Jetting off to a European island with balmy winter weather and a charming old town is set to become more straightforward.
This week, Wizz Air unveiled six new routes from London Luton Airport, including a direct flight to Chania in Crete, with one-way fares starting from £44.99. Located on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete, Chania is renowned for its 14th-century Venetian harbour, quaint narrow streets, and seafront eateries. The entrance to the harbour is marked by a 16th-century lighthouse, reflecting Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences.
In stark contrast to the UK, this week and next Chania is forecast to hit highs of 19C.
Express writer Brian Dillon recently visited Chania and was thoroughly impressed by the city. « The holiday destination boasts fantastic weather throughout August, September, and October, and my September sojourn there was filled with sunshine and sizzling temperatures in the high 20s, » he penned.
« Compared to Spanish hotspots I’ve visited, such as Gran Canaria, Salou, and Mallorca, Chania offered an authentic taste of the locale. The aforementioned destinations that draw a large number of Brits have significantly adapted themselves to their visitors. However, Chania struck the perfect balance, offering plenty for tourists while retaining its unique Greek charm, particularly evident in the cuisine. »
Brian was not only captivated by the climate but also the quality of the food and the overall ambiance of the island.
« Food is perhaps the best way to immerse yourself in a place, and the food in Greece took me on a journey that I will never forget. Eating in Greek restaurants every night, I couldn’t get over the amazing service and flavours I was treated to every single time, » he elaborated.
« From stuffed aubergine to the most delicious sea bass I have ever eaten, Chania’s food scene took me by surprise. Since this place was popular for Brits wanting a cheap getaway, I was expecting something a bit more tacky. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There was plenty on offer in terms of classic sun holiday fun, including a thrilling waterpark, beach clubs and a boat trip that was the highlight of my time there. »
Starting next spring, Wizz Air customers can fly to Chania and four new destinations across Greece – Mykonos, Rhodes and Zakynthos – from London Luton Airport. The airline is also introducing routes to the European cities of Bordeaux and Dortmund.
Flights will operate three times a week to Mykonos and twice a week to the other three Greek destinations. The new routes to Greece will commence from 13 May 2026, just in time for the summer season. Fares start from £44.99* and tickets are now available for purchase on wizzair.com and through Wizz Air’s official mobile app.
These new routes are part of Wizz Air’s ongoing expansion at London Luton Airport, which includes the addition of a 14th aircraft to its Luton base. Wizz Air now serves 60 destinations from the airport.
Yvonne Moynihan, managing director at Wizz Air UK, announced: « With holidaymakers already dreaming of their 2026 getaways, we’ve got an early Christmas gift for our customers: six brand-new routes from our London Luton base! These exciting additions will whisk travellers away to some of Europe’s most-loved destinations, including Greece’s stunning beaches. As London’s low-cost airline, we’re all about making those dream holidays affordable and accessible. And with our 14th aircraft joining the fleet at London Luton Airport, we’re giving UK customers even more flexibility and choice, because nothing says « Merry Christmas » like more holidays to look forward to. »
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