You can fly from both Liverpool and Manchester
A beautiful island that boasts “300 days of sunshine” is a destination Brits are heading to this summer instead of the popular Amalfi Coast. Situated halfway between Italy and Northern Africa, Malta is a Mediterranean gem that’s definitely worth visiting.
Also known for its medieval cities and its own Blue Grotto, Malta has been ranked top of the destinations with the most appeal to adventurous Brits who say they are out to mix things up on holiday this year. Topping a list of alternative destinations for 2025, easyJet said the island’s “sea caves and striking architecture make it a perfect ‘dupe’ for the Amalfi Coast.”
New research from easyJet holidays found that two in five (39%) Brits are looking to try somewhere new this summer, with searches for Malta increasing over 120% in 2025, and searches for Sardinia up almost 200%. Malta International Airport is the only airport in Malta and serves the whole of the Maltese Islands.
Its capital, Valletta, is located just 10 km from the airport, with a transfer taking around 20 minutes to the centre. There are also a number of bus routes you can take to get you closer to the city centre.
Valetta itself has plenty to offer – but if you’re planning on staying for an extra few days, or you fancy trying something new, there is plenty to offer in the city and further afield. Valletta may be the tiny capital of Malta, but it is also the gateway to many hidden gems.
As well as the numerous resorts around the island, visitors can head to the Blue Lagoon at Comino, which offers white sand contrast with intense blue waters – and is excellent for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. If it’s natural wonders you’re looking for, the Blue Hole and Azure Window at San Lawrenz is also a stunning day out.
You can fly to Malta from both Manchester and Liverpool. Flights run throughout the year and prices vary – so it’s worth planning well ahead to try and bag a bargain.
Skyscanner shows direct flights from Manchester Airport with easyJet for next month. At the time of writing, we found flights from Manchester to Malta – not including return flights, seat allocation or baggage – with easyJet, departing on June 8 at 5.40am for £81. You can see the flight here.
Alternatively, you can also fly from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, with regular flights via Ryanair and Jet2.com to Malta International Airport. At the time of writing, we found direct flights from Liverpool to Malta International Airport with Ryanair – not including return flights, seat allocation or baggage – on June 9 at 6am for £54 here.
Malta package holiday deals from Jet2 via Liverpool were also available. On the Liverpool John Lennon Airport website, it reads: “Malta has so much to offer its visitors, including the following hidden gems. Mdina is known for its peace and quiet. Take a stroll around the picturesque streets and admire the ancient buildings for the perfect relaxing walk.
“Popeye’s Village – why not spend an afternoon on the set of Robert Atman’s film, ‘Popeye’? This pre-built theme park has never fully been demolished and the locals have decided to turn it into a characteristic spectacle. Try a traditional Maltese fiesta – normally occurring every weekend from May to September, village residents in Malta come out in force to celebrate their patron saint. From drinks and dancing to amazing fireworks, this is something you’ll remember forever.”
EasyJet said while destinations such as Barcelona and Rome remain popular with travellers, data shows an almost 50% increase in searches for ‘hidden gems’ over the last 10 years, with two-thirds (65%) considering visiting a ‘twin destination’ of their well-known favourite. Marrakesh in Morocco, Budapest in Hungary and Oslo in Norway are all among the best alternative destinations for 2025, while Djerba in Tunisia and Bourgas in Bulgaria appear in the best holiday ‘dupes’.
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet Holidays said: “As a nation, we love to travel abroad, and our research shows that many Brits are keen to try something new this summer. In fact, 63% said they’d be more likely to book a holiday to a lesser-known destination if more information were available—highlighting a real appetite for something a little different.
“As part of our ESG strategy, we’re focused on creating meaningful travel experiences that leave a positive, lasting impact. By spotlighting lesser-known destinations, we aim to support local economies, celebrate diverse cultures, and encourage responsible tourism that respects the people and places at the heart of every trip.”
UK’s top destinations for something different in 2025
- Malta, Malta (38%)
- Sardinia, Italy (34%)
- Seville, Spain (34%)
- Budapest, Hungary (30%)
- Oslo, Norway (29%)
- Munich, Germany (28%)
- Gibraltar, Gibraltar (26%)
- Bordeaux, France (26%)
- Zurich, Switzerland (25%)
- Marrakesh, Morocco (23%)
Matt Callaghan, Chief Operating Officer, continued: “We’re proud to launch our ‘Different Destinations’ range—a platform designed to inform and inspire, offering travel tips, local insights, and thoughtful recommendations that benefit both our customers and the communities they visit. We believe tourism should enrich everyone it touches, and this initiative reflects our commitment to more inclusive and considerate travel across Europe and Northern Africa.”
The new ‘Different Destinations’ range is now available to browse via the easyJet holidays website. With 28 destinations across Europe and Northern Africa, Brits can be inspired to try somewhere different in 2025.
For more information about the ‘Different Destinations’ range and how to book, click here.
