The settlement of Socha was created during the Byzantine times. In the Grimani census (1700) it was recorded with a population of 335 inhabitants. After the liberation (1828) the mass movement of the inhabitants to the lowland settlement of Kalivia Sochas began and in 1840 the population of Socha was 286 inhabitants and of Kalivia Sochas 200. After the 1950s, only a few residents remain.
Socha, Anavryti and Pergantaika formed a special residential unit, with Anavryti as the reference point.
Socha has an altitude of 856 meters above sea level. The Byzantine church of the Entrance of the Theotokos dominates the settlement, which is a registered cross-shaped with a polygonal dome and frescoes of the 17th century. The bell tower, a typical work of Lagkadian stone masons, is later.
On a hill above the settlement of Kalivia Sochas, next to Amykles, 7 kilometers south of Sparta, at the entrance of an imposing gorge, on the eastern foothills of Taygetos is the Tower of Socha. It is believed that it is a late Byzantine tower, which means that it is probably from the 14th or 15th century. However, there is no more information. The tower is not mentioned by historical sources, while it seems that it has never been the subject of archaeological study (as far as we know). It is preserved at a considerable height. Its plan is rectangular with dimensions of 7,2 x 5,1 meters. In the area around the tower there are remnants of a low-height fortification wall. It should be noted that higher than the tower, on the mountain behind it, at the bottom of the gorge, there are remnants from the medieval castle-settlement of Socha. Obviously the tower was part of the defensive system of the castle.
From Kalivia Sochas starts a paved path that passes by the tower, reaches up to the castle of Socha, high on the mountain and ends in Socha.
Source: Καστρολόγος/Κάστρα της Ελλάδας, Γιώργος Γιαξόγλου, Εικόνες Παραδοσιακής Αρχιτεκτονικής – Η Αναβρυτή
Car
From Athens: 218 km, 2.5 hours
From Kalamata: 98 km, 1 hour
The route follows the A6 (Attiki Odos), A8 (Elefsina-Corinth) and A7 (Corinth-Tripoli) highways, and then the A71 (Lefktro-Sparti) highway.
Bus
From Athens: 226 km, 3.5 hours
From Kalamata: 102 km, 1 hour
KTEL Lakonia operates several daily routes to and from Athens. These routes also serve the Sparta-Tripoli and Sparta-Corinth lines.
From the airport
From Eleftherios Venizelos – Athens Airport: 248 km, 2.5 hours
From Kalamata airport: 96 km, 1 hour
The road transition from Kalamata to Sparta takes about an hour. The route follows the A7 highway (Kalamata-Tripoli) and then the A71 highway (Lefktro-Sparti).
For road access to the paths of the present study, the following road network can be used:
The Sparti – Logastra provincial road
The Spartis – Kalamata highway
The national road Spartis – Mystras
The Spartis – Gytheio national road
The Spartis-Mystra provincial road
Amykles-Kalyvia Sochas street
Kalyvia Sochas – Sochas street
Mystra-Pikoulianika street
Mystras-Taygeti street
Taygeti – Pergandaika street
The Mystras-Vlahochori street
Agios Ioannis-Anavrytis street
In addition to the above paved roads, there are a number of existing forest and rural roads, mainly dirt, which allow access to the existing paths.
Η περιοχή προσφέρει μεγάλη ποικιλία χώρων διαμονής για όλα τα γούστα. Μπορείτε να βρείτε πέτρινα παραδοσιακά σπίτια και ξενώνες, μικρά ξενοδοχεία, resorts πολυτελείας και ενοικιαζόμενα δωμάτια, στο Μυστρά, Παρόρι, στα Πικουλιάνικα, στην Τρύπη, στην Αναβρύτη και στην Ταϋγέτη.
Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες: https://www.exploresparta.gr/tourism/diamoni/
From the main local products of the Spartan land the following stand out: olives of the “Kalamon” variety & virgin olive oil, oranges, honey, wine with the typical Kydonitsa, Mavroudi, Roditis, Athiri and Agiorgitiko varieties, synglino, sausage, pasta, trout and salmon.
Some of the most typical traditional dishes that you can look for on your trip are: Bouzopoula, Kokoras bardouniotikos, Pitaroudes, Kayanas, Kolokythokorphades.
More info at exploresparta.gr
Hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, long pants, water at least 1.5 liters, food, compass, whistle, flashlight, knife or multi-tool, watch and baton. In winter, windproof jacket, waterproof and isothermal clothes.
We also suggest that you never walk alone and always have a first aid kit with you. A well-charged mobile phone will come in handy in difficult situations.
You can hike all year round, except in the winter months when snow may close some paths. Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons thanks to mild temperatures and colourful nature. Due to the altitude, the air can be strong and icy. In summer (July, August) it may be hot enough to walk.
It is important toBefore every hike we are informed about the weather conditions.
We do not stray from the boundaries of the path.
We use fireplaces and avoid fires.
We don’t leave trash. On the path we collect rubbish that may have been left by others.
We do not destroy the vegetation, we respect the historical monuments and the local populations.
We respect wild animals and do not feed them.
Source: trailpath.gr
In the past, there were large mammals that today have disappeared such as bears, deer, roe deer, wolves and even the lynx. Today, 19 mammals have been observed in the mountain fauna, including the fox, badger, ferret, hare and hedgehog. Wildcat and jackal have also been reported although the population status of these species is not well documented. The only large mammal that is often seen is the wild boar.
In the event of the appearance of snakes, as a preventive measure, the hiker can be careful where he steps and where he puts his hands. If you encounter a snake, stay calm and keep a distance of at least two to three meters without disturbing it. In the event that you are bitten by a snake, stay calm, call 166 or 112 and take no action at all, except go to the health center with the help of an attendant. We recommend that you never walk alone.