Discover Your Next Hidden Gem

Summer escapes from London Stansted

Affordable travel to spectacular destinations

You're invited to discover incredible vistas, awe-inspiring architecture, and mouth-watering cuisines in the most unexpected of places. Join us off the beaten track as we travel to the hardly-heard-about Hidden Gems just waiting for you to arrive.

Unlock your Hidden Gem parking offer

Sign up to take advantage of our exclusive, limited time only 25% off parking offer. You'll also be among the first to find out about airline offers, retail promotions, and future travel deals.

Three people packing the boot of a car linking to the sign-up form for Hidden Gem parking offer

Perfection - closer than you think

Experience UNESCO World Heritage sites within easy reach of Stansted Airport.

Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, tantalisingly translucent waters, and colourful cities brimming with character and charm.

All this, and more, just a short trip from London Stansted.

Olbia, Italy - for families, couples & luxury escapes

Nestled into a north-east nook of Sardinia, Olbia boasts hidden coves, warm, sea-scented evenings, and an unhurried ambience that wraps you in its Mediterranean embrace. Escape the crowds and savour the pristine white sands of this idyllic harbour city.

Must-see sites include:

  • Museo Archeologico with artefacts from the Neolithic period and beyond.

  • Basilica di San Simplicio: an 11th century church.

Olbia coast;ine linking to Stansted Airport Guide to Albia

Porto, Portugal - paradise for your palate

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Porto sits on the picturesque Douro River estuary in northern Portugal and is a haven for foodies. If you're partial to a drop of wine, enjoy visits to the port wine cellars for which this destination is famous. Let the waves lap at your feet on the ocean beaches within easy reach of this small but perfectly formed city.


Must-see sites include:

  • Dom Luis Bridge at sunset

  • Porto Cathedral, a stunning 12th century church

  • Riverside Ribeira district

Porto coastline linking to Guide to Porto

Tirana, Albania - bold, bright & beautifully unexpected

A creative haven, enveloped in stunning mountain scenery, Tirana is the perfect hideaway for those who appreciate the vibe of Greece and Croatia. The historic capital city boasts a collection of museums and galleries, inviting you to step into the intriguing past of this stunning destination.


Must-see sites include:

  • Gjirokastër, Theth

  • The Blue Eye Spring

  • The beaches of Vlorë, Himarë, Dhërmi, Sarandë & Ksamil

Albanian coastline linking to Guide to Tirana

Gdańsk, Poland - bask in the beauty of the Baltic coast

Buildings boasting copper and terracotta hues line cobbled walkways in Gdańsk. As summer's golden hour pours over the Polish city, it becomes an amber-dipped fairy-tale, adorned with gorgeous ancient architecture. Stop for a velvety hot chocolate in one of the charming cafés and savour sweet pierogi, dumplings filled with chocolate and raspberries.


Must-see sites:

  • Neptune's fountain

  • Gdańsk Old Town

  • Museum of Amber

Gdansk waterline linking to Guide to Gdansk

Rotterdam, Netherlands - fresh, modern & full of personality

Enjoy the sleek architecture, cool cafés, and waterside paths of Rotterdam.


Peruse the canalside shops of the 17th century Delfshaven district and marvel at the modern architecture of this ever-evolving city. Dine on traditional dishes like stroopwafels, poffertjes, and the comforting, stamppot.


Must-see sites include:

  • Euromast Tower & Cube Houses

  • Markthal food hall

  • Tulip farms & Gouda cheese day trips

Rotterdam harbour linking to Manchester Airport Guide to Rotterdam


Kos, Greece - a sun-drenched sanctuary

The Aegean Island blends ancient history with a laid-back island pulse.

Be beckoned by the allure of crystal-clear turquoise waters and whitewashed villages, and embrace the dual-culture charm of Kos, a true Hidden Gem. Just a short, scenic ferry ride away lies the vibrant Turkish coast of Bodrum, making this the ultimate two-country escape.


Must-see sites:

  • Asklepion: Wander the ruins of the world's first healing center and temple to the god of medicine.

  • Day Trip to Bodrum, Turkiye: Hop on a 20-minute ferry to explore the Castle of St. Peter and the bustling Turkish bazaars.

  • Therma Beach: Soak in natural, volcanic hot springs tucked away at the edge of the sea.

 Rocky island with a quaint house with sandy path leading to boats on the shore and linking to guide to Kos

Where will you go?

Unlock exciting experiences, days spent on sun-kissed beaches, and breathtaking vistas when you escape to somewhere new.

Don't forget to sign up for our 25% off parking offer and be among the first to access fantastic travel deals and promotions.

Wherever you choose — it all starts at London Stansted.

Useful links

Pre-book FastTrack

FastTrack

Save time and use the express lane at Security and Passport Control

Pre-book FastTrack

Airport parking

Accessible parking, close to every terminal

Escape Lounge

Travel in style and relax at our exclusive airport lounge

Related articles

Copenhagen harbour

Winter Wonderland city breaks

'Tis the season for a magical stay - explore European city breaks easily reachable from London Stansted

Pre-book FastTrack

New routes from London Stansted

The summer holiday season may be over, but fear not - we’ve got your next travel fix sorted

Copenhagen harbour

Where to soak up the sun this winter

Ditch the cold this winter season, and treat yourself to a sunny sanctuary abroad