Eleanor Noyce
Published February 20, 2026 4:53pm
Updated February 20, 2026 4:53pm
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Jet2 is launching a new flight route to an ‘unspoiled’ Greek island (Picture: Getty Images)
Sparkling waters, ouzo shots by the dozen, and a UNESCO-protected forest are just some of the experiences to be had on Mytilene.
The capital of lesser-visited Greek island, Lesvos (also known as Lesbos), Jet2 has just announced a new flight route to the port city from London Gatwick.
The first Mytilene flight sets off on May 2, 2027, with the route running seasonally through to October 10. The cheapest flights available depart in October, for £97 one way, while the price gets steeper during peak summer holiday season, with the cheapest one way flight in August costing £153.
The new route forms part of Jet2’s expansion of Greek destinations, with 1.1 million seats on sale across 35 spots.
The new route launches in summer 2027 (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Since we announced the launch of flights and holidays from London Gatwick, the reaction from customers and independent travel has been incredible, showing just how much demand there is,’ said Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 and Jet2holidays.
‘This popularity means we are significantly expanding our programme in just our second summer of operations from London Gatwick, offering holidaymakers even more choice and flexibility.’
Things to do in Mytilene
The third largest island in Greece, Lesvos is packed with history — and has been labelled ‘unspoiled’ by many of its adoring visitors.
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Mytilene Castle spans 60 acres, and it’s one of the most poignant examples of Medieval architecture still standing in the Mediterranean.
Much of the island’s rich history is documented at the Archaeological Museum, which has exhibitions full of ceramics, sculptures, and coins, and is just around the corner from the castle.
The island is known for its food and drink (Picture: Getty Images)
Food and drink also forms a huge part of daily life in Lesvos, as there are more than 15 producers of ouzo, Greece’s national spirit.
It’s what the island is probably best known for, considering that more than 50% of the country’s drink comes from Lesvos, and two of the tipple’s main local producers have a Protected Origin status.
And while Italy takes much of the coffee-drinking world’s attention, Greece is similarly famous for its caffeine culture. You’ll barely be able to set foot inside any bar without coming across a Greek version, which is typically stronger — and, crucially, prepared in a ‘briki’ pot (with a long handle).
Lesbos is home to many stunning beaches (Picture: Getty Images)
Metrio is the most popular version — and it’s never served with milk, but with one teaspoon of sugar.
For food, fish is one of the most popular delicacies served. Kafeneion O Ermis serves mezze and 15 varietes of ouzo, while Kioupia Ladadika dishes out things like squid and grilled aubergine.
And, besides Lesvos’ many stunning beaches, there’s also the petrified forest on the other side of the island. It formed around 20 million years ago, when a volcanic explosion engulfed it with ash and lava.
Lesvos: Laced with LGBTQ+ history
Many LGBTQ+ people make the journey to Lesvos, too.
Both the terms ‘lesbian’ and ‘sapphic’ derive from Sappho of Lesbos, an Archaic poet who was born and lived on the Greek island from around 630 BCE to 570 BCE.
@mlsakcxi will ALWAYS associate greece with mamma mia #mytilene #midilli #mitili #greece #greeksummer #mammamia
♬ Originalton – Melisa
Skala Eressos, her birthplace, is a particularly popular tourist spot for those who want to honour her life – and an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 women still visit landmarks like Sappho’s Rock every year.
Most of her work is now lost, and only fragments survive, but most of her poetry contained sapphic themes. And, just as people from England are called English, those from the island of Lesbos are referred to as Lesbians.
Lesbos was home to the poet, Sappho (Picture: Getty Images)
‘There are powerful reasons for identifying with Sappho and celebrating her role in LGBTQ+ history, beyond the fact that “sapphic” and “lesbian” are part of our vocabulary,’ Dr Hannah Roche, a senior lecturer in twentieth-century literature and culture, previously told Metro.
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‘Sappho shows us that women who love women have always been here, and she reminds us of the pleasures, passions, and poetic achievements of the queer past.’
When to go to Mytilene
If you want to up your vitamin D levels, the best time to visit Mytilene is summer, as the mercury tends to average out around 30°C.
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It’s also fairly balmy around October, as temperatures are still resting between 21°C and 25°C.
Jet2's new UK flight routes to Greece launching in summer 2026
- Birmingham Airport: Crete (Chania – additional weekly Wednesday services between July 1 and September 23), Santorini (extra Thursday services between July 2 and September 24)
- Leeds Bradford Airport: Kos (extra Saturday services between July 4 and September 26)
- London Stansted Airport: Crete (extra Sunday services between July 19 and September 27)
- Manchester Airport: Crete (Heraklion – extra services on Wednesdays and Fridays between July 1 and September 25).
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