easyJet has celebrated the launch of its first flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela, the capital city of the Galicia region in western Spain.

The thrice weekly, year round flights are expected to be very popular with British holidaymakers looking for a city full of breathtaking historical monuments steeped in tradition and spiritual heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the spectacular Santiago de Compostela Cathedral along with the destination’s unique blend of cultural influences at the heart of its cuisine and numerous other visitor attractions.

The city is set against the beautiful backdrop of the Galician mountains and unspoilt greenery boasting over a million square metres of public parks and green areas and with the beach under an hour away by car, Santiago de Compostela really does have something for everyone.

Paul Simmons, UK director, easyJet, said: “We’re delighted to be launching our inaugural flight from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela today.

“Spain remains a firm favourite for British holidaymakers so with over 8.5 million seats available this year alone we’re sure that it will be a strong addition to our existing services from London Gatwick.”

In November 2012, easyJet announced a strategic partnership with Spanish hotel institution, the Paradores de Turismo de España – the first collaboration of its kind for the hotel group, offering flight inclusive short breaks and holidays via the easyJet Holidays website.

Located across mainland Spain (and the Canary Islands,) the Paradores offer a unique and authentic take on tourism with no two Paradores the same.

The Parador Santiago di Compostela is often considered the most prestigious in the group’s portfolio and flights direct to the city will enable quick and convenient access direct from London Gatwick.