In the most recent Opodo study we have looked at the facts and figures when it comes to how our customers travelled over the past year and have come up with not only the cheapest cities to fly to out of the UK, but also the fastest growing destinations. The top 10 list of destinations are based on the number of tickets of any ticket type and origin sold in 2012 compared to 2011. Looking at the cities that have grown the most in 2012, it shows that many of the destinations on the list owe their increased tourism numbers to low cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet which in 2012 established new routes to these airports.
Here are the fastest growing destinations in the world…
Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia is defined by its location on two rivers, the Danube River and the Morava River. The architecture of the largest city in Slovakia is a mixture of past and present with medieval towers and modern day buildings making up its skyline.
Popular sites in Bratislava: Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral, UFO Restaurant over the Novy Most Bridge, and the Grassalkovich Palace.
Bratislava Airport: Bratislava Airport is 5.6 miles outside of Bratislava city centre and can be reached by the #61 public bus. Flights to Bratislava
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is located in south-west Morocco on the Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular beach destination, especially because temperatures are warm while the UK is experiencing winter weather.
Popular sites in Agadir: Agadir is not a traditional Moroccan city, but rather a modernised beach resort city. The top sites are the beaches and European-style cafés and restaurants; great places to indulge on the catch-of-the-day.
Agadir Airport: Al Massira Airport is 13.7 miles outside Agadir city centre. The easiest way to reach Agadir centre is by taxi, but the most economical way is by the #22 public bus to Inezgane (main bus hub) and then transfer to bus #20, 24, or 28 to Agadir. Flights to Agadir
Derry, Ireland
Derry, officially named Londonderry, is located on the banks of the River Foyle in Northern Ireland. It is the second largest city in Northern Ireland, and this year is the designated inaugural UK City of Culture.
Popular sites in Derry: As the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland the City Walls of Derry are a must see, as well as the Bishops Street Gate, and St. Columb’s Cathedral.
Derry Airport: City of Derry Airport, serving airlines Ryanair and Thomson Airways, is 7 miles outside of Derry city centre. The Airporter provides a direct link bus service to Derry city centre.
Limoges, France
Limoges is located in west-central France in the region of Limousin. The city has a rich history which is on display through the medieval architecture and hand-made products like enamels on copper, Limoges porcelain, and the oak barrels used to make Cognac.
Popular sites in Limoges: Crypt of Saint Martial, Gothic Limoges Cathedral, Chapelle Saint-Aurelien, and Gare des Benedictins.
Limoges Airport: Limoges-Bellegard Airport is 4 miles outside of Limoges centre, which can be reached by taxi or private car hire. Flybe and Ryanair operate flights to and from the UK.
Murcia, Spain
Murcia is located in south-east Spain on the Segura River. The city is famous for its cuisine, Easter week holy processions, Spring Festival, agriculture, and architecture. The close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea makes it a popular destination for tourists looking for sunny holidays.
Popular sites in Murcia: the Cathedral of Murcia, the city centre square Glorieta, Puente de los Peligros (bridge), Town Hall, and the Casino of Murcia.
Murcia Airport: Murcia-San Javier Airport is 28 miles south east of Murcia. Transport to Murcia city centre is provided by regular bus service provided by Latbus public transport. Easyjet, Jet2.com, and Ryanair connect the UK to Murcia. Flights to Murcia
Suceava, Romania
Suceava, in the Bucovina region of north-east Romania, is full of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. The city was once the capital of Maldovia and the main residence of the Maldovian royal family, which contributes to its princely tourist attractions.
Popular sites in Suceava: Remains of the Princely Court, Mirauti Church, UNESCO World Heritage Site Church of Saint George, Church of Saint Demetrius, the Bucovina Painted Monasteries.
Suceava Airport: Ştefan cel Mare Airport is located 7.5 miles outside of Suceava city centre. The best transport option is car hire as it allows you to move freely throughout the Bucovina region.
Tromso, Norway
Over 200 miles into the Arctic Circle is the city of Tromso, on the island of Tromsoya. It is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Popular sites in Tromso: the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, the historic wooden houses, and the Arctic Cathedral.
Tromso Airport: Tromso Airport, Langnes is 2 miles outside Tromso city centre. Airport buses connect to the centre and are synchronised with flights.
Kaunas, Lithuania
At the convergence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers is Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania. It is Lithuania’s economic, academic, and cultural centre.
Popular sites in Kaunas: Kaunas Castle, Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, Kaunas Mosque, Vytautas’ the Great Church, House of Perkunas, and Old Town Kaunas.
Kaunas Airport: The airport is 8.7 miles from the Kaunas city centre. The rapid increase in traffic to the airport is due to Ryanair establishing a base there. The public bus #29 has regular service to Kaunas daily from 5am to 12:30am.
Ancona, Italy
Ancona is a popular seaport and city in central Italy’s Marche region. It is located on the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by the mountains Monte Conero, Monte Astagno, and Monte Guasco.
Popular sites in Ancona: Ancona Cathedral, Arch of Trajan, the Lazzaretto, and Ancona Port.
Ancona Airport: Ancona Falconara Airport is 7.5 miles away from the city centre. The low cost airline Ryanair operates flights to and from the UK. Bus is the most economical way to reach Ancona. You can buy tickets at the newspapers stand in the departures terminal.
Biarritz, France
Biarritz is located on the south-west coast of France on the Bay of Biscay. It is a beautiful seaside resort city famous for its annual Surf Festival and picturesque panoramas.
Popular sites in Biarritz: the Grand Plage, St-Martin’s Church, the many cliffs and lookouts over the Adriatic Sea, and the Biarritz Casino.
Biarritz Airport: Biarritz – Anglet – Bayonne Airport is 3 miles outside of Biarritz. Ryanair operates year-round and easyJet seasonal flights to and from the UK. To reach Biarritz centre the Chronoplus line C train takes about 10 minutes and is very economical.
See the full study of Opodo’s cheapest flights.
