Cheap flights to Florida Keys from £179

Palm trees, snorkelling, coral reefs and Jimmy Buffet – just a few of the things synonymous with the Florida Keys. An archipelago of more than 1,000 islands, the Florida Keys is the prime resort destination spot for Americans.  The six main islands welcome travellers all year-round who book flights to the Florida Keys for a warm-weather getaway or a bit of relaxation from the hectic nature of everyday life. 

First stop: Key Largo. Take a dive in the crystal-blue waters or hire a guided tour to explore some of the century-old wreckages.

Just south of Key Largo is the island of Islamorada. Most travellers will opt to sail to Islamorada, as opposed to fly to this Florida Key island, because of its vast fishing opportunities.

Marathon Key is the middle-most island known to many travellers as the “resort key.” Further south are the Lower Florida Keys, where “laid back” takes on an entirely other meaning.

Boating is the number one attraction at Big Pine Key, while snorkelling and diving take the lead in Looe Key.

Likely the most popular island is Key West, the last of the big islands and the most visited by travellers booking cheap Florida Keys flights for a drink in Margaritaville.

Parrotheads flock to Key West, the home of Jimmy Buffet, to walk the pristine beaches before heading to beachside pubs and lounges, where the singer is known to partake in a few impromptu performances.

Whether you’re in the mood for world-class fishing or a cheeseburger in paradise, hop a flight to the Florida Keys and escape everyday life, if only for a weekend.

Florida Keys climate

The Florida Keys is a year-round travel destination known for its warmth, sunshine and near-perfect beach weather. Travel to the Florida Keys is most popular November to February when Northern Americans are looking to escape the frigid winter cold. But this is also when flights to the Florida Keys are most expensive.For cheap flights to the Florida Keys, book your Florida Keys travel during June-August and September-November.  The weather is still warm and pleasant but the threat of hurricanes during this time is present. 

Getting around Florida Keys

The best way to explore the Florida Keys is by car, but the Overseas Highway can be extremely busy, particularly at weekends and over holiday periods, so patience is required. This is the only main road in and out of the Keys. In Key West, parking can be difficult; park-and-ride shuttles and taxis are available and recommended.

Buses are available as well. The Dade-Monroe Express bus runs from Key Marathon to Florida City, offering round trips on the hour and stopping on demand. Greyhound runs a Keys shuttle bus several times a day between Miami International Airport, stopping at all major points along the Keys.

Cycling is a pleasant way to explore the individual Keys, and scooter rentals are also popular.

What is good to know if travelling to Florida Keys?

• Key Largo has some of the best diving opportunities in the world. Take a day and explore the underwater reefs and wrecks. It is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, a spectacular underwater park. If you don’t dive or scuba, and prefer to stay above water, book a tour on a glass-bottom boat so you can the underwater world without getting your feet wet.  
• Duval Street in Key West is the artist’s district. Take a stroll through many of the galleries and boutiques. After a day of shopping, head to Mallory Square (end of Duval) for the “Sunset Fest.” Everyone gathers here nightly to watch the gorgeous Keys sunset while musicians and street acts perform in the background.
• If you’re staying on the island of Islamorada, you’ll want to bring your fishing gear. Islamorada has more fishing vessels per square mile than any other vacation destination in the world.
• Take a trip to Big Pine Key and be on the lookout for the island’s native Key Deer. These rare white tail deer roam Big Pine Key because of the island’s lush forestland and natural landscape.