If a village of 150 inhabitants captivates whole armies of holidaymakers, then there must be something special about it? In the mountain village of Zia on Kos, hundreds of people gather every evening to watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
“The idyllic village of Zia, as portrayed by some tour operators, does not exist in reality. Many a Kos vacationer turned back immediately at the sight of the crowds.”
Zia impresses with its location in the middle of a dense coniferous forest below the mighty Dikeos Mountains. The white houses in the green thicket can be seen from afar. At 350 m high, Zia is the highest village on the island and is considered a real visitor magnet that everyone probably visits at least once on their Kos holiday.
Due to the rapid marketing as a tourist hotspot of Kos, the village has lost its charm. Nevertheless, Zia still has some flair, especially outside rush hour, and it is worth taking a walk through the alleys or stopping at one of the good taverns.
Enclosed we give you our 8 most important information for Zia. In addition, you will receive tips for visiting the popular mountain village on Kos, and we will show you how to visit Zia without the crowds in a relaxed way:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Walk through Zia
With only 150 inhabitants, Zia is actually one of the smaller villages on Kos. Over the decades, the mountain village has spruced itself up, the old facades of the stone houses have been whitewashed, shutters and doors painted blue. Everywhere it is green and blooming, kitschy decoration enhances the place. Today, the village lives very well from tourism.
Zia is compact and you can easily reach all the corners worth seeing on foot. Ideally, you start your walking tour through Zia in the morning, because around noon many bus tours reach the mountain village. You should plan about two hours for your Zia visit, interesting photo motifs are waiting for you in many places.
💡 Best time to visit Zia: A visit to the tranquil village in the mountainous region of Kos is one of the most popular Kos Excursions. If you want to explore Zia undisturbed, we recommend that you visit the place before 10 am. From 11 a.m. onwards, more and more people flock to the village, including many bus tours, and it is difficult to find a free parking space in Zia.
We will start our walk from the free Zia car park at the entrance to the village. Early in time you will find a free parking space without any problems. Be careful when entering, the parking lot is unpaved and you quickly touch down on the bumps. Already at the entrance of Zia, the first tasteful shop catches our eye, the Aegean Blue Art Shop (see point #2 Shopping).
We follow the main road north and, shortly afterwards, we reach the popular Zia Sunset Viewpoint. From the parapet you have a magnificent view of the northern coastal plain of Kos, the Aegean Sea and the neighboring islands of Kalymnos and Perimos at any time of the day. A popular photo spot of the island of Kos!
At sunset, there is a lot of activity at this vantage point. Mass tourism has left its mark on Zia. In recent years, the thoroughfare has become a real bazar street of Zia. Shops had sometimes placed their displays so far on the street that buses could no longer get through.
After the municipal administration intervened, order is now back in Zia. Nevertheless, the main road is used by strolling holidaymakers as well as by cars (connection Asklepieion – Pyli) and tourist buses. So you should be very attentive as a walker.
We leave the main road and turn off shortly after the East Blue Juice Bar into a narrow alley. This leads past some souvenir shops to the upper village. After passing all the tourist-shops, you will reach the Zia Stairs, where you will find the new Watermill of Zia café.
Since 2023, the Watermill Café Zia has had a new owner and the colorful look has been replaced by a contemporary design. A few metres on, we reach the Sunset Balcony Tavern. From here, we can enjoy magnificent views of the coastal plain. Behind it is the main church of Zia, which is a beautiful photo opportunity.
The colourful church of Kimissis tis Theotokou, built between 1992 and 1995, is definitely worth a detour. Through its elaborate murals, magnificent iconostasis, and many images of saints, you’ll get a good insight into the Orthodox religion.
From the church we reach the upper village of Zia. The cobblestone road takes you to the Tavern No Stress, a place that is simple yet cosy and beautifully landscaped, as well as the highest point of the village. Afterwards we return via Platia Karidias, the starting point of the Dikeos hike (see #4 “Sights near Zia”).
From the Platia we walk downhill again, past the café of the watermill and the Gallery of Zia. At the end of the street, we turn left and return to the main street. Stroll a little through the Shopping street of Zia until you reach the sunset point and the parking lot again.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
Zia Natural Park
The well-groomed Natural Park of Zia on the eastern outskirts of the village was built on a slope and offers a magnificent view of the north coast from the highest point. The sunset can be enjoyed from here mostly undisturbed.
As well as native plants and herbs, there are also some animals of Kos, but some of them are kept in quite small enclosures. For families with children, there is a playground and a snack bar. Adults can also relax in the hammocks in the upper area.
