Sokraki

The traditional village of Sokraki is located on the Korakio mountain of Corfu, at an altitude of 440 meters and has a magnificent view of the Ionian sea and the city of Corfu. Its name results from a corruption of the phrase "Eso Korakion" which refers to the location of the village.
The beautiful natural environment that surrounds the village, in which we find diverse vegetation in all seasons of the year, is ideal for hiking for nature lovers and not only. But also its geographical position gives it the rare advantage of having a panoramic view in two directions. From one side of the village we can admire the city of Corfu, with its port and fortresses, while on clear days we can see the southern end of the island as far as Paxos. On the other side, the view reaches as far as the overseas islands of Othoni, Erikousa and Mathraki.
The village's traditional houses, paved cantons and its "botzoi" (entrance balcony) take us back in time. Traditional olive mills and coffee shops, two beautiful squares and four churches are still preserved in the village.
The largest church in the village is the Church of the Most Holy Theotokos Perivoliotissa, a three-aisled basilica of the 16th century, which was reconstructed in 1930. The church celebrates with a traditional festival on August 15. Agios Spyridon is a one-room basilica of the 18th century, which has been reconstructed preserving its traditional bell tower. Agia Varvara is a small temple located between Sokraki and the neighboring village of Zygos. Finally, Agios Nikolaos of Mavriana is unfortunately a ruined temple, which however has impressive frescoes.
Two more churches that existed in the past and today unfortunately only exist as ruins are the church of Agios Vlasios, which existed just outside the village, and the Byzantine church of Agios Theodoros, which existed on the road to Valaneio, near the ruins of Paleokastro .
Starting from the village, there are many routes suitable for hiking. You can choose either the route to Pylida, which is at a height of 620 meters and has a magnificent view of North Corfu and the Diapontian Islands, or the route to Ano Korakiana, or to Spartillas to enjoy the view of the city of Corfu, its fortresses and the small islands located just outside the city: Vidos and Lazaretto.
The walking routes are rich in vegetation, with the most common trees being holly, oak and cypress and of course the traditional tree of Corfu, the olive. You will come across canyons and torrents, such as in Melissoudi, stone bridges and ravines, such as the chasm of "Debedaios" and the grava of "Rousela".