MUGFOUNDRY

If you’re already planning a summer 2026 getaway, Jet2 has announced a new route to a ‘paradise’ island from London Luton Airport.

The budget airline launched its inaugural flight from Luton earlier this month and has just announced plans for a major expansion for summer 2026, with five new routes.

One of the new flights will be to Skiathos, an ‘unbelievably beautiful’ Greek island that’s part of the Sporades archipelago.

Jet2 already flies to Skiathos from several UK airports, including London Stansted and Manchester, but next summer’s weekly Saturday services from Luton will make it easier than ever for travellers to reach.

Visit Greece describes Skiathos as ‘the most cosmopolitan island in the Northern Sporades’. With its crystal-clear waters and lush pine forests, it says it’s ‘truly a paradise on earth’.

What to do and see in Skiathos

Thinking about making a trip out to Skiathos? There’s plenty to discover. The island is frequently referred to as the liveliest of the Sporades and has a thriving nightlife scene, but there’s still space to relax.

It boasts over 60 beaches, including the Koukounaries Beach, which is known for its golden sand and clear waters. Tripadvisor reviewers have described it as ‘unbelievably beautiful’ and ‘one of the best beaches in Greece’.

Nature lovers won’t be disappointed either. The island boasts over 200km of walking trails, which take you up the island’s peaks through the lush pine forests.

If you’re hoping to soak up a bit of culture, there’s the charming Old Town, with cobbled streets and traditional architecture, and the Byzantine Fortress, which offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.

Another highlight is the Monastery of Evangelistria, one of the oldest in Greece, dating back to the 18th century, which sits on a hilltop 4km outside of Skiathos town.

The island is also a great spot for film buffs, it’s just a 30-minute ferry ride from Skopelos, a.k.a the ‘Mamma Mia Island’. Skopelos was the real-life setting for the musical.

While the island, fictionally dubbed Kalokairi, was the primary setting for the 2008 musical, parts of the film used the backdrop of Skiathos — for example, the old port of Skiathos, where Sam and Harry famously missed the ferry until Bill offered them a ride on his sailboat.

How long does it take to get to Skiathos?

There are plenty of direct flights from the UK to Skiathos. A Jet 2 flight from London Stansted in June takes 3 hours and 40 minutes, with one-way tickets starting from £84. Tickets are priced around the same for departures from Manchester.

Jet 2 currently offers flights to the island from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.

Skiathos Airport is the only airport on the island. A taxi ride from the airport to Skiathos town takes around 10 minutes and costs around €3-4. Meanwhile, the bus costs €2-3 and takes around 10 minutes.

When is the best time to visit Skiathos?

Skiathos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers. If you’re hoping to soak up the sun, the best time to visit is between June and September.

The hottest month of the year is July, with an average daily maximum temperature of 30C. July is also the busiest month in terms of tourism, with the month seeing the most crowds.

If you’re hoping to enjoy the island without the crowds, the shoulder seasons, May and September, are an ideal time to visit. The weather is still warm and sunny at around 25C, yet there are fewer tourists.

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