#2 Shopping in Zia
As a tourist resort, Zia is home to all kinds of souvenir shops, various textile and ceramic shops as well as craft shops. You can buy souvenirs of all kinds, from ceramics and tablecloths to toys, jewellery and bracelets, as well as spices, honey, olive oil and wine. The latter are even produced on Kos.
In between, there are also all kinds of imitations and knick-knacks from the Far East such as key rings, lighters and beer openers in the shape of phalluses. In short: In the village you can buy almost everything a tourist’s heart desires. Enclosed you will find our personal recommendations for Shopping in Zia.
→ You can find out everything you need to know about your stay in Kos in this article: Kos Holidays
Aegean Blue Art Shop
Out of all the shops in Zia, this one is the most interesting to us personally. The lovely owner Andrea offers her own handicraft creations such as earrings and necklaces, as well as original art and ceramic goods as well as textiles by Greek designers. Open daily in season from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m (closed on Saturday).
Delfis Art Studio
Small art workshop next to the Oromedon restaurant, where they still make their own pottery. The handmade ceramics and tasteful souvenirs are ideal as souvenirs or souvenirs of the island of Kos.
Gallery of Zia
Studio and souvenir shop on the upper alley of Zia. The owner is a very friendly artist who sells his own work at affordable prices. If you are interested, he will also give an insight into his drachma coin collection.
The Positive Shop
This original shop offers products that stand out from those of other shops. You can buy homemade murals with positive messages, pieces of jewellery made of driftwood and carvings. Since 2025, the Positive Shop is no longer in the upper village, but at the rear of the thoroughfare.
Tourist Shop Melina
Classic souvenir shop with integrated mini-market on the main street of Zia. Here you can also get cool drinks and simple snacks on the go. Friendly staff and small selection of original bags and textiles.
#3 Zia Sunset
Thousands of holidaymakers make a pilgrimage to the mountain village in the evening hours to enjoy the unique Sunset of Zia. At the viewpoint along the road, crowds of people gather to photograph the fantastic panorama over the coastal plain to the horizon.
If you don’t want to join this mass spectacle and still want to experience the evening atmosphere in Zia, we recommend a place in one of the nice Zia Restaurants with Terrace (see #7 Zia Restaurants for recommendations).
With delicious Greek cuisine and a glass of wine, the sun sinks even more beautifully into the Aegean Sea. And most of the people have disappeared from Zia shortly after sunset. Then you can spend the rest of the evening admiring the breathtaking views of Kos.
You can also enjoy an idyllic sunset without crowds in Metoxi Cafe, the highest tavern of Kos. It is located above Zia and can only be reached on foot (25 min) or with an off-road vehicle. Landlord Michalis serves hearty Greek food in a rustic atmosphere. The view from the terrace is breathtaking!
#4 Sights near Zia
Asklepieion of Kos
The most famous archaeological site of Kos is located about 9 km northeast of Zia. The Asklepieion of Kos is considered the place of work of the father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, who was also born on Kos. A visit to the Asklepieion can be easily combined with Zia, it is best to visit the site in the morning and then drive to Zia via the mountain road.
→ You can find all the important information about the Asklepieion in our separate article: Asklepieion of Kos
Hike on the Dikeos
The mountain village of Zia is the starting point for one of the most beautiful hikes on Kos. Depending on your hiking speed and fitness level, you can reach the highest mountain on the island of Kos. At 846 m, the Dikeos towers over the island and offers a breathtaking view all the way to the neighboring islands.
The hiking trail starts at Platia Karidias in the upper village centre of Zia. Steps always lead uphill to a gravel road. Follow this for a few kilometers until a trail (sign with Dikaios) points the way up to the summit on the left.
The approximately 4-hour tour is recommended in clear, windless weather in the early morning hours or late afternoon. Since large parts of the hike lead above the tree line, you should avoid the midday heat at all costs.
→ A detailed description for the hike to the Dikeos can be found on this portal: Outdoor Active
Ghost village of Agios Dimitrios
Just a 10-minute drive east of Zia, you’ll come across a few ruined houses in dense coniferous forest. Once upon a time, under Ottoman occupation, the Armenian family of the Haihoutes retreated to the lonely mountainous region of the Dikeos and founded the village of Agios Dimitrios.
However, due to a lack of infrastructure, the almost 180 inhabitants left the hamlet in the 1950s and the 35 houses are increasingly left to decay. After years of silence, life is returning to the ghost village of Kos today.
In the rustic Kafeneio Chaichoutes you can drink an ouzo or enjoy traditional Greek dishes in an idyllic lost place atmosphere. Since 2023, the café has only been open in the evenings, but then mostly with live music. From the white village church of Agios Dimitrios on the western outskirts of the village, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the coast.
