10 fantastic food and wine festivals at London Southend Airport’s destinations this summer
Travel tips
So you’ve spent all spring getting beach-body ready – but what’s a getaway for if not a little indulgence? From the vineyards of southern Spain to the fresh seafood of Malta, the world is your oyster with a cool glass of Sauvingon to wash it down.
All of our twenty destinations are stocked up with amazing restaurants, cafes and bistros serving delicious food and wines. But for you true gourmands out there, let’s get right to the heart of the action: the food and wine festivals across Europe you can’t miss when you fly with London Southend Airport.
Boiling them down to just ten wasn’t easy, but you’ll love what we cooked up. Pack your napkin – here’s what’s on the menu at just some of our destinations when you fly with us in 2025.
Learn more about London Southend Airport’s destinations
Malta: Delicata Classic Wine Festival
This completely free, three-day celebration of Maltese wine, food and music takes place in a truly stunning setting – the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. Organised by Emmanuel Delicata Winemaker, Malta’s oldest family-run winery, this festival not only showcases local wines but also promotes sustainable farming. What’s not to love? Get ready for live music and plenty of opportunities to sample the island’s finest, paired with traditional Maltese delicacies.
Malta: Marsovin Summer Wine Festival
Held every July in the historic Hastings Gardens, this festival is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts worldwide. Marsovin, one of Malta’s premier wine producers, hosts this event as a chance to show off their almost unbeatable wine selection, with some live entertainment and food stalls to wash it all down. Malta has a proud tradition of winemaking – this festival shows you why!
Malta International Food Festival
This vibrant food festival transforms the streets of Mdina into a gastronomic paradise, with stalls offering cuisines from all around the world. Visitors can sample everything from traditional Maltese rabbit stews to Japanese sushi, complemented by local wines and craft beers. A family-friendly atmosphere ensures there’s something for everyone!
Almería, Spain: Cruz de Mayo
During the first week of May, Almería springs to life with food and festivities inspired by ancient pagan rituals. Stalls line the streets offering an array of local specialties, from tapas to fresh seafood, as residents and visitors celebrate with music, dance and floral displays. While not strictly a food festival, Cruz de Mayo is the place to be if you’re looking for the best grub southern Spain has to offer!
Book your flight to Almeria, Spain
Andalusia: Wine Harvest Festival
Once you’ve landed in Almeria, why not explore the rest of Andalucia? This festival is a tribute to the region’s rich wine heritage. Scheduled for late summer, it features wine tastings, vineyard tours and culinary pairings that highlight the region’s bold reds and delicate whites. Visitors can also enjoy live flamenco performances and artisan markets. Tasteful and tasty, you won’t regret putting this on your Andalusian agenda.
Alicante: Amazing Street Food Festival
Located at Plaza Séneca, this festival is a haven for foodies, offering diverse street food options from around the globe. From Argentine asado to Thai curries, the culinary delights are complemented by live music, artisan craft stalls, and a lively atmosphere.
Alicante: Winecanting
Alicante loves wine. You love wine. That’s a pairing to die for! This summer festival features tastings from 24 local wineries, paired with fresh tapas for an unforgettable mash-up that will have your taste buds dancing for joy.
Book your flight to Alicante, Spain
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Pisa: Food and Wine Festival
Taking place in the historic city of Pisa, this event is a celebration of Tuscany’s renowned culinary heritage. Sample locally produced wines, cheeses and olive oils while enjoying cooking demonstrations and food markets. The festival is set against the backdrop of Pisa’s stunning renaissance architecture, making it an all-round feast for the senses. Don’t drink too much – the tower won’t be the only thing that’s leaning.
Book your flight to Pisa, Italy
Faro: Festa da Ria Formosa
Seafood lovers, rejoice! This Faro festival showcases the freshest catch from the Algarve’s waters. Held every summer, the event offers everything from grilled sardines to octopus rice, paired with local wines and craft beers. The festival celebrates the coastal region’s rich culinary traditions in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Book your flight to Faro, Portugal
Mallorca: Festa de’s Vermar
Held every September, this wine harvest festival marks the culmination of the season in Binissalem, a charming town in the heart of Mallorca. The celebration includes grape-stomping competitions, wine tastings, and parades, all infused with Mallorcan traditions and hospitality. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the island’s best wines and culinary creations!
Book your flight to Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Whether you’re a wine aficionado or a lover of good food, these festivals are worth planning your next holiday around. With London Southend Airport offering flights to these fantastic destinations, your next foodie adventure is just a few clicks away!
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