LONDON- British Airways (BA) cabin crew and pilots spend their lives hopping between cities, often with just a day or two to explore. Away from tourist crowds, they discover places that reveal Europe at its most authentic.
Travelers often overlook the insights of flight crew, yet they experience cities differently from tourists — with limited time, sharp eyes, and a knack for finding the authentic pulse of a place.
Favorite Destinations of British Airways Crew
Their picks blend iconic landmarks with hidden corners, offering a perspective that feels both practical and inspiring. Here are their favorite short-haul spots in Europe, as revealed in The Sun. Hopefully, these can inspire your next trip.

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1. Sicily, Italy
Sicily offers a mix of volcanic landscapes, fishing villages, and ancient ruins. Catania charms with its fish markets, while Taormina, Castelmola, and Acitrezza provide unforgettable views, food, and sunsets.
The island is also a paradise for food lovers, from vineyard tastings on Mount Etna to rustic trattorias tucked into cobblestone alleys. Everywhere you turn, Sicily invites you to slow down and enjoy the dolce vita.
Beyond its vibrant markets and seaside charm, Sicily’s layered history makes every corner feel like an open-air museum. From Greek temples to Norman cathedrals, the island captures centuries of culture in one landscape.
Historical sites | Greek temples, Mount Etna ruins, Castelmola churches |
Cultural attractions | Catania fish market, Taormina shopping, vineyards |
Festivals/events | Local food and wine fairs |
Cycling/solo travel | Etna hiking trails, sailing trips, coastal villages |

2. Tbilisi, Georgia
Set along the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi blends centuries-old churches with vibrant nightlife. Visitors love the cable car to Mtatsminda Park, lush gardens, and rustic cafés serving honey cake.
The city is best explored on foot, where winding streets reveal murals, wine bars, and hidden courtyards. With its warm hospitality, Tbilisi feels both old-world and refreshingly modern.
What makes Tbilisi unforgettable is its energy — a city where buzzing wine bars meet ancient sulphur baths. Its mix of tradition and modernity leaves travelers feeling both grounded and inspired.
Historical sites | Narikala Fortress, Old Town churches |
Cultural attractions | Botanical Garden, Rustaveli Avenue |
Festivals/events | Tbilisoba harvest festival |
Cycling/solo travel | Walkable city, nearby mountain trails |

3. Naples, Italy
Naples is bustling yet charming, a base for Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Its seafood markets, rooftop terraces, and lively neighbourhoods reveal a city full of energy and flavour.
Beyond the sights, the city thrives on its authenticity: narrow lanes echo with laughter, pizza ovens never rest, and the local spirit makes every corner feel alive.
Naples is a city of contrasts: gritty yet grand, chaotic yet soulful. Its narrow streets, lined with street art and espresso bars, lead to sweeping views of the bay that never lose their drama.
Historical sites | Pompeii ruins, Mount Vesuvius |
Cultural attractions | Quartieri Spagnoli, Posillipo neighbourhood |
Festivals/events | Summer concerts in Piazza del Plebiscito |
Cycling/solo travel | Ferries to Capri and Ischia, coastal walks |

4. Olvera, Spain
Nestled in Andalusia, Olvera is a peaceful hilltop town surrounded by olive groves. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and nearby Setenil de las Bodegas feel timeless.
It’s an ideal stop for those seeking quiet charm away from big cities. From tapas bars to scenic hiking trails, Olvera radiates the slower pace of rural Spain.
In Olvera, time slows to the rhythm of village life. Surrounded by olive groves and medieval walls, it’s the kind of place that rewards wandering without a plan.
Historical sites | Arab Castle, Church of Our Lady of Incarnation |
Cultural attractions | Tapas bars, Andalusian plazas |
Festivals/events | Feria de Olvera (local fair) |
Cycling/solo travel | Via Verde de la Sierra cycling trail |

5. Rome, Italy
Rome remains a classic, where history and modern life intertwine. From early morning walks to sunset views of the Colosseum, the Eternal City rewards those who explore slowly.
Hidden gems like the Aventine keyhole or quiet courtyards show another side of Rome, reminding visitors that the city’s magic is as much in the details as in its monuments.
Rome thrives on its duality — ancient ruins alongside buzzing trattorias. Every turn feels cinematic, from hidden piazzas to sunsets spilling over centuries-old rooftops.
A visit to Rome feels incomplete without stepping into the Vatican, the world’s smallest state with a global cultural impact. From the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica to the artistry of the Sistine Chapel, it’s a space where history, faith, and art converge in unforgettable ways.
Historical sites | Colosseum, Vatican City, Aventine keyhole |
Cultural attractions | Trastevere nightlife, Galleria Sciarra |
Festivals/events | Festa della Repubblica, summer opera and concerts |
Cycling/solo travel | Walkable streets, fountains for travelers |

6. Geneva, Switzerland
On the shores of Lake Geneva, this city blends cosmopolitan charm with Alpine adventure. From fondue in mountain inns to suspension bridges over glaciers, it offers the best of both worlds.
Its compact size makes Geneva easy to explore, while nearby mountains tempt travelers with trails, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints that feel worlds away from city life.
Geneva shines as much in its quiet lakeside moments as in its cosmopolitan flair. Whether sipping coffee in the Old Town or gazing toward Mont Blanc, serenity is never far away.
Historical sites | Old Town, St. Pierre Cathedral |
Cultural attractions | Lake cruises, cheese cellars |
Festivals/events | Fęte de Genève |
Cycling/solo travel | Hiking routes in the Alps, cycling paths by the lake |

7. Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw combines resilience with youthful energy. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, vibrant riverbanks, and welcoming locals make it a capital that surprises and delights.
From lively bars to serene parks, the city offers something for every mood. It’s an easygoing yet fascinating destination, perfect for solo travelers and first-time visitors alike.
Warsaw’s resilience is written into its skyline — modern glass towers rising beside meticulously rebuilt historic streets. It’s a city that embraces its past while confidently stepping into the future.
Historical sites | Royal Castle, Stare Miasto |
Cultural attractions | Vistula River bars, local cuisine |
Festivals/events | Warsaw Summer Jazz Days |
Cycling/solo travel | Abundant parks, safe for solo travelers |
Bottom Line
For British Airways crew, these destinations capture the heart of Europe beyond the obvious. Each offers a blend of history, culture, and local flavor, proving that the best adventures often lie off the beaten path.
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