Fly direct to top European destinations from Exeter Airport in 2023

Serving the south-west of England since the 1930s, Exeter Airport provides easy access to Europe for residents of Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset. Direct flights to 29 destinations in eight different countries are now on offer throughout the year, with options for winter getaways, summer holidays, and off-season travel. Discover the top European destinations to visit from Exeter Airport in 2023.

Winter getaways

Chambéry, France

Are you a winter sports enthusiast? Chambéry provides the perfect setting for a skiing or snowboarding holiday.

This characterful city is positioned in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-east France, close to the borders of Switzerland and Italy. Its high altitude and spectacular mountain landscapes make it ideally suited to winter sports from December to March, and there are a number of ski resorts in the surrounding area. Some of these are just an hour by road from the airport.

Although skiing and snowboarding are the main draw for tourists visiting in the winter season, Chambéry has much more to offer. The city itself is attractive, with cobbled streets and medieval architecture including an 11th-century castle. Hiking is also rewarding here during the spring and summer.

Lapland, Scandinavia

For a once-in-a-lifetime winter escape, there is perhaps nowhere more magical than Lapland.

This region spans the northern parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway and stretches into the Arctic Circle. The scenery is therefore an unparalleled winter wonderland: wide plains of snow dotted with icicled trees are gently illuminated, both by soft sunlight and the dancing flashes of the aurora borealis. You can explore this sensational landscape in a variety of exhilarating ways such as by snowmobile or a husky-drawn sledge.

Children in particular will love visiting Lapland in December, when a great effort is made to create the charm of Christmas. It is the most expensive time to visit, but there are plenty of special things to do including visiting Santa’s Grotto, tours of wildlife parks, and going on reindeer sleigh rides.

Year-round travel

Dublin, Ireland

If you are keen to avoid the more popular holiday seasons, choose one of the Exeter Airport destinations suitable for year-round travel such as Dublin.

Ireland’s capital city captures the hearts of all who visit. It has an infectious energy that cannot help to uplift, soundtracked by the lively local music and happy chatter that is found in almost every bar. The most popular spot for tourists seeking leisure and entertainment is Temple Bar, a cobble-stone street lined with traditional pubs serving authentic Irish fare.

In addition to exceptional nightlife, Dublin has a wealth of things to experience in the daytime. Unmissable is a tour of Trinity College, the 16th-centry university set across acres of tranquil space. The undisputed highlight is the Book of Kells, the old library where precious Christian Gospels are on display. Other highlights are St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the beautiful landscapes park St. Stephen’s Green, and the National Museum of Ireland.

Tenerife, Spain

Looking to find some holiday sunshine outside of the summer season? Take a direct flight to Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands. Even in October, the temperature is in the mid-twenties and the weather largely dry, making it the perfect destination for a beach holiday.

Tenerife enjoys such a good climate because of its location. The Canary Islands is an archipelago found just off the coast of north-west Africa, although it is officially part of Spain. These volcanic islands have incredible black sand beaches as well as golden bays. Most of these unique beaches are found in the north of the island while the main airport is in the south, so if you are keen to see them you will need to arrange transport for your trip.

All of the island’s beaches are lapped by azure waters that are ideal for a variety of sea-based activities ranging from snorkelling and surfing to whale- and dolphin-watching excursions. In land you will find a range of entertainment with options to suit adults and children, as well as an awe-inspiring countryside that can be explored on foot, by bike, or on horseback.

Spring/summer trips

Crete, Greece

One of the most popular direct-flight destinations from Exeter Airport is Chania in Crete, the largest of the Greek Islands.

Crete is a wonderful all-round destination boasting a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Underpinned by ancient myths such as the tale of Theseus and the Minotaur, Crete’s heritage sites are truly captivating such as the Palace of Knossos that dates back to the Bronze Age. Just as inspiring are the glorious views that can be enjoyed on the various hiking trails, from treks through rugged gorges to walks along remote coastal clifftops.

Most alluring, however, are the beaches. Crete is known as one of the best beach holiday locations in Europe, with an endless supply of sweeping sandy coves leading down to a crystal-clear ocean. You don’t have to travel far to find the best spots either: airport transfers from Chania will bring you to sought-after Falassarna Beach in just an hour.

Ibiza, Spain

Another easily-reached European island that offers a little bit of everything is Ibiza, one of the Balearic Islands just off the coast of mainland Spain.

In recent years, Ibiza has developed a reputation as a party destination. While it is true that there are areas of Ibiza devoted to providing exceptional nightlife, there are many other parts of the island to be discovered. For those seeking peace and privacy, there are plenty of villas to be rented on remote beaches that feel a world away from civilisation. You can also find yoga retreats in quiet spots where you can reconnect with your mind, body, and soul in a blissfully beautiful location.

There are many things to do in Ibiza other than simply soaking up the sun. A wide variety of water-sports are on offer, including scuba diving which is fantastic because of the pristine coastline. There are also traditional villages and heritage sites to be visited, and sampling the mouth-watering local cuisine is an absolute must.