The upcoming summer holidays presents the ideal opportunity for travellers from the United Arab Emirates to explore new destinations across Europe’s ancient cities and inspiring landscape.

British Airways, which flies to more than 200 destinations worldwide, has launched an all-cabin special fares campaign across its routes to the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. The airline’s super saver summer sale will run until 18 June with travel valid until December 12, 2018. Residents flying from the UAE can choose from the airline’s excellent onward connections via London Heathrow with return fares starting to Europe from as little as AED 2155 to London and AED 2195 to Paris. Customers flying to North American can book flights from as little as AED 3395 to New York and AED 2785 to Toronto.

Popular this summer among GCC residents looking to travel on shorter breaks are several European destinations offering dramatic coastlines, ancient city streets and plenty of family friendly activities to suit all budgets.

Here is British Airways’ shortlist of trending European destinations that are attracting travellers’ attentions this summer:

Corsica, France

For families looking for a tranquil summer holiday somewhere beautiful and peaceful, Corisca’s stunning natural landscapes, stylish coastal towns and numerous beaches offer an unforgettable holiday adventure. Book your onward connection from Dubai or Abu Dhabi via London Heathrow to Fiagri airport in the south of the island and soak up a week-long blissful getaway in the sun.

Croatia

Even if you’re not a Game of Thrones fan, there’s plenty to enjoy for the whole family in Croatia. Take in seven spectacular and towering waterfalls at the Krka National Park, or embark on a walking trip through history in the village of Motovun. Food lovers are spoilt for choice as Croatian cuisine is varied and unique to each region, with influence from Hungary, Austria and Turkey. Enjoy walking through the nooks and crannies of Split – home to the ancient (and once lavish) palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian dating back more than 1,700 years with a number of thriving cafés and restaurants set among its ruins.

Grenoble, France

As the writer Stendhal famously said when describing his hometown: ‘At the end of every street, there’s a mountain.’ It is not surprising that Grenoble offers breath-taking hiking trails for travellers journeying on foot. Whichever route you choose, there are plenty of outdoor activities and festivals for the entire family to enjoy.

Pulgia, Italy

Pulgia offers a myriad of family-friendly activities, making it one of the more popular family travel hotspots in 2018. From its famous drive-through safari experience at the Zoo Safari Fasano theme park and the fairy tale-esque houses lining the central hilly region of Valle d’Itria, to sandy beaches with shallow bays and adrenaline pumping cliff diving opportunities, there are endless reasons why residents from the UAE should head to the South of Italy this summer.

Almeria, Spain

Shimmering coastlines, delicious food and great year-round weather, Almeria is an untapped holiday gem for families looking to experience authentic Spanish culture. With its uncrowded stretches of beaches and budget-friendly family resorts, a plethora of water sports, tapas cafes and al fresco concerts, Spain’s secret Costa is a crown jewel for families looking to get away, soak up the sunshine and relax.

Customers who register, book and fly by June 30, 2018 from the UAE can also take advantage of the airline’s bonus Avios promotion and collect 4,000 bonus Avios points if they take two or more British Airways return flights between the UK and Europe, or 16,000 bonus Avios should they take four or more return flights.

Flights from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to any British Airways destination in Europe that connects through London are valid in the Avios promotion. This means a customer taking two return trips from London Heathrow to Corsica, for example, would earn 4,000 bonus Avios points, thanks to the London connection.

These bonus Avios points can be spent in the same way that normal Avios points can, including part payment on flights, with members able to cut the cost of future flights using Avios. When using Avios part payment, customers are able to pick from a range of savings by destination and cabin. In doing so, they can still collect Avios and Tier Points on their bookings.

Beyond the special fares and bonus Avios points, customers will also benefit from British Airways’ enhanced catering options and more than 1,000 hours of inflight entertainment in the World Traveller economy cabin, as well as new Club World business cabin catering and bedding being rolled out across the airline’s network.

For more information on bookings or flight schedules, visit www.ba.com today.