If you are looking for dream destinations less than 5 hours flight from the UK, look no further! Here are our top 8 destinations not to be missed this summer…

1. Crete: dream beaches in Greece biggest island!

What to do in Crete?

There is no denying that Crete is one of Greece most beautiful islands! Known for its fine sandy beaches and crystal clear waters: Crete is a perfect destination, not so far from UK airports. Lovers of heavenly beaches will fall in love with the multicolored sands of:

You can party all days and all nights in Hersonissos, learn more about mythology when visiting the Palace of Knossos, walk through the legendary Samaria Gorge, or the old town of Chania. Crete is also known for its gastronomy, with specialties such as olive oil, feta cheese, or raki.

Want to see how much we enjoyed Greek food? WATCH THIS:

Where to sleep in Crete?

Crete is also known for its beautiful hotels almost everywhere on the island.

You’ll find all kinds of accommodations here:

If you want even more personalized advice, we’ve tested the NEMA Design Hotel & Spa – Adults Only (affiliate link), in Hersonissos. A 5-star hotel absolutely perfect for couples looking for love, peace and flavor!

Book your hotel in Crete

If you like what you see here about Crete, we can only encourage you to book your flights and a hotel in this 5-hour destination from London. To do so, you can also try to find the perfect hotel on the Booking map below:

Booking.com

2. Milos: explore the hidden gem of the Greece

Milos is another Greek island that is worth a visit. It is known for its paradisiacal beaches, like the beach of Sarakiniko (photo below) or the beach of Firiplaka.

Where to swim in Milos?

You can also visit the catacombs of Milos, or the fishing village of Klima. The local gastronomy is also to be discovered, with specialties such as grilled octopus or cherry tomatoes from Milos.

Want to see more about this 5-hour destination from UK? Here are a few more photos

Book your hotel in Milos

If you want to experience one of Greece most singular islands, you can try to find the perfect hotel on the Booking map below:

Booking.com

3. Capri: wonder of south Italy

What to do in Capri, Italy?

Capri is an Italian island famous for its natural beauty. You can visit the famous blue grotto, the villa San Michele, or the gardens of Augustus.

The local gastronomy is also not to be missed, with specialties such as ravioli caprese, lemons of Capri, or limoncello.

Explore Faraglioni’s ancient sea stacks and the mystical Blue Grotto. Wander the charming streets in Capri town, tasting Limoncello and local delights. Hike to Villa Jovis for history and views. As the day wanes, witness a captivating sunset at Punta Carena. Dive into cerulean waters or rent a boat to find hidden coves. Collect colorful ceramics and linens as souvenirs.

Capri blends timeless beauty with modern luxury, though it can get crowded in peak season. The warmth of the locals will make you feel at home. Capri is a world of wonder and Italian magic waiting to be explored.

Where to sleep in Capri?

To experience the flavors and colors of Italy at their finest, visit Capri without any doubt. You can now try to book your hotel on this Booking map:

Booking.com

4. Sardinia: where the mediterranean unfolds its mysteries

Sardinia is an Italian island with a variety of landscapes, ranging from white sandy beaches to rugged mountains. You can visit the nuraghes, stone constructions dating from the Bronze Age, or the Neptune caves. The local gastronomy is also to be discovered, with specialties such as porceddu, pecorino cheese, or Cannonau wine.

What to do in Sardinia?

You might have already seen Sardinia insane beaches on Instagram, Youtube or Tik Tok, and wondered, “How is this even real?

Indeed…

Now, you know that this unique island a few hours from London by plane.

Sardinia beckons with its stunning beaches like La Pelosa and Cala Luna. Explore ancient Nuragic sites like Su Nuraxi di Barumini, savor local cuisine with pecorino cheese and Cannonau wine, and hike the rugged Gennargentu Mountains for breathtaking vistas. Don’t miss boat tours to hidden grottoes like Grotta di Nettuno. Immerse yourself in local culture at festivals like Cavalcata Sarda, and enjoy thrilling activities such as windsurfing in Porto Pollo and cave diving. Sardinia promises a rich tapestry of nature, history, and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Where to sleep in Sardinia?

Want to get closer to these stunning beaches? If you need blue sky and blue water, try to find the perfect hotel in Sardinia here below:

Booking.com

5. The Balearic Islands, Spain

What to to in Balearic Islands?

