Reports continue to be published confirming the surge in popularity of Greek Island holidays this summer, with some suggestions being made that capacity is almost being reached for tourist beds in places such as the Greek island of Corfu.  Against this backdrop, some members of the holiday trade are noting that the popularity of quiet holiday spots, such as the Greek island of Ithaca, is also likely to rise.

Ithaca set for Upturn in Visitor Numbers
The Greek Islands offer a diverse range of experiences, and popular Greek Island holiday destinations such as Zakynthos, Crete, and Corfu can provide a lively selection of entertainment to complement the delights of the sandy beaches and clear blue seas.  Other holidaymakers, however, seek out quieter destinations, and it is for this reason, among others, that a report in the Greek newspaper Ekathimerini has picked out the Greek island of Ithaca as one of the destinations that is better suited to travellers with a taste for history or literature.

Home Of Odysseus
Odysseus, also known as Ulysses, in the epic poetry of Homer, was said to be King of Ithaca, and it was, therefore, this island that the poet used to represent the joys and luxuries of home life.  Located in the Ionian Islands and accessible from the island of Kefalonia, where the nearest airport is situated, the island of Ithaca is relatively small and offers a number of cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty and delicious local food.

A recent announcement has indicated that a new international undersea telecommunications cable will be introduced to increase the capacity for telecommunication services in Greece.  With the cable being connected through Chania, on the Greek island of Crete, the Greek Islands are also set to benefit from the upgrade.

International Connectivity From Chania
The new undersea cable is planned to be in operation by the end of this year, 2011, and the full reach of the cable link will be from Cyprus to Sicily, with a connection point in Chania, Crete.  The intended use of the new cable is to increase international connectivity in the region, which should benefit the whole of Greece, including the Greek Islands.  The cable system will be known as Athena and will be operated by the telecommunication companies Cyta of Cyprus and Telecom Italia Sparkle.

Telecommunications on Greek Island Holidays
The implementation of the new telecommunications link should improve the telecommunications capacity that is already in place on Greek Islands such as Crete, and this will be to the advantage of the many visitors who travel to the Greek Islands for their holidays each year.  An increase in international capacity should improve the possibilities for voice and data communications with office or home for many travellers, whether they are staying in one of the more populated centres of the Greek Islands or in a more remote location, enjoying the sunshine, sea, and sandy beaches that have made Greek Island holidays famous across the world.

According to recent reports in the media, the Greek wine industry is experiencing something of a recovery on the international market, helped by an increase both in quality and in the available expertise that is backing the production and sale of Greek wines.

Vilana Grapes From Crete
The wines that are being named as significant factors in the increase in popularity of the Greek product include a white wine from Crete based on the Vilana grape variety, which is a very widely planted white grape across the whole of Greece.  The Greek holiday island of Crete is one of the traditional wine regions in Greece, and the new products from this region are said to be a significant driving force behind an increase in sales and exports of Greek wine.  Wines from other Greek regions are also experiencing an increase in interest, and these include other wines from the Greek Islands, where areas such as the Ionian Islands constitute other traditional wine producing regions.

Sampling the Grape on the Greek Islands
It is frequently said that the best place to appreciate a wine is in the region of its origin, and the resurgence in Greek wines, with the new wines being produced in places such as Crete, may tempt travellers to use their Greek Island holidays to give Greek wines another taste.  If so, then the Cretan wine Mediterra Xerolithia, which has been recommended following a tasting in Canada, is likely to be one that visitors will seek out.

The early figures for the summer season of 2011 have been reported as showing that there has been a significant increase in the number of Greek Island holidays being purchased and enjoyed by Swedish visitors to the islands.

