My favorite European Avios redemptions are with British Airways

UK travelers can’t get enough of Europe – and honestly, who can blame us? I’m the same. With so many stunning cities only a few hours away, it’s as if the continent was created for a spontaneous escape. One weekend she wanders the Renaissance galleries of Florence, the next weekend she dances until sunrise in Berlin. Add to that the sunny beaches of Spain, Greece or Portugal (the perfect antidote to our endless gray skies), and you’ve got a playground that’s never without surprises.

The beauty of Europe is both how familiar and different each trip is. You can stretch your money with smart hotel deals, find food and culture that feels fresh and comfortable, and you’ll still be home in time for Monday. genuinely? It’s the ultimate win.

But here’s the big question for Avios collectors: Is it worth spending your points on award seats on British Airways to Europe? Or should you hold out for those long business class flights you dream of?

Top tips for redeeming award seats in the short term

Absolute better The value of Avios will always come from long-haul business class. This is where you can convert points into reward flights worth thousands of pounds – and it’s a great feeling. I’ve done it, and the savings are a game changer. But honestly, it’s unlikely that you’ll be spending your points on premium seats for long-haul flights alone, especially if you’re traveling with family or in the mood for a quick weekend getaway in the city.

You should typically aim for a cash value of 1p for every 1 Avios point when booking award seats on British Airways. Although this ratio can be difficult to achieve in the short term, there are some ways to maximize your booking.

If you choose to travel off peak days, you will save on the cost of Avios for your trip. But if you’re restricted by maximum travel times, don’t worry, booking award seats on British Airways can net you some major cash savings when you’re looking at the cash fare for your British Airways flight (think of the typical price hikes on a summer holiday).

Another way to reduce spending your Avios is to check into your home airport. Traveling from London to another city in the UK can change both required Avios and Taxes/fees, which makes short-term recovery more attractive.

One of my favorite things about short-haul refunds is the taxes/fees, which British Airways usually sets at 50p per flight – £1 for a return flight!

My favorite British Airways destinations in Europe

Some Avios collectors refuse to even consider redeeming short-haul British Airways award seats. They prefer to save their points to spend on long-haul flights in premium cabins, for a luxurious experience with the most valuable redemption rate.

Personally, booking short-haul European award seats is often best for me. As a busy mother of school-age children, I’m usually sticky to class times. I also travel a lot with my whole clan, so we need between 4 and 6 seats in our vacation bookings. Any Avios collector worth their salt knows that’s a tough ask for business class, especially on popular routes like Tokyo, the Maldives, the Caribbean islands or Bangkok — even when you set award seat alerts.

However, here are some of the best short-term European redemptions for British Airways Avios:

Greece

British Airways flies to many Greek destinations from London, including Athens, Crete, Corfu, Kefalonia, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos and Zante. Award seats start at 27,500 Avios plus £1 per person for off-peak economy flights. On the whole, you can find very good award seat availability in Greece, as British Airways has a great flight network and high frequency to the islands – I would definitely recommend setting up award seat alerts at peak holiday times, such as summer holidays and half-term holidays.

History buffs will love Athens. Step back in time at the Acropolis and ancient ruins, then enjoy the bustling neighbourhoods, rooftop bars and vibrant street life. Athens combines world heritage with global energy.

Famous for its turquoise waters, dramatic caves and cliffs, Kefalonia is rugged and relaxing. It’s the setting Captain Corelli’s mandolinWhich adds a touch of romance to its natural splendor.

Kos offers long sandy beaches along with impressive ruins, including the Roman Odeon and Asklepion. It’s great for combining relaxation and history. Then there’s Rhodes. Rhodes is one of the sunniest islands in Greece, combining golden beaches with a UNESCO-listed old town filled with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture.

With its iconic whitewashed houses, blue domes, and stunning sunsets over the caldera, Santorini is a favorite destination for romance and unforgettable views. Skiathos is famous for its abundance of sandy beaches (more than 60 of them) and lively nightlife. An ideal choice for sun seekers and party lovers alike. Zante offers exciting scenery and plenty of adventure. It is home to the world-famous Navagio (Shipwreck Beach) and the endangered loggerhead turtle.

As for my favorite Greek destinations, Mykonos is a cosmopolitan hotspot known for its windmills, chic beach clubs and vibrant nightlife. It is the perfect island of elegance, luxury and energy. Crete, Greece’s largest island, has it all: sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, charming villages, and archaeological wonders like Knossos. It is ideal for travelers who want variety in one trip. Finally, green hills, olive groves and pastel-coloured ancient towns make Corfu unique. Its Venetian influences, stunning coastline, and family-friendly resorts keep visitors coming back.

