Airport International culture is just a flight away
Heading off to another country doesn’t just need to be about chasing the sun – it’s a great way to soak up some culture too!
And Glasgow Prestwick Airport offers a plethora of fantastic destinations, each with a variety of cultural events taking place throughout the year.
Malta is a beautiful place where you can enjoy a few well- earned lazy days – but if you’re looking for something different then the Malta International Fireworks Festival is a spectacular annual event, which takes place at the end of April.
The celebration – held in Valletta’s Grand Harbour and other locations - commemorates Malta’s accession into the European Union.
With competitions for the best fireworks display, you’re guaranteed to see some sensational sights.
And best of all? The event is free of charge.
The big event in the harbour takes place on Saturday, April 30, so to fly out on April 27, and return on May 4, flights are currently available for £ 28.99 per person to fly out, and the same to come back.
Tenerife is best known for its sandy beaches and chilled atmosphere, but on Thursday, June 15, a spectacular sight awaits in the town of La Orotava.
On its national Carpet Day, the streets are closed to traffic, and are decorated with bright and beautiful carpets, made from flowers, in striking patterns.
And the local square, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, is covered in copies of works of art, formed from coloured volcanic sands.
After a religious parade has passed – which is always an amazing and noisy affair - a great fiesta of traditional music and dances takes place.
It’s also a great way to see the locals dressed up in traditional wear and to really get the feel of old Tenerife.
To fly out on Sunday, June 11, to Tenerife South, it’s £ 92.99, and it’s the same price to return a week later on June 18.
There’s always a variety of fantastic events on offer in Portugal, with several taking place in Faro throughout the summer.
And if you love food, you’ll love the Festa da Ria Formosa in Largo da Sé occurring in July/ August.
Promoting traditional local food, the highlights are dishes of seafood from the Formosa lagoon.
Daily animation and stalls with snacks complete the programme.
August also sees FolkFaro run. This international event – which lasts for nine days - promotes and shares the folklore and traditions of different nations. A large variety of activities ensures there is something for everyone.
With gala shows, open- air performances, international parades, children and elderly programmes, and dance workshops, you will never be short of something to do.
If you head out to Faro on Saturday, July 1, it’s £ 183.99, and to return a week later, it’s just £ 63.99.
One of the cultural highlights of Barcelona is the Grec Festival, which is full of great shows.
From July 1 to 31, this joyous festival brings theatre, dance, music and circus to the Catalan capital.
Presenting a packed programme with something for everyone, the Grec is a unique opportunity to see outstanding artists in the flesh.
This is a participatory event that enables you to experience the performing arts as never before, a festival at which you are much more than a mere spectator.
To fly out on July 1, it’s £ 96.99, and just £ 49.99 for the return flight a week later.
For two days per week during July and August, the Cambrils Tourist Board runs dramatised tours of the Spanish town’s port and historical centre. You’ll also find street entertainment on offer every day in the port.
Another activity, which is available year round, is visiting the town with friends or family calling in at its five photopoints which are situated around the town.
And if you manage to stop in at all five, go to the tourist board and show them your photos - you’ll get a free gift!
To fly to Barcelona Reus on July 1, and return 7 days later, it’s £ 110.99 for your outbound flight, and £ 64.99 to come home.
If the arts are your thing, the Roma Fringe Festival is dedicated to independent theatre of all genres.
The fringe festival, held at the Villa Ada park in Rome, features performance, drama, comedy, street art, stand- up, sung theatre, theatrical dance, improvisation, puppet theatre, workshops and kids’ activities.
The programme comprises more than 100 shows, with 500 Italian and international artists, 10 hours of performances, and nine shows each day.
If you were to fly to Rome Ciampino on June 24, the flight would be £ 44.99, and £ 90.99 to return on July 1.
For something completely different, head to the Varkarola Festival of Corfu.
The festival is an event of music, dancing, food, and fireworks that celebrates the miraculous Saint Spyridon, who locals believed saved the island from Turkish invasion in the 18th century.
A series of boats parade along the bay, while bands play traditional music and you can watch local dancing.
At the end of Varkarola, a boat is set on fire and fireworks explode to commemorate the burning of the Turkish naval during the 17th century siege.
To fly out for this year’s festival, you can depart on August 10 for £ 69.99, and return on the 17th for £ 106.99.
As you can see, there are plenty of places to visit this summer – whether it’s for a bit of sunshine and sand, or for a complete culture immersion!
Go on - secure your seat to the sun with Glasgow Prestwick Airport.