Incredible European destinations to reach from UK regional airports

As summer feels like it is suddenly upon us, you might be scrambling to finalise your last-minute holiday plans. And we don’t blame you. With the world opening up again, touring Europe’s best travel destinations can feel incredibly tempting. Particularly when many of the continent’s best cities, coastal breaks, natural wonders, and village stays are just a two-hour flight away.

For many of us in the UK, a European break comes with the obligatory pre-trip fuss of journeying to the airport. This can add hours to your trip, which can be frustrating when all you want to do is get away. However, Newmarket Holidays has launched several exciting European escorted tours and holidays that depart from regional airports in the UK. These trips depart from a number of regional airports including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Cornwall Newquay, East Midlands, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Norwich, and Teesside International, meaning its easier for you to travel, no matter where you are based in the UK.

From these smaller airports, you can reach popular, and timeless, European countries such as Italy, Croatia, Spain, and more. So, if you’re looking to enjoy a break this summer (or beyond), check out our handpicked range of European holidays beginning at a UK regional airport near you:

Portofino

If you put your mind to it, you could certainly live La Dolce Vita right at home. But for the best possible chance of pulling off this treasured Mediterranean lifestyle with style and allure, you will want to head to one of Italy’s most romantic regions.

From a spa base in the heart of Tuscany, you can explore the Cradle of the Renaissance that is Florence, frequenting the city’s world-class museums and galleries before you make your way along the Ligurian coast t0 Portofino, where the vibrant hues of the waterfront buildings are perfectly balanced with the towns summer yachts, seafood eateries, and luxury boutiques.

Recommended tour: Portofino, Florence and Tuscany

Departs from regional airports: Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall Newquay, East Midlands, Humberside, Norwich, Teesside International

Dubrovnik

If the idea of soaking up some sun appeals to you, but you want to concentrate on the coast, then Croatia - a country known as the land of a thousand islands - is the place for you. The legendary, UNESCO-listed walled city of Dubrovnik is fantastic for its medieval old town, regal Sponza Palace and Baroque St Blaise’s Church. As it occupies an enviable position on the Dalmation coast, there are plenty of sapphire waters for you to take a leisurely dip, and sip a cocktail as the sun slowly sets.

Suggested tour: Dubrovnik, Montenegro and the Dalmation Coast

Departs from regional airports: Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford

Norwegian Fjords

It’s thrilling to know that from a regional airport in the UK, you can end up in a vastly different (almost other-worldly) in just a few short hours. Western Norway's idyllic fjord country offers landscapes like no other. From dramatic cliffs dropping steeply off into deep, glacial waters to dense forests fringing ancient, ever-changing glaciers, this breathtaking part of the world is sure to captivate travellers seeking natural beauty and fresh air.

Suggested tour: Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

Departs from regional airports: Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Teesside International

Paphos

The coastline of Cyprus is more than just unspoilt Mediterranean beaches and pretty places to take a dip (though there is plenty of that!). The city of Paphos is sure to delight history-lovers with its UNESCO-listed old town, the marvellous Tombs of the Kings burial site, the beautiful Paphos Mosaics housed within ancient Roman villas, and the Byzantine Church of Ayia Paraskevi. Foodies will also delight in trying the local cuisine, with Loukoumi – the Greek Cypriot answer to Turkish Delight – always being a highlight.

Suggested tour: Cyprus Discovered - Paphos

Departs from regional airports: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford

Andalusia

Not too far from the famous Costa del Sol lies a Spanish region of mountainous beauty, flamenco, and Moorish architecture. Antequera, the Andalusian town where you will stay, is a place of incredible archaeological significance, boasting a broad range of monuments and structures dating all the way back to the Bronze Age.

From this gorgeous base, you can explore some of Spain’s most fascinating cities, including Granada, where the striking Alhambra tells tales of years of Moorish rule, and Seville, a vibrant, passionate destination internationally known as the City of Flamenco.

Suggested tour: Seville, Granada and Classic Spain

Departs from regional airports: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds Bradford