If someone asked me where to stay in Corfu for an authentic place that feels completely different from the beach resorts, I’d recommend this mountain village stay: Sokraki Villas.
Infinity pool, fig jam breakfasts and mountains rolling down to the sea
It was the final stop on our first Corfu holiday, and we fell in love with it: an infinity pool overlooking the mountains with the Ionian Sea beyond; one of the most delicious breakfasts we’ve ever had; and a traditional village full of kind, friendly people just a short stroll away.
We stayed for four nights and also stopped by on our second visit to Corfu. We frequently check out Sokraki on Rightmove, fantasising about buying a cottage there!
Here’s our honest Sokraki Villas review, including what we loved, what to know before you book and who it suits best.
Contents
- Sokraki Villas at a Glance
- Where Is Sokraki?
- What We Loved About Sokraki Villas
- What to Know Before You Book
- Who Is Sokraki Villas Best For?
- Is Sokraki Villas Worth It?
- More Corfu Planning
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Sokraki Villas at a Glance
| Location | Edge of Sokraki village, in the mountains of northern Corfu |
| From the airport | Around 40 to 50 minutes by car, on winding mountain roads |
| Accommodation | A small collection of villas and apartments |
| Highlights | Infinity pool with mountain and sea views; Greek breakfast included |
| Best for | Couples and families who want peace, views and village life |
| You’ll need | A rental car |
See availability for Sokraki Villas on Expedia.com
Where Is Sokraki?
Sokraki is a small, traditional mountain village in the north of Corfu, high above the east coast. Life here moves at a slower pace from the coast, with stone houses, cobbled lanes, a handful of cafés, shops and churches. It’s perfect for hiking and has the most magnificent views that stretch out over the mountains and sea towards Albania.
Sokraki Villas sits on the edge of the village, so you can walk in for a coffee, while enjoying the peace and greenery surrounded you. The village is full of stone cottages, winding paths and a small centre with a few cafes and shops selling handmade items. The locals are warm and friendly, often sitting outside their houses, enjoying a glass of wine and conversation.
Stone cottages, cobbled lanes and locals chatting over a glass of wine
What We Loved About Sokraki Villas
The Infinity Pool
The infinity pool is the star of the show. It overlooks an amazing view of the mountains and sea, and floating at the edge with the green hills dropping away below felt faraway and peaceful.
The Greek Breakfast
Breakfast was included in the price, and it was delicious. Everything is locally sourced and homemade, including yoghurt and honey, fig jam, fresh bread, pastries, eggs and Greek salad. It was the perfect start to each day.
The Taverna
Sokraki Villas has a taverna called Kapilio, which is open to Sokraki Villa guests year-round. It sells traditional Greek and Corfiot dishes and has a warm and cosy atmosphere.
The Village
We fell in love with Sokraki’s character and beauty. It’s a pretty, traditional village, and the people are kind and friendly. Staying here felt like seeing a side of Corfu that is very different from the popular resorts.
The Accommodation
Sokraki Villas offers traditional villas and apartments, each accommodating four to five, people, as well as a studio for two.
The villas and apartments have two bedrooms, a lounge with sofa bed and fully equipped kitchen and dining area. Villas have two bathrooms and balconies with panoramic sea views. Our villa was spotlessly clean and comfortable, with charming traditional decor.
Every accommodation has access to the infinity pool. During our stay we seemed to time it just right and had the pool to ourselves!
What to Know Before You Book
You’ll need a car. Sokraki is up in the mountains, and there’s no beach within walking distance. The road up is famously twisty, with a series of hairpin bends, so read our driving in Corfu tips first (Coming soon!). Plan to drive up in daylight on your first day. We somehow ended up taking the narrowest route, and I had to guide Dave as he drove across a tiny stone bridge.
It’s quiet. This is part of the charm, but if you want a lively strip of bars and restaurants on your doorstep, you might prefer somewhere like Kassiopi or Agios Gordios.
Beaches are a drive away. Kassiopi, Roda, Barbati and the north coast beaches are all within reach for a day out. We drove to Barbati Beach, which was a 20-minute drive away.
Who Is Sokraki Villas Best For?
- Couples looking for a romantic, peaceful base with incredible views.
- Families who are happy to spend their days by the pool and drive out to the beach. We’re a family of five so my son had to sleep on the sofa. It’s ideal for a family of four.
- Anyone who wants to see traditional Corfu, away from the resorts.
- Walkers and hikers.
- Cat lovers – the owners look after local cats and kittens, you’ll find them curled up around the property.
It’s less suited to travellers without a car, or anyone nervous about mountain driving.
Is Sokraki Villas Worth It?
Yes. It’s the place in Corfu where I dream of living. Sokraki Villas is a tranquil paradise and gave us a completely different holiday from our time on the coast. Splitting our trip between the beach and the mountains meant we saw so much more of the island.
If you can, combine a few nights in Sokraki with a week on the coast. You’ll get the best of both.
Check prices and availability for Sokraki Villas on Expedia.com
More Corfu Planning
- Best places to stay in Corfu (coming soon!)
- Corfu itinerary (coming soon!)
- Driving in Corfu (coming soon!)
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