The Balearic Islands are a Spanish archipelago made up of several islands, the best known of which are:

  • Mallorca,
  • Menorca,
  • and Ibiza.

If you want a teaser of what, as tourists, you can expect from the spanish islands, here are a few tips for your!

You can visit the Gothic cathedrals of Palma de Mallorca, the prehistoric remains of Menorca, or the trendy clubs of Ibiza. Of course, Balearic islands are well known for they insane beaches as well, such as:

  • Cala Macarelleta (Menorca),
  • Calo de Mort (Ibiza)
  • or Playa Formentor (Mallorca).

The local gastronomy is also not to be missed, with specialties such as ensaimades, sobrasadas, or Menorcan gin.

6. Corsica: an odyssey of beauty, adventure and french/italian cuisine!

What to do in Corsica?

Corsica is a French island with wild and preserved landscapes. You can visit the creeks of Piana, the village of Corte, or the beaches of Porto-Vecchio. The local gastronomy is also to be discovered, with specialities like brocciu, fiadone, or the wine of Patrimonio.

Discover Corsica, the “Island of Beauty“, where history, beaches, and cuisine await in the city of Ajaccio. Challenge yourself with breathtaking wilderness hikes on the GR20, relax on pristine shores like Santa Giulia and Calanques de Piana, and savor Corsican flavors at charming village restaurants. Coastal towns like Bastia and Calvi beckon with historic charm and vibrant harbors, while scenic drives unveil breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re kayaking, canyoning, or immersing yourself in mountain village traditions, Corsica offers a blend of nature, culture, and Mediterranean charm that will leave you enchanted. Expect warm hospitality, varied climates, and diverse natural beauty on this unforgettable island adventure.

Where to sleep in Corsica?

Corsica, along with Sardinia, Sicila or Crete, is one of Mediterranea biggest islands. So our advice would be to rent a car and visit not one but few places on the french island. Try to find your hotels here:

Booking.com

7. Croatia: a tapestry of Adriatic wonders and culture

What to do in Croatia?

Croatia is a beautiful country located on the Adriatic coast. You can visit the old town of Dubrovnik, the Plitvice National Park, or the islands of Hvar and Korčula.

With its dreamy beaches and historic cities, Croatia is an ideal destination for travelers looking to combine culture and relaxation. Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is a medieval walled city with a breathtaking view of the sea. Split is a lively city with a Roman palace in its center. For those looking to relax, Croatia also offers many heavenly beaches, such as Zlatni Rat beach on the island of Brač.

Whare to sleep in Croatia?

Like Corsica, you can also try to organise a road trip in Croatia, from Zagreb to Split, Dubrovnic… You’ll be able to find your hotels here below:

Booking.com

8. Santorini

What to do in Santorini?

This Greek island is one of the most spectacular in the Mediterranean. Its villages perched on cliffs, such as the world famous Oia, offer breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. The sunsets of Santorini are also famous all over the world. For wine lovers, Santorini is also a destination not to be missed, with its terraced vineyards producing wine for thousands of years.

Flights within 5 hours from UK: airports and airlines

AirportDestinationAirlines
London GatwickCreteeasyJet, TUI Airways, British Airways, Ryanair
ManchesterCreteTUI Airways, Jet2
BirminghamCreteTUI Airways, Jet2
BristolCreteTUI Airways, easyJet
London LutonCreteWizz Air
London StanstedCreteRyanair
London HeathrowCreteBritish Airways
ManchesterMilosTUI Airways
London GatwickMilosTUI Airways
BristolMilosTUI Airways
ManchesterCapriJet2
London GatwickCapriBritish Airways, easyJet
BristolCaprieasyJet
ManchesterSardiniaJet2, TUI Airways
London GatwickSardiniaBritish Airways, easyJet, TUI Airways
BristolSardiniaeasyJet
ManchesterBalearic IslandsTUI Airways, Jet2
London GatwickBalearic IslandsBritish Airways, easyJet, TUI Airways
BristolBalearic IslandseasyJet
ManchesterCorsicaTUI Airways
London GatwickCorsicaeasyJet
ManchesterCroatiaJet2
London GatwickCroatiaBritish Airways, easyJet
BristolCroatiaeasyJet
ManchesterSantoriniTUI Airways
London GatwickSantoriniBritish Airways, easyJet, TUI Airways
BristolSantorinieasyJet

Please note that this information is subject to change, so it’s important to check with the airline before booking your flight.