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20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK – and some of the world's best beaches

20 of Europe's most beautiful islands that have direct flights from the UK – and some of the world's best beaches

The Sun10-07-2025
WHO doesn't love an island holiday? You get the best of both worlds with bustling old towns and of course, incredible beaches.
Here are 20 of the best European islands that you can reach directly from the UK with flights from £15.
Corfu
Corfu is known as Greece 's greenest island, but it also has sandy beaches, mountains, and even flamingos that sit in shallow lagoons.
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 Sun Writer felt like they'd travelled back in time while exploring the island.
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).
Corsica
Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean that sits 56 miles off the coast of Italy.
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).
Crete
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands, and the fifth biggest in the Mediterranean Sea.
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 has pink sand and some of the bluest waters in the Med and has been named the best beach in the world for 2025 by Tripadvisor.
One Sun Writer visited the Greek island and discovered beautiful sunsets while enjoying some of the Mediterranean's cheapest pints.
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 Fuerteventura. The island is popular for beach holidays and its laid-back atmosphere.
Highlights on the island include Corralejo and the Jandía peninsula, and the Betancuria old town.
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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Gran Canaria
There's lots to do on the island of Gran Canaria, the largest of the Canary Islands.
From exploring the Maspalomas sand dunes and the beach resort on the south of the island, Playa del Inglés.
The island also has busy nightlife too with busy bars and nightclubs.
You can fly from London Southend airport to Gran Canaria (LPA) in four hours 20 minutes with easyJet - one-way flights start at £15 (on November 14, 2025).
Ibiza
Ibiza is a popular Mediterranean island when it comes to but beaches, but especially the nightlift.
Dubbed the party island, it has recently reopened it's superclub, UNVRS which can hold up to 10,000 people.
You can fly from Birmingham airport to Ibiza (IBZ) in two hours 40 minutes with Ryanair one-way flights start at £17 (on August 8, 2025).
Kefalonia
Kefalonia is is an island in the Ionian Sea and is home to one of Greece 's best beaches - Myrtos.
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.
When one Sun Writer explored the island, she discovered it's perfect for family getaways.
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
Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese group and is full of fantastic coast and historical sites like Kos Castle and natural hot springs at Therma Beach.
While visiting the island, one Sun Writer discovered a local restaurant called Taverna Romeo where a meal for three cost 40 euros (£34.50).
You can fly from London Stansted airport to Kos (KGS) in three hours 50 minutes with Ryanair one-way flights start at £34.99 (on October 20, 2025).
Lanzarote
The Spanish island is perfect for a beach holiday with highly-rated Papagayo beaches, like Playa Flamingo, which is known for having golden sand and turquoise waters.
Locals revealed to Sun Travel the must-visit spots in Lanzarote including the best places for a white sand beaches and favourite restaurants.
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
La Palma is another of the Canary Islands known for forest landscape and beaches with volcanic black sand.
La Palma is another of the Canary Islands known for forest landscape and beaches with volcanic black sand.
One of the most famous landmarks is the Roque de los Muchachos found at the highest point of the island.
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
Madeira is a region of Portugal which comprises four islands off the northwest coast of Africa.
The islands have even been compared to Hawaii with subtropical forests, vineyards - and it has black and golden sand beaches.
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 Majorca is always popular with Brits for its reliable sunny weather and high summer temperatures.
It's the most popular of the Balearic Islands, the capital city of Palma is always bustling with top attractions being the Palma Cathedral and castle.
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
Menorca is known for being the more relaxed sister of Majorca and Ibiza.
It has four main towns, including, Binibeca Vell which is a fishing village with white-washed houses and has been dubbed to being similar to Santorini.
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
Mykonos is probably one of, if not the most famous islands in Greece, instantly recognisable for its iconic windmills, white-washed buildings and beachside restaurants.
Over the years it's become popular with celebrities too like Beyonce and the Hemsworth brothers.
There's even a famous pelican that is the unofficial mascot of the sun-soaked island.
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 Sun Writer discovered it's much cheaper too.
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).
Santorini
While some try to steer away from the busier Greek islands, there are some you have to see for yourself - like Santorini.
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
Sardinia is an Italian haven for celebrities and British holidaymakers.
You can explore the island by speedboat, adventure up hiking trails or laze about on sunbeds.
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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Sicily
Just under two miles from the Italian mainland is the island of Sicily.
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 Palermo (PMO) in three hours 10 minutes with Ryanair - one-way flights start at £21.99 (on October 30, 2025).
Tenerife
Sun, sea and sand, Tenerife has it in spades. It's the largest of the Canary Islands and has volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches too.
One Sun Writer visited Tenerife and discovered that it's a haven for surfers as well as fun resorts and rooftop bars.
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, Zante is a very popular summer resort.
It's a great location for holidaymakers wanting to relax and have fun during the evening at local bars and clubs too.
In 2023, Navagio Beach was named one of the best beaches in the world by the travel website World's Best Beaches.
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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