Italy and Sicily

British Airways flies to a huge 17 destinations in Italy and Sicily from London, including Bologna, Florence, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Venice and Rome. Award seats start at 23,500 Avios plus £1 per person for off-peak economy flights. In general, because British Airways serves an expanded list of destinations and flights are frequent – ​​especially during the warmer months, you will often find some good availability. If you’re considering one of the more popular routes, such as Venice or Rome, set an alert for the most ideal award seats for you.

Home to tagliatelle ragu, mortadella and tortellini, Bologna is a foodie’s dream. Its medieval towers, colonnaded streets and lively university atmosphere add plenty of character. Milan is the fashion capital of Italy. Stylish, cosmopolitan and interesting. Aside from shopping, you’ll find the Gothic Da Vinci Cathedral Last SupperAnd a thriving dining and nightlife scene. Perugia is known for its medieval streets, student energy and famous Chocolate Festival. It’s a less touristy gem in the heart of Italy. Venice, with its canals, gondolas and historic palaces, is one of the world’s most enchanting cities. Every corner looks like a living postcard.

My absolute favorite Italian destination is Florence. The city dazzles with world-famous arts and architecture: the cathedral, Michelangelo’s David, and the Uffizi Gallery. Add Tuscan cuisine and nearby vineyards, and you’ve got culture and luxury in one trip. Naples is the birthplace of pizza. It is also raw, lively and authentic. It’s the perfect base for exploring Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast. Palermo, the capital of Sicily, blends Arab, Norman and Baroque influences. Expect bustling markets, golden churches, delicious street food and easy access to stunning Mediterranean beaches. Finally, there is Rome. From the Colosseum to the Vatican, Rome is history and grandeur at every turn. Add in the lively squares, gelato, and bustling café culture, and you’ll see why it’s a perennial favorite.

Portugal

British Airways flies to 5 Portuguese airports from London – Faro, Funchal, Lisbon, Ponto Delgada and Porto to be exact. Award seats start at 23,500 Avios plus £1 per person for off-peak economy flights. Because it is a popular holiday destination, and because it also has a large expatriate population in the UK, flights can be crowded and book up quickly – especially in summer and winter. I usually set award seat alerts for this alert when traveling in a group.

With its charming old town, cobblestone streets and easy access to golden beaches, Faro is a relaxing destination and the ideal base for exploring the Algarve coast. Meanwhile, Funchal, nestled between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, combines subtropical gardens, fresh seafood and famous Madeira wine. It’s also a hub for outdoor adventures, from hiking to whale watching.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is colourful, historic and full of character. Think yellow trams, tiled facades, fado music and stunning views from hilltop miradoros. Plus, it’s just a short trip to the beaches and palaces of nearby Cascais and Sintra. On Sao Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs, crater lakes and whale watching. It is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking for something different from the typical city holiday. As for Porto, it is famous for its port wine and the amazing Douro River. This place is enchanting with its colorful Ribeira district, dramatic bridges and lively food scene. It is a city where history and modern culture blend seamlessly.

Things to consider

Many Avios collectors enjoy short-haul flights on British Airways to Europe. Generally speaking, there are two ways to look at this type of trip, the first is that any Avios redemption is a good thing – it’s basically a free ride from points earned on everyday spending and activities. Secondly, if you’re more interested in maximizing your Avios, you can take advantage of some great cash savings by booking British Airways award seats. However, there are always things to consider.

If you’re saving your Avios for a long-haul flight, I’m not suggesting you splurge on short-haul award seats willy-nilly. Keep your long-term goal in mind. You should also aim for a redemption value of close to 1p per 1 Avios to make the most of your spending. I always suggest comparing the British Airways cash fare with the cost of an Avios award seat to see which option is cheaper at the time you want to book.

British Airways Avios redemptions follow fixed prices, so you won’t see prices rise as you do for cash tickets during school holidays or last-minute bookings. It is a reliable way to secure savings. If you can travel outside peak times, you’ll need fewer Avios. But even on peak dates, use of Avios still outperforms higher cash rates, especially when demand is high.

In short: British Airways’ award flights to Europe are a smart way to stretch your Avios. They offer predictable value, set fees and access to some of the continent’s best destinations. So, if you’re dreaming of a quick city break, a sunny family vacation, or just want to turn your points into memories instead of letting them gather dust – don’t hesitate. Europe is waiting for you, and Avios makes getting there easier.

Kylie Hepworth

Kylie Hepworth is Head of Marketing at Finder’s Journey Bonus. Reward Flight Finder is the perfect tool to search for British Airways reward flights. If you would like to be a guest blogger on a luxury travel blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.