One of the questions I get asked most often is:

“What’s the easiest extreme day trip to start with?”

If you’re new to the idea of flying somewhere for the day, I’d always recommend choosing somewhere with minimal stress. You don’t want to spend half your day figuring out complicated transport connections or worrying about whether you’ll make it back to the airport.

For me, two destinations stand out as perfect beginner-friendly extreme day trips:

🇮🇹 Pisa

If your idea of a good day involves historic architecture, pasta and a glass of wine, Pisa is hard to beat.

Most people know Pisa for one thing – the Leaning Tower – but that’s exactly what makes it such a great first EDT. It’s easy, compact and you can see the main sights without feeling rushed.

The airport is incredibly close to the city centre, and getting into Pisa couldn’t be simpler. In fact, it takes longer to queue for a coffee in some airports than it does to reach the city.

Once you’re there, you can spend the day wandering through beautiful Italian streets, people-watching from sunny piazzas and enjoying a long lunch with pasta and wine.

There’s enough to do to fill a day, but not so much that you feel like you’re missing out by only visiting for a few hours.

Why Pisa Works So Well For Beginners

✈️ Short flight from the UK

🚆 Quick and easy airport transfer

🏛️ Iconic landmark

🍝 Great food

🚶 Easy to explore on foot

🍷 Relaxed pace

🇪🇸 Benalmádena

If Pisa is for the pasta lovers, Benalmádena is for the sunshine seekers.

This was one of my favourite extreme day trips because it feels like you’ve landed in a holiday brochure.

The journey from the airport is incredibly simple, taking only a few minutes to reach the resort area, which means you’re spending your day enjoying yourself rather than navigating public transport.

Benalmádena has a completely different feel to Pisa.

Think:

🌴 Palm-lined promenades

🏖️ Beaches

🍹 Sangria in the sunshine

🚠 Cable cars with incredible views

🌊 Walking along the seafront

It’s one of those places where you can slow down, enjoy the weather and simply soak up being somewhere different for the day.

Why Benalmádena Works So Well For Beginners

✈️ Affordable flights

🚆 Very easy airport transfer

🏖️ Beach and seafront atmosphere

🚠 Unique cable car experience

🍹 Perfect for a relaxed day

☀️ Feels like a mini holiday

Which Would I Choose?

Honestly, it depends on what makes you happy.

If you love architecture, Italian food and wandering historic streets, I’d choose Pisa.

If your perfect day involves sunshine, sea views and a sangria by the beach, I’d choose Benalmádena.

The best thing about both destinations is how simple they are.

No complicated planning.

No stressful airport transfers.

No rushing around.

Just two easy, affordable destinations that make fantastic first extreme day trips.

If you’re thinking about trying your first EDT, I’d start with one of these.