Hilary Whitton-Paipeti, creator of the Corfu Trail, will be guiding a walk through the spectacular Corfu countryside.
The walk starts at the wonderful viewpoint on the cliff above Ano Korakiana. Because of this view, and because it is a stopping point on the Corfu Trail, Sokraki is a village that has been ‘discovered’ by visitors, yet it remains authentic, and pleasantly ramshackle in places. To start, we walk through the lower part of the village where normal life carries on. We then join the Corfu Trail as it gently ascends a formerly cultivated valley. The verges of the track host a large variety of flowers, and the wider scenery stands testament to the very interesting agricultural and social history of the area, which you will learn about as we go.
We then enter forest, and descend to a wide valley where no signs of civilisation (save the track we walk on!) can be seen. Often there are wild orchids growing here. We then climb gently to Sokraki again, admiring the views. Sokraki is an isolated village, and a poster-place to invalidate the myth that Corfu is completely built up!
Entering the village, we walk through the main alleyway with its picturesque historical houses. We visit the excellent Lithari Olive Press Museum, a recent initiative by a local family, for an informative guided tour in English, in which the history of olive pressing is explained. You then have the chance to buy genuine local products such as the family’s own extra-virgin oil.
It is then a five minutes stroll back to our cars. You have the option of joining us for a top-class lunch in the well-regarded Kapileio Taverna, a favourite dining venue for the locals. Bookings will be taken on arrival, before the walk.
Directions:
The best way to get to Sokraki from the south is via the Troumpetta Pass. Turn right off the main road at EXACTLY the summit of the pass. It’s a narrow road but in good condition. Reaching Sokraki (the first habitation, about 15 minutes from Troumpetta) turn RIGHT and then continue straight on for about 300 metres. The road starts going downhill, and the turn for Sokraki Villas and Kapileio is on the outside of the first hairpin bend; that is, on the right of the road. Go straight on in front of the building to the car park where we meet.
If you are coming from the north (through Spartillas or Episkopi), drive through Sokraki and follow the road towards the descent to Ano Korakiana. Sokraki Villas is on the first hairpin bend after leaving the main village.
Reserve your spot:
Reserve your spot at hilarywpaipeti@gmail.com
Meeting Point:
Sokraki Villas / Kapileio Restaurant, Sokraki Village. There is a car park at the end of the track that goes past the restaurant leading to the Viewpoint (as marked on Google Maps).
Time: 10.30 for 11.00 start. Walk about 1.5 hours.
Cost:
A donation of 5 euros would be appreciated but participants have the optional opportunity to purchase a set of reproduction postcards featuring paintings by the local artist Angelos Giallinas, dating from the early years of the 20th century. 13 postcards, price 5 euros per set.
