Porto makes Ryanair’s top three summer 2026 destinations with flights from Belfast

Northern Ireland holidaymakers looking to squeeze in a late-summer getaway have been given some inspiration, with Porto named among Ryanair’s three top UK destinations for summer 2026 — and it can be reached directly from Belfast.

The Portuguese city joins Bergerac in France and Pula in Croatia in the airline’s top three, revealed on Wednesday 26 August as the main summer holiday season draws towards a close.

For travellers from Ballymena and across Northern Ireland, Porto is the standout on the list: Ryanair operates the route from Belfast, alongside services from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London Stansted and Manchester.

A city break with plenty to explore

Sitting on the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto has become a popular choice for travellers looking to combine a city break with history, food, architecture and culture.

Visitors can explore the city’s historic streets and waterfront, take in its distinctive architecture, visit museums and galleries or spend time in its lively squares.

The city is also internationally associated with port wine, with the famous cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia sitting across the Douro from Porto’s historic centre.

Ryanair has included Porto alongside two very different European destinations in its summer top three.

Bergerac and Pula complete the top three

Bergerac, France, offers a more relaxed escape, with cobbled streets, riverside scenery, markets and the vineyards and wine-producing countryside of the Dordogne region.

Ryanair flies to Bergerac from Bristol, Bournemouth, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London Stansted.

Completing the list is Pula, Croatia, where travellers can combine beaches and clear Adriatic waters with a city rich in Roman history.

Among its best-known landmarks is the remarkably preserved Roman amphitheatre, while the old town, harbour and surrounding coastline make Pula a destination that can offer both sightseeing and a traditional sunshine break.

Ryanair’s listed UK service to Pula is from London Stansted.

‘Take inspiration from your fellow UK holidaymakers’

Ryanair says there is still time for travellers to fit in another trip before the summer season comes to an end, with more than 600 routes included in its UK Summer 2026 schedule.

Jade Kirwan, Ryanair’s Director of Communications, said:

“We’re pleased to reveal Ryanair’s top three destinations from the UK this summer – Bergerac, Porto and Pula.

“So, if you haven’t gotten away yet this summer why not take inspiration from your fellow UK holidaymakers and book a Ryanair flight to one of our top destinations today.

“Ryanair’s full Summer 2026 schedule with over 600 routes available from the UK is available to book now via the Ryanair app/website.”

For Northern Ireland travellers, Porto is the only destination among the airline’s three highlighted summer hotspots with a Belfast departure, providing a potentially handy option for anyone considering a last-minute European break.

Flights, fares and availability can be checked through the Ryanair app or website.