AUTUMN INSPIRATION IN EUROPE
October 5, 2021
The autumn months bring a rich variety of travel opportunities in Europe, with fewer crowds, vibrant colours, and mild temperatures to enjoy before winter sets in.
Whether it’s for a gastronomic getaway, soaking up culture or late summer sunshine, we’ve curated some seasonal Flexjet Owner favourites to consider for your next trip.
Jersey: A refined island beauty spot
Small and beautifully-formed, Jersey offers a perfect autumn escape set against a backdrop of vast golden sand dunes and breathtaking countryside.
The island has a unique character with a fascinating international blend of culture and history. A haven for food enthusiasts, there are multiple award-winning restaurants serving Jersey’s highly-prized local produce, with influences from French and British cuisine. A range of five-star hotels, spas and refined private properties means you can count on a comfortable place to stay.
Fly into Jersey Airport (EGJJ), situated on the west side of the island, just five miles from the capital St Helier.
Bordeaux’s rich harvest
Autumn is harvest time, and in Bordeaux that can only mean grapes. A trip centred around the vineyards is a perfect way to discover the region, with its wine routes lined with magnificent chateaux.
One is Flexjet partner Château d’Yquem, producer of a Premier Cru Supérieur from the Gironde, widely regarded as the world’s best Sauternes. Private tours and tastings are available in this stunning setting in the Garonne Valley.
Bordeaux is also a renowned centre of gastronomy with multiple world-class restaurants, including the three Michelin star Les Pres d’Eugénie, also home to an exquisite 5-star hotel and spa.
Bordeaux Merignac Airport (LFBD) is the major gateway to the region, just west of the city centre. Or alternatively you can fly into Bergerac (LFBE) to the east.
Warmth & heritage in Malta
From the historic city of Valletta – Europe’s tiniest capital and a Unesco World Heritage site – to the beautiful white sand beaches of the east coast, Malta and its archipelago offers a warm welcome in every sense. Autumn temperatures are still in the mid-twenties, and the clear turquoise waters are home to a rich variety of sealife, making the islands a paradise for divers, as well as for beach lovers and yacht owners.
Autumn is the perfect time to explore the island’s wealth of nature, historic sites and sea views. You can also hop over to the smaller islands of Gozo or Comino – don’t miss its beautiful Blue Lagoon.
There is no shortage of exceptional places to eat and stay, including boutique hotels such as the stunning Iniala Harbour House, and villas converted from the island’s many historic properties and palaces.
With Flexjet’s second European Operation Centre based in Malta, our experts can help you plan a memorable Maltese getaway and fly to Malta International Airport (LMML) at any time of year.
Melides: Portugal’s quiet idyll
One of Portugal’s lesser-known beach spots, Melides is quietly moving up the wish lists of A-list travellers, and it’s clear to see why.
Home to many artists, architects and musicians it has a thriving creative community, along with dramatic Atlantic beaches and endless pine forests. In recent years, this idyllic former backwater has seen striking contemporary houses and luxury hotels appear, centred around the flourishing art scene that celebrates the area’s distinctive light and strong sense of place.
If the pace of life here becomes just too languid, the buzz of nearby Comporta is only 20 minutes away, along with Lisbon (and its airport LPPT) just an hour further on.
The sophisticated beauty of Sicily
Suspended between Europe and Africa, Sicily offers a very distinctive atmosphere with a beauty and sophistication all its own.
Traces of the successive occupations that shaped its history – including Arab, Spanish and French – are reflected both in its cuisine and its architecture. The island’s natural wonders are another major draw, including the Scala dei Turchi and imperious Mount Etna.
The island’s climate is perfect for an autumn escape, with warm weather lasting well into October, but without its famously fierce summer heat. There’s an excellent choice of exquisite hotels and properties – whether you are looking for a boutique stay in the heart of historic Taormina or the laid-back luxury of a peaceful spa retreat, set deep in olive groves or perched on a rugged clifftop.
There are airports in both Palermo (LICJ) and Catania (LICC), making short work of transfer times to all parts of the island.
Your autumn escape awaits
Wherever you choose to escape this autumn, our Flexjet European fleet offers an exceptional way to get there, including the midsize Legacy 500 and super-midsize Praetor 600.
To discover more about our European programmes, contact our team via our website or call us on +44 (0) 203 856 8151.