Significant Rise in Holidays on Crete
According to the figures that have been published recently, travel companies specialising in the Swedish sector of the market for Greek Island holidays are looking at an increase of about 10% year on year in the uptake on holidays on the Greek island of Crete.  This is just one example of the increase in visitor numbers, and it is thought that other Greek Islands are likely to show a similar rise in visitor numbers.  It is understood that one reason for the significant rise in numbers could be the decline in popularity of a range of North African Mediterranean holiday destinations, given the political upheaval of recent months.

Overall Rise in Greek Island Holidays
It is not only Swedish visitors that are creating an increase in demand for Greek Island holidays, however, with travel operators in other European countries, including the United Kingdom, looking forward to a similar rise in numbers.  One British travel operator, for example, is claiming an increase, year on year, of 13% for the demand in Greek Island holidays, meaning that many more British holidaymakers are setting out for the sunshine and sand of Greek Islands such as Zakynthos and Kefalonia this year.

Holidaymakers in a number of locations in the Greek Islands are to have the opportunity to take part in activities that go beyond the usual holiday routines this year, with programmes being set up in conjunction with the WWF that would help towards conservation in the areas involved.

Volunteering on Crete and Zakynthos
The locations where the volunteer programmes are being run include the popular Greek Islands of Crete and Zakynthos, and have been chosen on the basis that there are environmental projects and initiatives in the area.  Activities may include environmental protection in the form of keeping beaches and forested areas clean, looking after the local wildlife, and providing information to other holidaymakers on the need for and practicalities of environmental protection in the area.  In many cases, volunteers on environmental programmes will also be invited to take part in a number of local cultural activities, as well as discussions and tours arranged on the theme of the environment on the Greek Islands.

Keeping the Greek Islands Tidy
Every year, many thousands of people are attracted to Greek Islands such as Crete and Zakynthos for the sunshine and pristine beaches and sea bathing that are hallmarks of the region.  The inclusion of environmental programmes in Greek Island holidays are likely to help to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of the Greek Islands, as well as increasing the environmental sustainability of the area for visitors, for the local population, and also for the local flora and fauna that are to be found on the islands.

An article published in the Financial Times has indicated the prospect of an economic recovery on the Greek island of Corfu, using the business sector, including the sale of Greek Island villas as evidence to back up the projections.

Greek Idyll in the Ionian Islands
The Financial Times article outlines a significant number of characteristics that make the Greek island of Corfu an idyllic setting for both holidaymakers and longer term residents.  Although the Greek Islands are well known for their stunning beaches, the natural vegetation on the island of Corfu, including cypress, citrus and olive trees, means that many of these prime sunbathing locations are also hidden from the view of passers-by, adding an aspect of privacy to the beauty of the area and the mixture of clear blue sea, sunshine and golden sand.

Attraction of Greek Island Villas
One of the pointers that the economy on the Greek island of Corfu is on the up is the renewed commercial attraction of property on the island, such as the many Greek Island villas.  According to reports, there has been an increase in the demand for Greek Island property, with sales taking place during all seasons of the year, and not just in summer.  It is, of course, not necessary to purchase a Greek Island villa to enjoy the pleasures that are on offer from such an ideal location, and many Greek Island villas on Corfu are available for rent by holidaymakers

Figures just published for the early months of the summer season in 2011 show a dramatic increase in the number of visitors arriving to enjoy a Greek Island holiday.  Following some disappointment about the corresponding figures in 2010, the Greek Islands are well and truly back on the rise in terms of popularity.

Zakynthos Leads Revival in Numbers
The Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the destinations leading the way in the number of visitors that it is attracting on Greek Island holidays in 2011.  In a year-on-year comparison, the reported figures show that arrivals at Zakynthos airport for the month of April have increased by a factor of more than 500% in 2011 compared to 2010.  It is the Greek Islands in particular that are enjoying the current boom, as the same report also noted that international arrivals at airports in Athens demonstrated a fall in visitors since 2010.  The figures, therefore, support the argument that Greek Island holidays are providing a particular draw to travellers, given the combination of value for money and the reputation for great holiday experiences.

