8 extreme day trips you can take from Liverpool John Lennon Airport this summer

Extreme day trips are the big travel trend for 2025 and Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one of the top airports in the country for them.

Travellers are skipping hotels, avoiding add-on baggage charges and cramming in as much as possible without the need for an overnight stay. Liverpool John Lennon Airport’s short flight time destinations, and its usually quick security queues, have made it a popular choice for extreme daytrippers who fuel up with a super-early breakfast in the airport then land a couple of hours later all ready to pack in the sights.

There’s no need for a suitcase or even a cabin bag, just a few essentials in a small bag or rucksack under the seat in front, and European cities are known for their easy bus and train connections so you can be in the centre with the minimum of transfer time.

A spokesperson for LJLA says there’s been a noticeable shift in people’s mindset around how long (or short) their trips abroad should be:

“For someone who enjoys travel it’s a good way of seeing more and experiencing something different without having to worry about the additional cost of accommodation or booking days off work. It means they can do multiple day trips over the summer instead of sticking to the usual two weeks.”

The earliest morning flight possible is obviously a good idea if you want to have most time on the beach or soaking up the culture, but if you’re going on shorter routes like Dublin, Belfast or the Isle of Man you could go later and still have plenty of time there.

“To make the most of your day if you’re going to a European destination, you really want to get up as early and back as late as possible. With Malaga, for instance, you could leave Liverpool before 6am and get back around 1am the next morning so it’s surprising how much you can fit in.”

Not all airlines have flights out and back the same day, although many extreme daytrippers opt to fly out with one and back with another so it’s always worth checking to see if multiple airlines serve your destination. That way you can mix and match to get times that work best for you.

Here are the 8 extreme day trips you can take from Liverpool John Lennon Airport this summer …

Belfast – easyJet

Belfast has become an increasingly popular short-hop place to visit, with flights usually under an hour. Go via Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport, which is closest to the centre, then Titanic Belfast is a must in the city itself or head out to Giant’s Causeway via public transport.

Majorca – easyJet, Ryanair & Jet2

With a flight of 2hrs 30mins and only an hour time difference, Majorca has something for everyone and typically gets 300 days of sunshine per year so it’s perfect if you want to head to the beach, book a boat trip or stay in Palma itself for more cultural attractions like the cathedral and Old Town.

Dublin – Ryanair & Aer Lingus

You’ll be in the air for less time than it takes to get to Manchester when you go to Dublin (it’s about half an hour) and weekends are usually favourite for daytrippers – Saturdays especially for anyone fancying a few Guinnesses in Dublin’s historic pubs or a visit to the Old Jameson Distillery. 

Isle of Man – easyJet & Loganair

The Isle of Man is really convenient for Liverpool – less than half an hour away – and it’s just being discovered by a lot of young travellers. It has some beautiful views and plenty of outdoor activities as well as museums, galleries and history to enjoy including the medieval Castle Rushen.

Barcelona – easyJet & Ryanair

Tapas, sangria, shopping and world famous Gaudi sights? Barcelona is a number one extreme day trip because it’s got it all. And if you’re a footy fan, you could get a bus or metro to the Nou Camp – just make sure you book in advance because you won’t have the option to go the next day.

Faro – easyJet, Jet2 & Ryanair

Faro is really the only destination in Portugal you can do in a day from LJLA but that’s okay because you’re likely to get some decent sunshine and gorgeous local food. It’s just under three hours but there’s no time difference so if a beach chill is what you’re after, Faro is a good pick.

Alicante – easyJet, Jet2 & Ryanair

Alicante is full of fabulous architecture, great shopping and if you love paella then it’s a top choice because the seafood restaurants here are amazing. It’s the gateway to the Costa Blanca too so you could easily get a bus or train to neighbouring towns and explore a bit further afield.

Malaga – easyJet, Jet2 & Ryanair

About a 15-minute train ride from the airport, Malaga itself has plenty to offer including beach, castles, a great market, tapas bars and a big art scene, but if it’s full-on glamour you’re looking for, a cab from the airport to Marbella takes under an hour so you’ll be on a daybed with cocktails in no time!

Book flights on the Liverpool John Lennon Airport website.

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