Island Myths: Exploring the Stories of the Mediterranean's Most Beautiful Islands
Islands have always held a special place in the popular imagination, with everything from The Odyssey, Shakespeare's The Tempest and Treasure Island all contributing to the idea that these sea-bound jewels of land are somewhat magical. The mythology of islands is therefore particularly rich, and with our beautiful luxury villas across the Mediterranean, we've decided to explore the legends that complete them.
Corfu
The island of Corfu, located off the North West of Greece in the Ionian Sea is often described as one of nature's works of art. Part of this romance can be found in ancient stories, particularly in Greek mythology.
The Greek name for Corfu, Kerkyra, comes from the daughter of the river-god Asopos, a nymph that Poseidon fell in love with. In their ensuing relationship, the nymph and sea god created a race called the Phaeacians, skilled sailors that inhabited Corfu and helped Odysseus in his last stop on his journey back to Ithaka.
Washed ashore in a shipwreck on the bay of Palaiokastritsa (with the help of the goddess Athena) Odysseus was given a ship by King Alkinoös in order to find his way home. Unfortunately, Poseidon turned the ship to stone in his anger at Odysseus's men blinding his son, the Cyclops.
Corfu is also where Hercules met the Naiad (a water nymph) Melite before setting off on his ten labours, and she later gave birth to the leader of the Heraclids, Hercule's son Hyllus. The Argonauts also hid there to avoid the avenging Colchic fleet after stealing the Golden Fleece.
Mallorca
With its remote mountains, sparkling coast and traditional towns, part of Mallorca's soul can be found in Catalan myths. These include the stories of the fresh-water nymphs Aloja - dreamily beautiful, feminine creatures that live for thousands of years and enjoyed staring at their own reflection in the moonlit water.
The most famous Aloja is Maria Enganxa, who lives in wells and cisterns, stealing children that walk past with her hook. Other Catalan creatures include the tiny Nitus that fall into people's ears and cause forgetfulness, and The Man of Noses, who has a nose for every day of the year.
You can visit the embalmed remains of The Dragon Na Coca in the Diocesean Museum of Palma, said to have been a huge reptile which was killed after a fierce and lengthy battle with the Governor of Alcudia who challenged the dragon after it dragged residents of the city to their death.
Mallorca also has legends surrounding the Conde Mal, or "Bad Count". Roman Safortesa - the Count of Santa Maria de Formiguera - was said to be power hungy and made the lives of the peasants living under him unbearable, who after many assassination attempts stormed his castle and killed him. Despite being rebuilt, the castle was destroyed in 1922 due to the strength of local sentiment, and the count is said to haunt the nature reserve in the nearby Ratx Valley.
Sardinia
With no written records of the ancient Nuragic civilisation which inhabited the island, and the 7,000 stone towers called Nuraghi they built dotting the landscape, Sardinia is a place that is more mysterious than most. Ancient tombs cut into the rock make what are known as "fairy houses", while sacred wells and "giants graves" add even more intrigue.
One of Sardinia's legends is that of the ancient fairies known as the Janas who could spin anything into gold. They worked in solitude and darkness which made their skin so pale that they could only be seen in moonlight. The Janas lived peacefully with their mortal neighbours, bringing good fortune and wealth, until strangers from Pisa came to the village and chased after the fairies in greed, hoping to get the gold and silver they could spin. The fairies left in anger, never returning, and all the gold and silver turned to sand.
Ibiza
With tales of UFOs flying overhead in 1979, pots of treasure left by pirates in hidden coves and Es Vedra (a famous landmark off the coast of Ibiza) being the third most magnetic point in the world, there are plenty of myths surrounding Ibiza to keep you entertained.
One of the more charming myths is that goblins, called Barrugets, live under the old bridge in Santa Eulalia. They can't be seen by humans and get up to mischief, often being blamed when items have gone missing or something illogical happens. However it's Es Vedra which draws the most speculation. The beloved goddess of the Phoenicians, Tanit, is said to have been born there, and as a symbol of fertility women who want a baby are told to pay a visit to the area. It's also the location for Homer's sirens and water nymphs who tried to lure Odysseus away from his path.
The best-known legend about Es Vedra however is that it's the sunken tip of Atlantis, the mythical island that was lost to the sea.
