblico, the country's official seat of government, and the Torre Cesta, a castle that dates back to the 13th century.
Neil Chernoff, BA's chief Planning and Strategy officer, said: 'Italy continues to prove hugely popular with our customers, which is why it's our biggest European destination and second globally behind the US.
'Last month, we saw a 10 per cent increase in searches for summer flights to Italy compared to 2023, so we're pleased to be an offering an even bigger choice of destinations.'
And Rimini isn't the only destination that's becoming easier to reach.
Brits can also take advantage of new direct flights to Djerba, a Mediterranean island off the coast of Tunisia.
easyJet has launched flights to the dreamy island from both London Luton and Manchester airports.
Cape Verde has also become easier to reach with both TUI and easyJet launching new flights to the African hotspot.
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