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Corfu: an island worth fighting for

By: Caron Kristan

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.

Indeed, Greece is one of the world''s most famous producers of olive oil. Alongside Mediterranean neighbours Italy, and upcoming rival Spain, Greece also has California, the Middle East and now Australia to compete with.

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.

For nearly 400 years the island was ruled by Venice ? yet it was attacked by the Ottomans and Sicilians to name a few, and it bears the influence of the cultures which have crossed over it.

Indeed, reinforcements and evidence of conflict are everywhere. The capital of the island is surrounded by two castles, which led to the Greek government naming Corfu town kastropolis (castle city).

This might help us understand why the capital of the island itself is surrounded by two castles (not the only battlements in evidence around the island). This architectural oddity led to the Greek government naming Corfu town kastropolis (castle city). And its historical ties to war and settlement seep into the modern era: in the nineteenth century the city was ceded to the French; it was later occupied by the Italian fascist coalition in World War II, and was only liberated in 1944.

Despite a history full of conflict, the island is a tranquil place where time seems to dissolve. The most important part of any day is mealtimes ? and this is a great place to be if you like your food. Veal dishes show off a particular Venetian influence on culture here ? whilst the sweets, flavoured with honey and almonds, carry a more Byzantine and Greek tang. Tuck in!

Article Source: http://www.casinoarticlessite.com

Caron Kristan was inspired to write this article after touring Greece with Octopus travel, and would recommend their booking facilities when searching for Corfu hotels.

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