Hidden gem Greek island with beautiful beaches and glittering seas has new UK flight route

Direct flight routes from Manchester and London have been announced to a little known Greek island as of next year. Jet2 launched new flights and holiday packages to Samos for Summer 2026, introducing the idyllic Greek island as their 15th Greek destination.

Flights will take off from Manchester Airport, with up to two weekly flights starting May 5, 2025, through October 30, 2026. London Stansted Airport isn't left behind, offering similar twice-weekly connections from May 7, 2025, until October 29, 2026. These dates provide flexibility for sunseekers to choose from early, peak, or even late summer vacations, or opt for a cosy autumnal getaway from the UK's chillier weather in October.

The package comes in tandem with Jet2holidays' launch of over 30 hotels across six alluring Samos resorts, such as Samos Town, Kampos, Kokkari, Pythagorion, Karlovasi, and Balos. Samos, is nestled near Turkey's coast, and has "golden grained beaches" dotted along the "glittering" Aegean Sea according to Jet2. It also boasts a range of historical sites and, if you’re hoping for a car-free holiday, you can island hop to Samos with no vehicle on one of multiple ferry routes as this island has excellent public transport connecting the different corners of the island.

One TripAdvisor reviewer described the island as “picturesque” declaring they would visit again. Helen wrote: “I visited Samos for 1 week Sep-Oct and this was my first visit here. I stayed in Pythagorio, a cosy and picturesque little town with everything within walking distance. No time to explore all of this quite big island but I saw parts of it. The island was very beautiful, green with mountains and nice beaches. I liked it and it's a place I would visit again.”

Heraion, located on the south coast, three miles west of Pythagoreio, is a leafy site and mythological birthplace of Hera, wife of Zeus. Three temples were built in her honour between the eighth and sixth centuries BC, of which the last, built under Polycrates circa 535BC, was a world wonder – 358ft long, 180ft wide and 82ft high; bigger than the Parthenon in Athens. Only one of its giant pillars still stands at 36 ft, and it is now an UNESCO world heritage site.

The Archaeological Museum of Samo in Vathi offers a clutch of artefacts from the site – whilst the Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion gives of the town. Displaying bathhouse ruins and mosaic-floored villas the exhibits include priceless vases and amphorae from 800BC.

For those after a bigger chunk of infrastructure, The Tunnel of Eupalinos is a remarkably long aqueduct that cuts straight through Mount Kastro above the town. The island is also well known for its sweet wine which dates to the mists of 1200BC. Which you can explore at the Samos Wine Museum in Vathi.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, expressed his excitement about the addition of Samos to their Greek offerings. He stated: "The launch of Samos for Summer 26 gives holidaymakers and independent travel agents access to this beautiful Greek island and the exclusive chance to enjoy an authentic slice of Greece from Manchester and London Stansted airports."

He added: "We are very pleased to be expanding our presence across Greece by adding this brand-new gateway to our portfolio, appealing to holidaymakers looking for a laid-back Greek island experience. Offering customers and independent travel agents even more choice, we are also delighted to be adding a selection of hotels available to book now across six stunning resorts.

"After experiencing consistent demand from holidaymakers wanting to explore Greece, we are confident that these new flights and holidays will prove popular with customers looking for an off the beaten track style holiday. We look forward to taking customers to Samos on their well-deserved holidays and showcasing our VIP customer service."

The exclusive routes will operate from Manchester Airport, offering up to two weekly flights between May 5, 2025, and October 30, 2026. London Stansted Airport will also provide up to two weekly services from May 7, 2025, to October 29, 2026. Customers can opt for flight-only bookings with Jet2.com or ATOL-protected package holidays with Jet2holidays, which include VIP customer service, return transfers, a 22kg baggage allowance, and friendly flight times.

This announcement arrives as the airline expands its horizons with additional routes to European destinations, introducing new and exclusive flights from the UK.