Sun, Sea and Sand
Many holidaymakers are drawn to the Greek Islands for the magnificent quality of sunshine, sandy beaches, and blue seas that they offer, reflecting a widely held image of what an island holiday should be like.  As the figures show, the Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the most popular for its offering in this respect, and a lively nightlife can also be found at the resorts on the island.

Although the summer holiday season in 2011 is still in its early days, the Greek island of Samos is already looking ahead to 2012, as dates and arrangements are being made for the Aegean Rally, which is one of the highlights of the sailing season in the area.

Fabulous Greek Island Scenery
The Aegean Rally, as a sailing experience, benefits greatly from being able to offer the beauty of Greek Islands such as Samos as a backdrop to the sailing activity.  Although the sailing route encompasses a number of islands, the Greek island of Samos, close to the Turkish coast, is surely one of the most scenic landmarks on the itinerary.  The Aegean Rally, to be held between the 18th May and the 2nd June 2012, makes the most of the seasonally favourable weather in the area, with the seasonal temperatures also meaning that there is still plenty of greenery on the island to enjoy.

Samos Beauty and Hospitality
The experience of events such as the Aegean Rally draws on two key elements of the Greek island of Samos.  These are the magnificent scenery and the welcoming hospitality.  Visitors on Greek Island holidays in Samos, many of whom choose self-catering options in Greek Island villas, can also experience these local benefits at first hand, whether they choose to sail or not.  Sailing races usually end with a social event, and a holiday on Samos gives you the opportunity to sample the warmth of Greek Island hospitality for yourself.

An announcement from Luton Airport has indicated that the number of flights being operated from the airport to the Greek Islands is due to be increased, with extra flights to be scheduled to the Greek island of Corfu.

Corfu From Luton
The new flights on the schedule at Luton Airport are due to be operated by Monarch, which is a trusted airline at the airport in terms of the operation of charter flights.  The service, which will be on the timetables for three days each week, will further bolster the air links that already exist between Luton Airport and the Greek Islands, giving even more flexibility for travellers looking for Greek Island holidays and get-away breaks.  The schedules at Luton Airport already include a number of departures for other Greek Islands, including Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Crete.

Growing Passenger Numbers
The additional capacity being offered to holidaymakers from Luton Airport is another indication of the recovery in popularity of Greek Island holidays in 2011.  Following the period of economic difficulty, the numbers of visitors in 2010 had been lower than average, but the figures being released concerning visitor numbers to Greece, and to the Greek Islands in particular, are showing that Greek Island holidays are once again experiencing a surge in demand, which is good news for the local tourism businesses.  It is also indicative of the excellent value for money that is currently on offer for visitors on Greek Island holidays.

With the beginning of the summer holiday season, the number of flights from mainland Europe to the various destinations in the Ionian Islands is increasing in line with seasonal demand, and a number of airlines and routes are featuring the Ionian Islands for the first time in 2011.

Air Traffic at Summer Levels
Seasonal demand for air traffic to the Ionian Islands reaches a peak in the summer season, as many thousands of travellers head off to soak up the sun during their Greek Island holidays in the region.  This year, there are additions to the schedules from a number of airlines, plus a good number of routes being operated in the usual summer pattern.  New routes to Ionian island destinations include a Lauda Air link between Vienna and Corfu, which will operate twice weekly through the summer, and weekly flights to the Greek island of Zakynthos are also planned.  Similarly, Malev, the Hungarian carrier, is also introducing seasonal flights between Budapest and Corfu, while Ryanair has also confirmed the addition to its schedules of direct links between the United Kingdom and Corfu.

Holidays in the Ionian Islands
There are several top quality destinations for sunshine holidays in the Ionian Islands, and while smaller Greek islands such as Paxos and Ithaca do not have their own airports, air routes from Britain and mainland Europe to the Greek islands of Corfu, Zakynthos and Kefalonia are frequently available, with boat connections between the islands for those holidaymakers who need them.