The rise in demand for travelling across Europe has led to an increase in airport challenges, including increased flight delays and cancellations. As a result, the private jet industry in the UK is booming, making it easier than ever to explore charming European destinations.
If you’re in Oxfordshire, there are many nearby places you can visit via private jet from Oxford Airport in Thames Valley, the fastest growing for private and business aviation in the UK since 2007. Here’s our picks.
Greece
- Flight Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Top Spots and Attractions: The Acropolis, Parthenon temple, Rhodes and Santorini
- How Long To Stay: 7 days
- Best Time To Visit: April to June, or September to October
Home to iconic landmarks and rich history, Greece is one of the top European destinations that you can fly to on a selection of Air Charter Service jets. Greece offers guests an unparalleled experience, with activities like hiking and island hopping on the itinerary.
Athens, the capital city, is one of the world’s most renowned destinations, known for its mythic ruins and ancient charm. The Santorini Islands and their iconic white-washed, blue-domed churches and cave houses also beckon to travellers from across the globe.
For an even more luxurious getaway, Mykonos is a natural beauty that manages to balance tranquillity and vibrant entertainment. There are many picturesque spots where you can also bask under the sun on exotic beaches and dive into crystal clear waters, like Super Paradise, Kalo Livadi, and Paraga Beach. You can also go to a variety of beach clubs for the ultimate nightlife experience, such as Nammos and Scorpios.
Spain
- Flight Time: 2 hours
- Top Spots and Attractions: Seville, Barcelona,
- How Long To Stay: 7-10 days
- Best Time To Visit: April to May, or September to October
Just under three hours from Oxford, Spain brims with culture, historical landmarks, and breath-taking scenery — not to mention its delicious cuisine. Ibiza is a go-to spot for the ultimate party scene and pristine beaches. It’s a popular spot for adventure and sports lovers, too, where you can hop on an hour-long jetski ride or embark on many scuba diving excursions along the coastline.
Barcelona is a must-visit city in Spain. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and dotted with some of humanity’s most noteworthy architecture, it’s an awe-inspiring city. One of the joys of travelling by private jet is that you can easily visit one of the many neighbouring islands in Spain, including Palma de Mallorca, Marbella, Madrid, or Alicante. Barcelona is also revered as one of the world’s most artistic cities, with vibrant culture, unique architecture, and easily accessible beaches such as Sant Sebastià and Nova Icaria Beach.
Italy
- Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Top Spots and Attractions: Florence, Venice, Rome, Milan and Naples
- How Long To Stay: 7-10 days
- Best Time To Visit: April to June, or September to October
Italy is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for private jets. Its diverse landscape, iconic peaks, and tantalising cuisine attract millions of visitors worldwide. It is also a country where wealth whispers in every facet of culture, be it traditional foods to its magnificent history.
The vibrant and romantic city of Venice has an enchanting ambience with its canals and cobblestone streets. Popular attractions include St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, and Bridge of Sighs. If you want to see ancient treasures first-hand, visit the Capitoline Museum — the oldest public museum in the West.
For ancient ruins and marvellous architecture, Rome has lasted centuries and has the strength to prove it. Visiting the Colosseum and the Vatican are among the many popular tourist activities. Wander the age-old roads, walk alongside many heralded ruins like the Roman Forum, and admire the culture that embraces every corner of the city.
For a more typical tourist experience, Milan offers a lot, especially for art and history enthusiasts. It showcases iconic cultural treasures like Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper located at the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie. Make sure you also visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral, Duomo Di Milano, which is one of the sought-after tourist spots in Europe.
Other remarkable destinations that are easily accessible by private jets are Florence, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Verona, and Tuscany for fans of Italian wine.
Portugal
- Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Top Spots and Attractions: Lisbon, Porto, Lagos, Convento de Cristo, Pena Palace, and Falesia Beach.
- How Long To Stay: 10 days
- Best Time To Visit: May to June, or September to November
Portugal has something to offer for everyone — a palpable culture, remarkable beaches, delicious food, and adventurous activities. Just three hours by jet from Oxford to Lisbon, you can be basking in Portugal’s beauty in no time.
Explore the gorgeous Alfama neighbourhood in Lisbon, lined with boutique shops, mosaic-studded walkways, colourful buildings, and lively restaurants. Make sure you also visit the
France
- Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Top Attractions: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Saint-Tropez
- How Long To Stay: 3-4 days
- Best Time To Visit: April to June, or September to November
Known as the city of love and lights, Paris is just a short distance from Oxford and has plenty of gorgeous landmarks to see. You can indulge in delicious French cuisine, enjoy its charming cafes overlooking the Eiffel Tower, or visit museums and galleries.
You can also take a private jet to the French Riviera and explore the stunning beaches of Nice and Cannes, along with the glamorous nightlife of Monte Carlo. There’s so much to see and interesting things to do in this region. In the morning, you can enjoy fresh bakeries from local cafes and spend your afternoons strolling around the old town of Villefranche-Sur-Mer, enjoying delicious French cuisine while watching the magical sunsets of the French Riviera.
With just a 25-minute car ride away from Nice, Monaco offers both luxury and beauty to its visitors. You can dine in luxurious restaurants like Cantinetta Antinori for a superb atmosphere and enjoy the live bands in the evenings. Blue Bay is another luxurious treat with a captivating seaside view that overlooks the Azure Sea – not to mention it has a Michelin star.
Menton is another underrated gem in the French Riviera known for its unique annual event called “The Lemon Festival”, which takes place every February to March. You can enjoy the festival with the magnificent parade of citrus fruits and its streets decked out in bright golden colours.
Which Destination Will You Choose?
Europe is full of enchanting cities and hidden gems that are just a flight away from Oxford. Elevate your experience by travelling via private jet and open up a new world of travel at your fingertips.
