New Finnair Routes Open Access to Southern Europe’s Highlights
Finnair will broaden its Southern European operations for the 2026 summer season, adding four new destinations to its network. The expansion adds scheduled flights from Helsinki to Catania in Sicily, Florence in central Italy, Valencia on Spain’s eastern coast, and the Greek island of Kos. These routes are part of a wider strategy to provide travelers from Finland and Northern Europe with more convenient access to popular Mediterranean destinations during peak holiday periods.
To meet growing demand for direct connections to Southern Europe, the airline has scheduled the following routes for the upcoming summer season. The seasonal services will operate between March 29 and October 31, 2026:
- Catania - three times weekly, March 31 to October 21
- Florence - twice weekly, April 2 to October 18
- Valencia - twice weekly, April 11 to October 24
- Kos - twice weekly, May 2 to October 24
Those visiting Catania will have access to some of Sicily’s most notable attractions. Travelers have the opportunity to see Mount Etna, the active volcano that defines the region, Taormina, a seaside town offering sweeping views of the Ionian Sea, and the Alcantara Gorges, a dramatic volcanic canyon. The region’s unique combination of natural beauty and cultural sites is now easier to reach for travelers thanks to the new direct flights from Helsinki.
Those visiting Kos have the chance to relax at Paradise Beach, known for its clear waters and soft sandy coast, tour the Asklepion archaeological site, which reveals the island’s historical heritage, and walk through Zia village, a mountain settlement celebrated for its sunset panoramas. Highlights in Valencia include the Turia Gardens, an extensive park in the heart of the city, the bustling Central Market, and Malvarrosa Beach along the Mediterranean coast. Visitors to these areas have access to a broad range of cultural and coastal activities.
By including these new routes in its summer timetable, Finnair offers greater flexibility for those planning trips to Southern Europe’s cultural and coastal attractions. The new routes make traveling to Southern Europe more straightforward, give passengers greater flexibility in planning their trips, and highlight the lasting popularity of Mediterranean destinations among Northern European tourists.