A pilot who has flown more than 750 times and visited more than 50 countries in just four years has revealed his top European destination, offering valuable insights for holidaymakers seeking their next getaway.
Split, Croatia: The Pilot's Top Pick
Wizz Air pilot Tom Copestake, based at London Luton, has named Split in Croatia as his favourite destination. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, he said: 'My favourite destination is Split in Croatia, I absolutely adore it. It has a mix of Mediterranean vibes, old architecture and castles, which is really cool.' Flights to this sun-soaked city start from just £28.99 with Wizz Air. Visitors can explore the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace, wander through a maze of narrow streets, enjoy the lively seaside promenade, and relax on nearby beaches. The city also served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, adding to its appeal.
Undiscovered Gems: Yerevan and Tirana
Tom also highlighted two undiscovered destinations worth visiting. Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is set to become more accessible as Wizz Air launches direct flights from London Luton on June 12, operating twice a week with one-way fares from £36.99. 'I don't think there's any connectivity directly between the UK and Armenia, but we're going to be the first people to do that, which is exciting,' he said. Additionally, Tirana, Albania, was described as another 'undiscovered gem' that holidaymakers should consider.
Bilbao: An Overlooked European Destination
Tom shared that Bilbao in northern Spain is often overlooked but well worth a visit, with flights starting from just £26.99. 'I flew into Bilbao about two weeks ago - it's a tremendous destination on the north coast. It was surrounded by what looked like amazing mountains or hills for hiking,' he said. He also recommended nearby San Sebastián, which a local ground handling agent described as an amazing place to explore.
Life as a Pilot
Offering a glimpse into his profession, Tom described piloting as a customer service job in the aviation industry. 'I love the fact that each of the thousands of passengers I've flown has a story and a reason to travel. It might be for fun, to see family, or we have people who might be working in different countries. It's really cool, and I love that so much,' he said, adding humbly, 'This job is a privilege.'
