Corfu: Jewel of the Med | Preview (Channel 5)

The Mediterranean is home to some of the most spectacular islands and coastlines. Across this series, narrated by Joanna Lumley, we meet locals and tourists, sample mouthwatering local cuisine and explore ancient traditions as we uncover the true Jewels of the Med.

Bathed in golden sunshine and kissed by the sparkling Ionian Sea, Corfu is a feast for the senses. Known as the Emerald Isle, this enchanting island is famed for its lush, green landscapes and long hot summers and attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year.

Visitors will often find themselves immersed in Corfu’s most treasured tradition: olive oil. Olive oil has been part of the Island’s tradition, culture and economy for many centuries. In the heart of the old town, one of the newest - and most surprising – establishments is the first Olive Oil bar.

Run by Spyros Dafnis, from a sixth generational family of olive oil producers, their product is sold worldwide and has received 85 international awards. The first harvest of the year, for any olive grower is a pivotal moment, and Spyros will soon discover if he has produced a bumper crop and if he’s set for a vintage year.

On the northeast coast, nestled along the clear blue waters of Kalami Bay, stands the ‘white house’ Once home to the celebrated Durrell family in the 1930s, this seaside retreat inspired Gerald Durrell’s delightful tales of Corfu’s beautiful wildlife.

Today, his wife Lee Durrell, continues this legacy as an ambassador for the Ionian Environment Foundation, championing over 40 vital conservation projects to protect the Island’s beautiful wildlife Gerald was so fond of.

South of the capital is Gastouri, an ancient village located on the top of a hill and, overlooking the Ionian Sea, is one of the most famous royal mansions in the Mediterranean: The Achilleion Palace. An architectural landmark built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

The palace, visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each summer, holds a remarkable collection of sculptures in bronze and marble. Today, Zaira Papadatou and her team are working on an extensive programme of restoration.

Corfu: Jewel of the Med begins Friday 3rd January on Channel 5.