Since we’re officially in the deep dark depths of winter, we’re thinking of the gorgeous brightness that next summer will bring, and of course that means where we can escape and sit on a beach or stroll around the old town. Luckily for us, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have expanded their Greek and Italian programmes for Summer 2026 after launching a hat-trick of brand new routes, and departures from Manchester Airport are set to benefit.
The expansion has seen the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator reveal two brand-new Greek destinations for Summer 2026 in the Olympus Riviera and Meganisi, in response to demand for holidays to Greece. In addition, Jet2CityBreaks has also announced the Italian city of Palermo as a new city break destination for next summer.
Which new Greek destinations are amongst Jet2 new routes?
The stunning Olympus Riviera can be reached via flights to Thessaloniki Airport from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle International and London Stansted from 3rd April to 31st October 2026.
Meanwhile, Meganisi is accessible via Preveza Airport which customers can fly to from eight UK bases in Summer 2026 from 3rd May to 20th October 2026 (Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, East Midlands, London Luton, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle International).
What is the Olympus Riviera like for a holiday?
Providing a unique combination of mountain and coast, as well as the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and culture, holidays to the Olympus Riviera provide a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. With Mount Olympus and the Aegean coastline side by side, the region in Northern Greece is ideal for holidaymakers seeking cultural exploration and outdoor activities.
Five resorts are on sale with Jet2holidays for Summer 2026 in the Olympus Riviera including Litochoro Plaka, Platamonas, Katerini Paralia, Neoi Poroi and Olympiaki Akti, and the tour operator has a range of 3 to 5-star hotels available to book now.
What is Meganisi like for a holiday?
A hidden gem, the tiny Ionian Island is located off the coast of Lefkas and is one of Greece’s best kept secrets. Known for its natural beauty and character, Meganisi offers a tranquil feel, and an authentic Greek experience, making it ideal for holidaymakers who want peace, charm and unspoiled scenery.
Customers travelling to Meganisi will be able to choose from a selection of 3 and 4-star hotels located in the resort of Vathy, a picturesque town which stretches around its port and has a cosmopolitan feel. For holidaymakers who want the freedom of a villa holiday alongside all the benefits of a package holiday, Jet2Villas has a range of properties on sale in Spartochori, another one of the main villages on the island.
Which new Italian destination is amongst Jet2 new routes?
With an increasing number of customers looking to enjoy a European city break, Jet2CityBreaks is launching Palermo as a brand new city break destination in Summer 2026, with city breaks available from Manchester (two weekly services – Tuesday and Friday) from 1st May until 23rd October 2026.
The launch of city breaks to Palermo gives customers the opportunity to combine relaxing beach moments on the Sicilian Coast with cultural days in a vibrant and historic city. Perfect for a short break, Palermo offers a mix of grand architecture, bustling markets, stunning coastline, and rich Sicilian cuisine, meaning there is something for everyone.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be launching three brand-new destinations today and expanding our Greek and Italian programmes for Summer 26. The launch of these new destinations is fantastic news for customers and independent travel agents and comes in direct response to the demand we are seeing for holidays and city breaks next summer.
“Greece and Italy continue to be summer sunshine favourites, so we are adding even more choice thanks to the introduction of getaways to the Olympus Riviera and Meganisi, and the addition of city breaks to Palermo. These destinations will no doubt prove popular with customers and independent travel agents looking for either an authentic Greek holiday experience or a city getaway.”
You can find and book your perfect Jet2 holiday here.
