Palio Pyli Castle in Kos

Halfway between Zia and Pyli is the Castle of Paleo Pyli located in an incredibly beautiful landscape. Here are wild mountains and forests of conifers and cypress trees, and the cicadas are singing as it were their last song. The castle was built as protection against pirates and was therefore built as inaccessible as possible. And that must we tourists suffer for, the stair-path up to the castle is steep.

The road to Palio Pyli Castle.

Up there in the mountains lies Palio Pyli.

The parking lot below Palio Pyli Castle.

The area itself must once have been very large to judge by all the buildings, ruins and stone walls. On the hilltops on both sides of the old town, there once stood defence castles. The ruins are still there. The walk up to Paleo Pyli is worth while, the reward is a breathtaking view. An enterprising person has opened a small cafe at the top, where the tables stand on the steep slope.

Here begins the hike to Palio Pyli Castle.

On the hike up to the fortress, you pass this old church.

Map of Palio Pyli.

Café with view at Palio Pyli Castle. I like to sit here for a long time and philosophize about life.

En route to Paleo Pyli you pass the Taverna Old Pyli. The taverna lies in the middle of nowhere and does not even look open. But it is, and it is really worth stopping there. The food is good, the environment is cosy and the family that runs the taverna is both nice and fun. The roof of the taverna is completely covered by grapevines. If you come here when the grapes are ripen, the grapes almost hangs down in the salad.

I am more than happy to recommend Taverna Old Pyli.

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