June 03 Corfu News

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What a super May it has been in Corfu. The weather has been perfect. Blue sunny days and warm evenings with hardly a cloud to be seen! Firstly, apologies for sending the newsletter out late this month, but it has be so hectic!

May was all about meeting celebrities. The deputy minister of Greece came for lunch after a recent EU meeting in Corfu town. Then a UK pop star who is a fan of this website - but has asked to remain anonymous - arrived on one of the largest yachts we have ever seen, promptly blocking the whole of Kalami bay!

Later that evening, the MCC who are currently on a world tour - took over the taverna!

Finally our very own website celebrity 'Bongo'

- with a few of his fans!

The end of May is school half-term. There is a noticeable increase in children.

  Caption Competition

As I am sure many of you know, a hobby of mine is photography. I saw a small fishing boat go by and thought I would 'frame' the shot with a few olive leaves - not until after I had taken the shot did I notice the person bending over!

To add a caption to this photo, follow this link: June Caption Competition

 Taverna News

 Our new boat taxi has arrived!

Theo is now collecting evening diners from the surrounding bays. The new speed boat is now the most stylish way to arrive (and depart) the taverna - and is great fun!

We collect each evening from Kalami at 7pm and 8.30pm; St Stephanos and Kerrasia at 7.30pm and Nissaki Village at 8pm.

Theo has even been using the boat for a spot of fishing!

 Hilary's House Hunt

Well House - Agii Deka

This very substantial village property for renovation is set in the upper part of the village and has stunning views towards Corfu Town, the Achillion Palace and the sea from the top floor. The house, which dates from 1837 and has belonged to five generations of the same family, fronts a wide alleyway and is entered through a traditional arched doorway. The lower floor is divided with plasterboard walls and currently comprises a kitchen with fireplace, two large storerooms and a toilet. There is a well (water for washing use only) in the hall. An internal wood staircase leads to the upper storey, which has a very spacious and light living room with two windows looking out at the view, two double bedrooms (the larger one is at the front), and a toilet and washstand. A door at the rear opens into an old kitchen and a small walled yard at first floor level. The kitchen building is in ruins and should be demolished to increase the size of the outside space. Most of the materials could be reused to floor the yard and to build a BBQ.
The total floorspace is 149.63 square metres, and the yard is 31.05 square metres.
The main building is in excellent condition, and the upper floor is habitable with some decorative work and a new bathroom. The lower storey requires an internal refit and new kitchen. Since little actual building work is necessary, this house would make an ideal project for a DIY expert.

Price: 80,000 euro

Contact Luvcorfu Property Consultants on 26610 52833 or 6937 662575

An introduction to

the natural history of Corfu.

Corfu ( Kerkyra ) is a long irregular shaped island in the Ionian sea, it is about 53km. long, 24km. wide in the north and 4km. near its southern end. It has a total area of 592 square kilometres and a coastline of 217 kilometres. There is a permanent population of approx. 110,000, which swells dramatically during the summer months due to tourism. The Island is blessed with a Maritime / Subtropical climate i.e. mild winters and relatively cool summers compared to mainland Greece. The annual rainfall varies between 700mm and 1400mm, the majority of this in the winter months. Snow and frost are rarities on the island even though the Albanian and Greek mountains a few miles away have a covering of snow for most of the winter. As a result of this, humidity is high which gives rise to lush vegetation, which in turn harbours a great variety of wildlife. The terrain is greatly varied with at least six peaks over 500meters the highest being Mount Pandokrator at 906 meters. On the northern slopes there is maquis, the typical Mediterranean terrain i.e. rocky with low scrub and grass etc. There is rich pasture/tillable land like the Ropa Valley which includes a golf course, coastal plains with salt water lagoons and large disused salt pans and the remainder of the Island comprising undulating hills carpeted in endless olive groves.

Historically parts of Corfu was covered with natural oak forests but these were exploited for ship building by the Venetians whose ship yards can still be seen at Gouvia, and later the British and French took advantage of these resources. However it was the Venetians who convinced the Corfiots to plant olive trees, rewarding them with payment of 36 drachmas for every ten trees planted and also allowing them to pay their taxes in oil. Obviously a very successful venture as today the island is home to over 3 Million olive trees.

