A new year means new travel opportunities and a chance to explore corners of the globe we’d previously never considered – in addition to places long etched onto the top of our ever-growing bucket lists. While we’ll always crave Michelin-starred meals in Paris, historical attraction-hopping around Rome and souk stomping around Marrakech, new flight routes in 2025 are opening up some of the most stunning corners across Europe and beyond. So, while gatekeepers shed a tear or two, we’ll be packing our cases and chasing new experiences on one of Spain’s most underrated coastlines, a Greek island now within easy reach of the UK’s southwest, and a Tunisian town sure to attract short-haul winter sunseekers.
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Georgia
When British Airways announced the return of its direct flights between London Heathrow and Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, our thoughts soon turned to sunset strolls along the Mtkvari River, wine-slurping in stunning vineyards and shuffling between spectacular UNESCO World Heritage sites. From Sunday 30 March 2025, the airline will dart between the UK and Georgia four times a week. Thanks to internal flights connecting London Heathrow to eight UK airports, it’s now just a simple one – or two-flight journey for anyone eager to discover the country’s wonders.
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Northern Norway
Norwegian’s direct flights between London Gatwick Airport and Harstad-Narvik Airport in Evenes may have launched just in time for the peak winter season in 2024, but 2025 is when we’ll be utilising this exciting connection to northern Norway. In a statement announcing the new route, Destination Lofoten’s marketing manager, Vegeir Selboe, said, “We are excited about Norwegian’s new flight route between London Gatwick and Harstad-Narvik airport in Evenes. Evenes serves as the gateway to the stunning beauty of the Lofoten region, the international ski resort Narvikfjellet, the unique whale experiences in Vesterålen, and much more.” The winter season route is sure to be a hit among travellers eager to witness the phantasmagoric northern lights, which light up the skies above the dazzling Lofoten archipelago between late August and early April – visit during the darkest months for your best chance.
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Kalamata, Greece
Kalamata is another destination opening up to more UK travellers this summer as Jet2 launches flights from Bristol. The Peloponnese peninsula’s second most populous city is frequently overlooked in favour of mainland cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki, despite most foodies being familiar with the region’s plump olives. Visit during the shoulder seasons and experience Greece as Greeks intend, feasting on local produce, sipping tipples from Callicounis Distilleries (the country’s oldest family-run distillery) and making room for all the indulgence on a scenic hike through the surrounding hills. Start with a city break before catching a ferry to the Ionian Island of Kythira, an idyllic gem known for its rolling valleys, exceptional beaches and charmingly rustic tavernas.
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Salerno, Italy
Salerno is another Italian gem we’ll be flocking to en masse as British Airways launches direct flights in May. The city, southeast of buzzy Naples, is one of Italy’s most overlooked and underrated ancient cities, home to historic gems such as the 8th-century Arechi Castle and the Duomo di Salerno, where glittering ceilings showcase some of the region’s most mesmerising frescos. It’s an excellent base for exploring the world-famous ruins of Pompeii for those who find the hustle and bustle of Naples overwhelming. At the same time, it’s also a great launchpad for navigating the Amalfi Coast.
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Costa de la Luz, Spain
Jet2 is providing a gateway to Spain’s spectacular Costa de la Luz for summer 2025, with exclusive routes operating from Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds Bradford Airports to Jerez between May and November. The Andalusian city of Jerez is a great alternative to popular destinations, including Seville and Málaga, both long connected to the UK by frequent direct flights. Visit for a long weekend to reflect in resplendent cathedrals, sip local sherry at Bodega Tio Pepe winery, and feast like a local at Mercado Central de Abastos. Alternatively, stay a little longer and explore often-overlooked seaside towns such as Rota, Chipiona and El Puerto de Santa María.
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Rimini, Italy
British Airways, Easyjet and Ryanair all announced new services connecting London and Rimini’s Federico Fellini International Airport, and our resident Italophiles didn’t hesitate to add the destination to their lengthy lists. Fares start at £30.99 one-way for Ryanair’s four weekly flights from London Stansted, while British Airways’ thrice-weekly flights from London Heathrow start at £131. The resort city of Rimini sits on Italy’s Adriatic coast, offering 15km of beautiful white sand beaches fringed by seafood restaurants, beach clubs and chic hotels. However, we’re excited about the ease with which we can access Emilia Romagna’s gorgeous coastal towns, from Cattolica in the south to Casal Borsetti in the north. Looking for somewhere to stay for an indulgent break in the region? Designer Alberta Ferretti checks into Palazzo Viviani Castello di Montegridolfo, in the commune of Montegridolfo.
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Enfidha, Tunisia
One destination set to enter our vocabulary this year is Enfidha – a northeastern Tunisian town new to even the most adventuresome among us. Easyjet flights start in spring 2025, connecting airports including London Stansted Airport and London Southend Airport to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport. Due to its small size and inland location, it’s expected many travellers will use the connection as a launching point to explore the bustling seaside cities of Sousse and Monastir, both within an hour’s drive of the airport and home to a winning combination of opulent resorts and fascinating cultural attractions.
