It's possible that some of this content has been automatically translated.
16 July 2026

Flying to the most unusual destinations in Europe

Ryanair unveils 10 alternative destinations for Travellers looking to go beyond Europe's most congested destinations, with affordable fares

With Europe's best-known destinations becoming increasingly crowded in the summer months, there is growing interest in alternative destinations, where you can enjoy more authentic experiences of culture, sea, nature and local traditions.

 

For the summer, Ryanair expands travel opportunities from Italy, connecting 32 Italian airports to numerous less frequented destinations far from the more traditional tourist circuits.

 

From the Greek islands to Spanish beach resorts, to the emerging cities of the Balkans and Central Europe, the network offers passengers more choice and flexibility to plan a different holiday, with fares starting from €24.99 (fares available on selected routes, for specific travel dates and departure airports, subject to availability).

 

Myrina affacciata sul porto Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Myrina overlooking the harbor Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos 
Lemnos, Greece
For those who dream of Greece but want to go beyond the classic more crowded islands, Lemnos is an authentic escape to the Aegean Sea. With its wide beaches, volcanic landscapes, traditional villages and relaxed island rhythms, it is the ideal destination for those looking for sea, nature and Greek atmosphere without the chaos of the busiest summer destinations. Connections from Milan Bergamo airport.

 

 

Mercat Central de Castello, Castellon de la Plana, Spagna Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Castellon de la Plana, Spain Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Castellón, Spain
An ideal alternative to Spain's more congested coastal resorts, Castellón combines Mediterranean beaches, historic villages, natural parks and local gastronomic culture. It is perfect for Travellers who want to experience the Spanish sea in a more relaxed context, with more authenticity and fewer crowds. Connections from Bologna and Milan Bergamo airports.


 

Girona, Spagna Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Girona, Spain Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Girona, Spain
For those who want to discover Catalonia without the intensity of Barcelona, Girona is a charming and more relaxed alternative. Its medieval streets, lively riverfront, excellent food scene and proximity to the Costa Brava make it ideal for a cultural getaway that is both easy to organise and unexpected. Connections from the airports of Bari, Pescara and Pisa.


 

Kaunas Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Kaunas Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Kaunas, Lithuania
Kaunas is one of the most underrated urban destinations in the Baltic region. Creative, compact and full of personality, it offers modernist architecture, riverside walks, museums, cafes and a lively youthful cultural energy, making it a viable alternative to Europe's most tourist-saturated capitals. Connections from the airports of Bari, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Pescara, Pisa and Rimini.


 

Ostrow Tumski Breslavia Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Ostrow Tumski Wrocław Copyright © Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Wroclaw, Poland
Colorful, lively and easy to explore on foot, Wroclaw is a great alternative to the busier destinations of Central Europe. With its market square, riverside islands, bridges, university atmosphere and accessible gastronomic offer, it offers all the charm of a classic European city break without the overcrowding. Connections from the airports of Bologna, Brindisi, Lamezia, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Pisa, Rimini, Rome Ciampino and Treviso.

 

 

La Moschea Etem Bei. Foto: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
The Etem Bei Mosque. Photo: Sisterscom.com, Shutterstock
Tirana, Albania
Tirana is one of the most dynamic emerging capitals in Europe, perfect for those who want something different from the usual summer city break. Colorful architecture, vibrant café culture, mountain views, and easy access to the Albanian coast make it an ideal choice for curious Travellers. Connections from the airports of Bologna, Brindisi, Lamezia, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Pisa, Rimini, Rome Ciampino and Treviso.


 

Cattedrale di San Martino a Bratislava. Foto: Sisiterscom.com, Shutterstock
St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava. Photo: Sisiterscom.com, Shutterstock
Bratislava, Slovakia
Compact, green and full of Central European charm, Bratislava is a little-known capital, perfect for a simple summer getaway. The castle, the old town, the riverside promenade on the Danube and its relaxed rhythms make it a perfect alternative summer destination to the larger and more crowded cities of the region. Connections from the airports of Alghero, Bari, Lamezia, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Pisa, Rome Ciampino, Turin and Trapani-Marsala.


 

Saarbrücken Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Saarbrücken Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Saarbrücken, Germany
Saarbrücken is a lesser-known German city, with a strong French influence and an offer that ranges from culture and riverside walks to green spaces and easy access to the Saarland region. It is ideal for those who want to discover a quieter and more authentic side of Germany, away from the traditional tourist circuits. Connections from Lamezia and Trapani-Marsala.


 

Sofia Foto: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Sofia Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Sofia, Bulgaria
Sofia combines ancient history, Orthodox churches, modern cafes and the scenic backdrop of Vitosha Mountain. It offers excellent value for money, a strong cultural identity and easy access to nature, making it an attractive alternative to Europe's more congested capitals. Connections from the airports of Bari, Bologna, Catania, Lamezia, Milan Bergamo, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Pisa, Rome Ciampino, Turin.


 

Torri di Serranos. Foto: Copyright © Katerina Knyazeva / Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Photo: Copyright © Katerina Knyazeva / Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock
Valencia, Spain
Valencia offers a balanced summer getaway for city, sea and quality of life in one destination. With its beaches, design, green spaces and one of Spain's most renowned gastronomic cultures, it offers a Mediterranean experience with greater tranquility. Connections from the airports of Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Catania, Lamezia, Milan Bergamo, Milan Malpensa, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Pisa, Rome Fiumicino, Turin, Trieste, Treviso and Verona.

 

Edited by the editorial staff, Avion Tourism Magazine

Text source: Ryanair Press Office

Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Shutterstock / Depositphotos


You might be interested in
The texts are protected by copyright and cannot be copied.
If you wish, you can share this page.