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During 2009 the Greek travel industry, like many across the world, suffered reductions in trade, with annual traveller numbers coming to the country falling by figures approaching ten per cent. Not surprisingly, an important factor here was the drop in levels of business travellers, particularly to the country's major cities like Athens, and it was encouraging to see many of the more popular Greek islands like Rhodes and Skiathos reporting much smaller falls. The reductions in tourists are something they are all hoping they can reverse during 2010 and return the industry back to its former self.
Easter is a time when the Greek Islands start to receive their first significant visitor numbers and for many in the travel business, the month serves as a reminder that, whatever the world economic conditions may bring, they can't take away the beauty of these islands and the wonderful weather which they enjoy. The Greek islands were at the vanguard of the emerging mass market travel sector fifty years ago, when travelling abroad for holidays became an option for the masses and not just those from wealthy segments of society. The weather and geographical beauty of these islands are the factors that will always ensure millions will continue to take their holidays in this part of the world, even if numbers rise and fall at times.
Islands like Rhodes also have other attractions in addition to natural beauty and a welcoming climate. The history that has seen Rhodes attract all kinds of rulers in the ancient past has left a legacy of architecture, tradition and culture that provides plenty of interesting places and events for people to enjoy during their visits.
Other islands like Skiathos, may not boast the same exciting past of Rhodes, but offer different things like large forest areas and a choice of over 50 superb beaches, which, due to their number, rarely become overcrowded whatever the time of year. Skiathos also attracts those who like their sailing. Being a small island it is possible to sail around the whole thing in just a few hours, with many secluded and beautiful coves and inlets during the voyage. In addition to the afore-mentioned sandy beaches, these additional coves that can only be reached by boat only serve to add to the island's charm. Due to the size of Skiathos, it is not always necessary to resort to the car for getting around. The island has plenty of tracks and trails inland which prove attractive to those who like to cycle and for walkers the options are plentiful. Inland you'll find monasteries, churches and fortifications.
There are many small villages that are often by-passed by the typical beach tourist, so provide an authentic reflection of Greek island life as it exists today. If that authenticity is important, then the beach at the Kalamaki Peninsular is a great place to visit. It doesn't have any major developments in terms of hotels and commercial buildings, preferring to retain its village feel by allowing only villas and houses to be built. The beach at Kanapitsa was once the most popular on the island and the place where everyone headed for. That reputation has now subsided slightly and that's not a bad thing as it now offers a perfect location for families to enjoy a day of sun and sand. It is conveniently located close to Skiathos town, so even if your base is not there, it is possible to travel to the beach for a day trip, even opting to arrive by water taxi. On the sea, sports fans having plenty of options here too, with a local school offering the choice diving, water skiing, jet skiing and, if winds allow, surfing. Other points on the Kalamaki Peninsular can be visited on foot, with a network of footpaths criss-crossing the area and allowing access to beaches like Koutsouri and Delfinki.
Rhodes and Skiathos are just two of several islands that are looking forward to a thriving summer season. Other islands in a similar position include the island of Zakynthos (or Zante), always popular with British travelers as well as Mykonos, Crete and the beautiful Kos.
As usual there will be a wide choice of cheap flights to Crete and the other main Greek islands like Corfu this season. The author suggests looking around to get the best deals available.
