Nymfes
The fairies' village
We were born and raised in Nymfes, in northern Corfu. Legend says the village got its name from the many good fairies (nymfes in greek) there. That is probably so. The unique flora of tall cypresses, oaks, sycamores and olive trees, along with its many water streams and famous waterfalls create a unique environment for fairies. The fertile soil, mild climate, and abundant water are the main features favouring olive tree cultivation. Like many others, we owe much of our well-being to these trees.
A woman called Maritsa
A Corfiot name
with Peloponnesian roots
When asked about our origin, our grandfather Dimitris said, “The Maritsas are from the old families of the island, but they had come from afar”. His memory proved to be good. Searching, later on, the Historical Archives of Corfu, we discovered documents with reference to the name dating back to 1528.
​
It was only the beginning. Through complicated routes where local myths, history and oral testimonies intersect, we concluded that the name's roots are probably in the Peloponnese. The elders in the area had their own version of the origin of the name. A woman named Maria (Maritsa is its pet name) came chased to the village of Lasta in Arcadia. Her husband had killed an Ottoman. She came to save her children without her husband. Over time, the mother's first name became her children's surname: "Maritsa". The story of "Maritsa's Children" may not be true, but it is beautiful.
Our Corfolia
Our past, present and future
In 2021, we decided to make a new beginning and invest in what we had observed and participated in since childhood. It took a lot of encouragement, scientific knowledge, and… love for this to happen.
First, nothing would have been possible without the support of our family, who encouraged us to pick up the thread and renovate our olive-growing tradition. They stand by us in every step we make. Second, the studies in agricultural technology by Eleana proved critical in introducing improved and certified methods for olive production. As a result, our olive groves produce one of the finest extra virgin olive oils.
​
As often happens, life goes in circles. Our family's growth, with new members coming from the Peloponnese, brought us into contact with a different olive-growing tradition with well-established cultivation and olive-pressing practices. What we share with you, “Koroneiko” and “Manaki” extra virgin olive oil, is only the beginning.
The Maritsas Family