Not far from Zia on a hill is the Metoxi Cafe, which is considered by many to be the most beautifully situated cafe on the whole island. Here, from high up, there is a magnificent view over the island and the sea, especially at sunset.
Zia and surroundings
Zia is a mountain village on the Greek island of Kos with around 150 inhabitants. It is considered to be the highest inhabited place on the island. Zia is located in the Dikeos Mountains close to Palio Pyli and Pyli about 15 km from Kos Town. Today, its original beauty can only be seen if you step off the mass tourism trails.
Agios Dimitrios (gr. Άγιος Δημήτριος) is a largely dilapidated and abandoned village not far from Zia. The place which is also known as "ghost village" is located on the road from Kos town to Zia between the Asklepieion and the town of Asfendiou, about 7 kilometers southwest of Kos town and about 2 km from Zia at an altitude of about 270 to 290 meters. Some houses have been restored and there is a Kafenio (Kos Ghost Town Taverna or Haihoutes Cafe) and a small museum in the village.
The Grave of Charmylos in Pyli is, depending on the source, from the 4th or early 3rd century BC. It is a honorary grave of the ancient hero and legendary ancestor of the first ruling dynasty of the island, the Charmyleis. The barrel vault, which is located below today's street level and open to the front with six burial niches on each side is exceptionally well preserved, the rest of the bigger complex is mostly lost. At the rear end of the former tomb is now a Byzantine-era chapel, with parts of the former funerary temple used for its construction.
The Taverna Old Pyli with its very nice terrace is situated right on the road to Palio Pyli just behind Amaniou. Here you can enjoy good local food as well as a breathtaking view. A offensively advertised specialty is the daily fresh fish caught by the owner himself.
For many years, the taverna was an insider tip for good and reasonable priced food, but over the last years the prices were increased many times and are now even higher then in very good restaurants in Kos Town. Also the service was not good at our last visit, so we only recommend the Taverna Old Pyli for a short stop to relax and drink a frappé on the way back from Palio Pyli and the view to enjoy.
High above the ruins of the deserted village of Palio Pyli lies the picturesque Taverna Oria on a hill, a perfect place to rest a little while exploring Palio Pyli and the castle. A relatively steep, well signposted path leads up to the tavern, but once you have made the climb you will be rewarded with a magnificent view. The Taverna Oria offers smaller dishes, a very good homemade lemonade, coffee and other drinks.
Palio Pyli is a picturesque deserted hilltop village and a castle on the Greek island of Kos. The ruins are located on the northern slope of the islands mountain range. From the castle and parts of the village you have beautiful views of the surrounding area with the towns of Marmari, Tigaki, the Alikes Salt Lakes and the sea. The castle was presumably built in the 11th century.