Corfu: A Pretty Package

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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If you are looking for a Mediterranean break that combines sun, sand and sea but also throws in sublime cuisine and ancient history, Greece is a good place to start. The island of Corfu, the second largest of the Ionian islands not far off the coast of Albania, is one of Greece''s jewels, and its mix of the old and the new, the familial and the secluded, is lovely for a week''s break.

The island is one of the greenest in Greece ? thanks largely to its second biggest industry after tourism ? olives. There are estimated to be over 3 million olive trees on Corfu, and you will spot little fine nets hanging under the trees all over the place. These are to catch the olives when they ripen and fall, and make sure none get away.

We shouldn''t be surprised at such a wealth of these trees. Greece is one of the world''s most famous producers of olive oil, alongside Mediterranean neighbours Italy and Spain. And whilst the industry heavyweights like Australia and California might produce in bigger bulk, the thinking man''s money stays with the Greek olive, which produces a light and sweet flavour.

Yet whilst the latter ...
... might all produce in bigger bulk, the thinking man''s money stays with the Greek olive, which produces a light and sweet flavour.

But there are more than olives to recommend the island. As well as being closely woven to the sea god Poseidon in Greek mythology, this is an island whose frontier location in the sea has led to it being the site of many battles and historical disputes.

For nearly 400 years the island was ruled by Venice ? yet it was attached by the Ottomans and Sicilians amongst others. It has many other battle scars and cultures in its blood.

There is not just ancient history that these castles make reference to ? Corfu was occupied by the Italians, and later the Germans, in the fascist coalition of World War II, and was only liberated in 1944.

Despite a history so full of conflict, the island is a tranquil and pleasant place where time seems to slip by quite unnoticed. The most poignant part of any day is mealtimes ? and this is a great place to be if you like your food. Veal dishes represent the unique Venetian influence on culture here ? with the sweets, mostly flavoured with honey and almonds, carrying a more Byzantine and Greek knowledge of spices and pulses. Bonny Kominek was inspired to write this article after touring Greece with Octopus travel, and would recommend their booking facilities when searching for Corfu hotels.