Trees

Olive: - The present day olive tree is thought to have been cultivated from the Oleaster bush about 3500BC in Crete and Syria simultaneously. In Corfu the trees are not pruned and are therefore much larger than elsewhere. Many of the trees are hundreds of years old and are virtually hollow due to their knarled and distorted trunks.

Today olive groves cover more than   40% of the island. Here the fruit is left to mature on the tree until it falls naturally as this is said to increase the value of the oil. Other Mediterranean areas use mechanical tree shakers or beat the fruit from the trees. The fruit is harvested with large black nets spread beneath each tree from November to April.

Once gathered the olives are brought to the olive press where they are crushed and then the oil is extracted from the paste by mechanical means followed by filtration to remove any remaining particles. Olive oil is the only oil that can be consumed without any further processing once extracted from the fruit. Olive oil is extremely beneficial for the cardio vascular system, which is evident in the longevity of many Corfiot residents. The olive fruit fly, which is by far the greatest threat to the olive crop, has been the subject of much debate especially regarding its eradication as on Corfu and most other countries this has been done to date using helicopters to aerial spray insecticides.

This has led to uneasiness regarding the long-term effects of these insecticides on both the human population and the beneficial insects on the island and ultimately the food chain. In view of this a comprehensive study of the olive fruit fly was carried out by Scientists Fletcher and Kapatos in unsprayed olive groves on Corfu, which has led to a better understanding of the population ecology of the olive fruit fly. This study in turn has helped worldwide development of alternative methods of control most notably Pheromone traps which are now the only allowable method of control in some areas of Corfu

Cypress: - No picture of Corfu would be complete without a number of tall elegant Cypress trees scattered around the landscape.

They are known by the Greeks as "Dachtila tou Theo" which literally means the finger of god. Every village in Corfu has its own story or superstition concerning this beautiful tree. Due to the straight growing nature of the Cypress,  it was regularly used to provide the upper floors in the traditional Corfiot houses.

Eucalyptus: - Often seen where it grows in the wild. It is easily recognisable by its long leaves and peeling pastel coloured rust and cream bark. Eucalyptus are amongst the largest trees to be found on Corfu.

Judas Tree: -This is so named because Judas is said to have hanged himself from one of these after he betrayed Jesus, therefore it is said to blush with shame ever since, hence the pink flowers ( magenta ) on the trunk and stems before the leaves appear in spring, it flowers from march to April, the flowers have 2 larger lower petals and 3 erect upper petals and it has bright green circular leaves. This plant is from the same family as peas or legumes.

Carob or Locust Tree: - This tree has bean like seedpods, which have been used as a substitute for chocolate and also to make carob flour, which has been used historically during times of distress. By the way the word carat as in the measure of diamonds comes from carob because the seeds are all exactly the same weight, the carob seed was used by the ancients as a standard weight.

Holm Oak: - Distinguishable from the normal oak by its elongated oval shaped leaves. Holm Oak is a compact tree not unlike the olive and is one of the trees still remaining from the primeval forests of Corfu.

Other trees which are a common feature of the landscape are Holly again a remnant of the primeval forests. Fig Trees, usually found near habitation, they have large indented leaves somewhat like a large hand and fruit in the summer months .Oak its leaves easily distinguishable from any other tree.

The Strawberry Tree: - has dark green leaves and beige coloured bottle like flowers, its fruit resembles strawberries and Pomegranate favoured for its fruit and praised in many a Greek legend. Found also throughout the island are Myrtle’s, Prickly Pear and sometimes quite large Bamboo thickets.

This article has been provided by site admin member - Damian Doyle. He can be contacted on: damian@agni.gr Please feel free to send interesting photos of Corfu that you feel may be of use for the site. Thanks Damian, and we look forward to your report on 'Corfu's Flowers' in next months newsletter.

