Corfu’s old villages hide colourful houses, stone mansions and flower-filled courtyards. Read to the end for my top three — and No.1 is also my personal favourite.
5Sokraki – Stone Houses on the Balcony of Corfu
Best for: mountain architecture, traditional houses, viewpoints and quiet village streets.
Sokraki sits around 440 metres above sea level and combines traditional mountain architecture with some excellent views across Corfu.
When my friend Spiros and I visited recently, some of the photographs I liked most were not the panoramic views. They were the old houses, gardens, doors and little details hidden inside the village.
Where does the name Sokraki come from?
Despite how it sounds, the name is not connected with the philosopher Socrates. A local explanation traces it to a corruption of Eso Korakion, referring to the inner side of Mount Korakion.
Village facts
Population: approximately 160 residents.
Altitude: around 440 metres.
From Corfu Town: approximately 23 km.
Best for: mountain scenery, houses, flowers and village photography.
What else can you see nearby?
- Lithari traditional olive mill
- Ano Korakiana
- Spartylas
- Klimatia
- Mountain viewpoints above Ipsos
Local tip: Do not simply stop at the viewpoint. Park and walk through the small streets of the village.
Read our Sokraki road trip guide.
