Corfu officiel and Mainland Greece by Massen, Alan R. NEUF

Corfu and Mainland Greece is a pictorial and descriptive journey through the history and beauty of the Greek paradise Island of Corfu before we sail away on a trip to the mainland of Greece to visit some of the most important historical sites of ancient Greece. The Island of Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands. It is just off the West coast of Greece and is one of the most Northern Ionian Islands. Many are surprised to learn that the coast directly opposite Corfu is not Greece, but Albania. The narrow channel between Corfu and Albania, in places, is less than 2km. The sea on the East and North of Corfu is shallower whereas the sea on the Western Corfu coast is very deep. Corfu is the second-biggest of the Greek Ionian Islands and one of the most popular Island in Greece. Corfu almost resembles the shape of a bent leg (with a little imagination) in the Ionian Sea. The Island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate along with excellent beaches making it a popular destination for holiday makers. It is very green compared to other Greek Islands: hot and dry summers along with winter rain creates lush vegetation which is dominated by over 2 million olive trees. These olive trees are the main cultivation, although Corfus tourism now provides the most income for the Island. I have over the years holidayed on Corfu, Ithaca, Crete, Santorini, Thassos, Kefalonia and Skiathos to name but a few. I have also visited the major archaeological sites on the mainland of Greece as well as spending several days visiting the important sites in Athens itself. I hope you will enjoy, with me, the beautiful Greek Island of Corfu.

Alan was born in the city of Norwich in the county of Norfolk, England in 1949. When Alan was still a teenager he started painting whilst attending art classes in Norwich. In his mid-teens he had two paintings accepted for a National Art Exhibition held in London and other major UK cities. He rarely picked up a paint brush until Alan, his wife Susie and daughter Ginny (his other daughter Mandy is married and lives with her husband Adrian in Sheffield) moved out of the city of Norwich into the Norfolk countryside in 1993. They moved to a little West Norfolk village. The village was very peaceful and pretty. This helped inspire Alan to take up watercolour painting once again. In 2004 they moved to another small West Norfolk village near Downham Market where they still live today.