 Boat For Sale

Eleni's Nameday at Loustri

 Lynn's Travel Corner

After a busy start to the season, we are now basking in a heat wave and enjoying every moment of it.  This month we would like to show you three very different and exciting properties:

Marble House - Temploni
Sleeps 4-8

Peacefully tucked away at the back of the quiet hamlet of Temploni, Marble House stands on top of a hill in extensive grounds, which have the added bonus of breathtaking views across the top North East coast of Corfu, and out to the Albanian mountains beyond. The house sleeps 8 people with two double and two twin bedrooms each with their own en-suite bathrooms.

On entering the house, you see the real extent of the local marble - with polished white steps leading up to the first floor and marble floors in the light and roomy lounge area.

The lounge offers three picture windows/ patio doors, a bar area, open fireplace and ample comfortable seating.

The kitchen is well equipped and fully-fitted to include a dishwasher, hob, oven, fridge, freezer and a washing machine in the guest cloakroom/W.C.

A separate dinning room leads of from the kitchen, overlooking the rose garden to the side of the house and the tennis court behind.

Leading up the marble stairs to the first floor are the four en-suite bedrooms. All boast their own private balconies.

All the balconies at Marble house are staged, so that it does not matter where you sit, you have a view. From the flat roof-top terrace you can admire a 360 view whilst sunbathing in total seclusion.

Choosing one of the many alfresco dinning areas maybe one of the most difficult decisions of your holiday!

For More details, follow this link: Marble House

Korina - Agni Bay
Sleeps 2-3

Tucked away behind Agni bay is this delightful little cottage. Korina is Olga's daughter and their family cottage has been completely renovated. The cottage is over 300 years old and is full of character. As many features as possible have been incorporated into the renovation - including the old stone floor - but modern fittings have been used where appropriate such as the air-conditioning, a modern bathroom and kitchen.

The front door opens into the main  room. It is has a high wooden beamed ceiling. A kitchen and breakfast bar  is to the left, comprising of a mini oven with extractor fan and fridge. The sleeping area is opposite and has large fitted wardrobes and air-condition unit above.

In front of the cottage is a large patio area which has a private parking area, a BBQ and a shaded stone bench and dining table.

Part of the cottage to the right, has been converted in a similar style and is owned by Korina's cousin. It has separate access and parking area.

For More details, follow this link:
Korina - Agni Travel

Geronimos House - Loustri
Upper Sleeps - 4 - 6
Lower Sleeps 4 - 6

 Geronimos House 'Upper and 'Lower' in Loustri. This quiet and peaceful village is home to Geronimos House with its impressive views from both levels. Both levels offer  front and rear balconies.

 Be it upper or lower, once inside the large open cool lounge and kitchen area, your eyes are drawn to the view beyond the village and focus on Kalami and the Albanian mountains.

 Each level of the house is spacious and well equipped, making it ideal for a small family or friends who like to spread out. Upper and lower both have three bedrooms (one double and two twins), one bathroom and a separate WC washroom. We feel that the rear balconies and lounge will be the most used rooms by all as they open up the whole house, giving it a feeling of friendly yet relaxed holidays and pleasure time.

Just opposite the house is the Geronimos Apartments and swimming pool, where you can take a dip any time of the day and admire the view overlooking in the opposite direction down to Agni Bay. The village has its own Bakery which is also the local corner shop selling anything from cheese to alcohol, to chocolate, potatoes and cigarettes. This is the general meeting place for all the local men & women to catch up on any news and gossips in the area. Across the road from the bakery is Loustri Church, this is wonderful inside and the papas is very friendly although he does not speak much English, that does not stop he chatting away to you! If you walk down the village in the other direction you will pass the old primary school and play ground – still with an odd swing and slide there. The school closed once the big area school opened in Kassiopi, and then it was the local Town Hall until last year when the government built a new one above Kouloura.

There is a pathway from the village leading you down to Agni Bay, taking about 10 mins to amble down, but a little longer to climb back up, beware; sensible shoes are needed on this track – no high heels!

For More details, follow this link: Geronimos House

If you would like to reserve any of the above properties or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me: lynn@agni-travel.com

BEYOND OUR VISION - VILLA MICHAEL The Plans

BEYOND OUR VISION - VILLA MICHAEL (Planning Permission)