New Direct Flight Routes From Manchester for Summer 2026

New Direct Flight Routes From Manchester for Summer 2026

This Summer, there are some exciting new additions to flight routes from Manchester, opening up some seriously tempting sun-soaked corners of Europe. If you are dreaming of lazy beach days, characterful old towns and authentic local food, these new links make it even easier to escape for a short break or a longer summer holiday.

Below is some inspiration for what you can experience in each destination and the types of trips I can help you create.

Montpellier: Effortless French Chic on the Mediterranean

Swap the bustle of the Riviera for something a little more relaxed but every bit as stylish. Montpellier, in the Languedoc region of southern France, is a lively university city that blends medieval streets, grand boulevards and a creative, modern edge.

Why go

• Beautiful historic centre with maze-like lanes, sunny squares and café terraces that are perfect for people-watching.
• Easy access to long, sandy Mediterranean beaches such as Palavas-les-Flots and Carnon.
• A fantastic food and wine scene, with fresh seafood, local oysters from nearby Étang de Thau and excellent regional wines.
• Close to character-packed towns like Sète, Pézenas and Béziers, ideal for day trips.

Trip ideas I can arrange

• A chic city-and-beach long weekend combining a boutique hotel in Montpellier with a few lazy days by the sea.
• A food and wine escape with vineyard visits, tastings and reservations at atmospheric local bistros.
• A family-friendly holiday close to the coast, with easy transfers and suggestions for relaxed days out.

Flights to Montpellier from Manchester

Fly to Montpellier from Manchester twice weekly, every Monday and Friday between April and October.

Palermo: Authentic Sicily, Sunsets and Street Food

Palermo is the vibrant and cool capital of Sicily, brimming with authentic atmosphere that wins the hearts of everyone who sets foot there. With stunning architecture, lively markets and a deep sense of history. It feels wonderfully “real” and is a fantastic gateway to explore north-west Sicily.

Why go

• Atmospheric historic centre with ornate churches, grand theatres and faded yet beautiful palaces.
• Legendary street food: arancini, panelle, cannoli and fresh seafood, best enjoyed in the city’s traditional markets.
• Close to pretty coastal spots such as Mondello and the medieval hilltop town of Erice.
• Ideal starting point for a wider Sicilian road trip.

Trip ideas I can arrange

• A long weekend in a characterful palazzo-style hotel, with private walking tours to bring the city’s history to life.
• A twin-centre holiday combining Palermo with a few nights on the coast in a stylish beach hotel.
• A tailor-made fly–drive exploring the west of Sicily, including Cefalù, Marsala and the temples of Agrigento.

Flights to Palermo from Manchester

Fly to Palermo from Manchester twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday between May and October.

Samos: A Softer Side of the Greek Islands

If you love Greece but would like somewhere a little less busy than the headline islands, Samos is a lovely choice. Lush and green by Aegean standards, it offers pretty harbours, pine-clad hills and clear turquoise water.

Why go

• Relaxed, authentic feel, with traditional tavernas and friendly family-run hotels.
• Beautiful beaches ranging from long sandy stretches to small, pebbly coves with crystal-clear water.
• Great walking opportunities through olive groves and hillside villages.
• Easy to combine laid-back beach time with a touch of culture, including ancient sites and monasteries.

Trip ideas I can arrange

• A classic Greek-island week in a seafront hotel, with private transfers and handpicked local tavern recommendations.
• A twin-centre island stay, splitting time between a peaceful bay and a livelier harbour town.
• A chilled couple’s escape focusing on sunset dinners, boat trips and slow days on the beach.

Flights to Samos, Greece from Manchester

Fly to Samos from Manchester twice weekly, every Tuesday and Friday between May and October.

Castellón, Spain: Costa del Azahar Without the Crowds

Castellón opens the door to Spain’s Costa del Azahar, often overlooked in favour of the busier Costas, yet full of charm. Think long sandy beaches, orange groves and traditional seaside towns with a more local feel.

Why go

• Less crowded than Spain’s better-known coasts but with beautiful beaches and plenty of sunshine.
• Characterful old towns nearby, including Peñíscola with its hilltop castle overlooking the sea.
• Great choice for families who want a relaxed beach base with Spanish character rather than big-resort nightlife.
• Opportunity to combine coast and countryside, with nature reserves and walking in the surrounding region.

Trip ideas I can arrange

• A family beach holiday in a quality hotel or apartment-style accommodation with pools and easy access to the sand.
• A relaxed couple’s escape, with a seafront room, sea-view dining and optional car hire to explore hidden coves.
• A fly-and-drive itinerary exploring Castellón’s coast and traditional inland villages.

Flights to Castellón from Manchester

Fly to Castellón from Manchester twice weekly, every Monday and Thursday between June and September.

Making the Most of the New Routes

With these new direct options from Manchester, it is easier than ever to swap airport stress for a relaxed start to your holiday:

• Short breaks or longer stays: From three-night city-and-beach escapes to two-week family holidays, the new routes work well for flexible durations.
• Tailored to you: I can build holidays around your preferred travel dates, duration, accommodation style and pace, whether you want boutique hotels, family-friendly resorts or quiet hideaways.
• Added extras: Think private transfers, curated restaurant suggestions, pre-booked activities, local guides and special touches for honeymoons or celebrations.

If any of these new destinations from Manchester has caught your eye for summer 2026, I can create a bespoke itinerary that is completely tailored to you, your travel style and your budget.

Contact me today to start planning your summer 2026 escape from Manchester.