Mountain villages of Lagoudi & Asfendiou
If Zia is just too much hustle and bustle for you, then you will find a little more peace and tranquility in the authentic mountain villages at the foot of the tourist resort.
Lagoudi has just 30 inhabitants and is still worth a detour. The blue and white one is particularly worth seeing church of Lagoudi (Kimissis tis Theotokou) in the centre of the village. The interior of St. Mary’s Church is beautifully painted and with a bit of luck you will meet the friendly village priest Kyriakos, who will tell you more about his church if necessary.
For a coffee break, it is worth taking a detour to the Art-Café Orea Ellas directly below the church. The friendly owner serves sweet and savoury snacks in a tasteful ambience.
The municipality of Asfendiou is made up of the two districts Evangelistria and Asomatos. In the latter, you will get an insight into the typical architecture of the Koic mountain villages on a walk. Many old stone houses are now listed and offer interesting photo motifs.
On the way to Zia, the Evangelismos tis Theotokou church, located next to the Tavern Asfendiou in Evangelistria, is the highlight. Both districts are surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and fig trees and have only a few hundred inhabitants. Many locals live up here who work in the coastal resorts during the season.
#5 Guided Zia Excursions & Tours
To visit Zia, you can also join a guided tour or take a classic bus trip to Zia. Small group or private tours are recommended. At our partner GetYourGuide* you will get an overview of excursions in Kos and you can compare prices:
#6 Zia Restaurants & Cafés
In a relatively small area, Zia has many restaurants, cafes and bars spread throughout the village. Due to the many day tourists and day-trippers, some restaurateurs are focusing more on quantity than quality. Some of the menus have adapted to the tastes of international holidaymakers, so pizza and pasta can often be found on the plates.
Fortunately, there are no classic tourist traps (including no menu) in Zia so far. For fish dishes, however, you should inquire about the price per kilo in advance. Even though the so-called menu offers (salad + gyro plate + drink) are cheap, we personally advise against them, as the quality falls by the wayside with the low prices.
In fact, in Zia you get good Greek food, if you go to the right restaurant. You will find our tips below. If you don’t dare, just ask the friendly waiters or landlords for the recommendations of the day.
→ You can find out what delicious food there is in Hellas in our article about the Greek cuisine
Café & Restaurant Recommendations for Zia
Dikeos Pretty tavern on the shopping street. Family and cozy atmosphere. Large menu with daily specials, fair prices and attentive staff.
East Blue Juice Bar Somewhat inconspicuous café bar with a nice roof terrace. Delicious homemade smoothies and cocktails, sweet and savoury snacks and a wide range of ice creams.
Magic Mountain Chic restaurant with panoramic terrace and homemade Mediterranean dishes. Chef Voula and her team are very friendly and helpful!
Oromedon Restaurant One of the most popular Kos restaurants with sunset terrace (reservation required). Typical Greek food at fair prices.
Watermill Café Zia The popular café with stunning views of the north coast along Zia Stairs has had a new owner since 2023. Unfortunately, the colorful furnishings with hippie flair had to give way and were replaced by a modern boho concept. If that doesn’t bother you, you’ll still find a quiet place for a drink with a great view.
#7 Zia Hotels: Our Recommendations
There are no hotels in Zia yet. In the village itself there are some holiday apartments that are available for self-catering. If you want to do without the everyday hustle and bustle in the town centre, you can look for the quieter neighbouring villages of Lagoudi and Asfendiou. We have listed our recommendations for Zia here (links to Booking.com*):
Aegean blue country house
Elaborately restored former watermill below Zia. Traditionally furnished with great attention to detail, wonderful view from the sun terrace.
AnamneZia Luxury Suites
Comfortable apartment complex (adults only) in a quiet location just above Asfendiou. Tasteful rooms and magnificent sunset from the pool terrace.
Orea Ellas Kos
Artist and café owner Christina rents out several lovingly designed studios and apartments (some with sea views) in the cozy village of Lagoudi.
The Water Mill Cottage
The owners of the eponymous Watermill Cafés rent right next door a newly renovated and well-equipped holiday home (up to 4 people) including terrace.
➲ Book The Water Mill Cottage*
#8 Getting to Zia in Kos
If you want to visit Zia on Kos, you can reach the mountain village either by rental car, public bus, guided tour, taxi, mountain or e-bike or on foot. Enclosed we present the different ways to get to Zia.
Bus routes to Zia
Zia is located in the center of the island on the northern slope of the Dikeos Mountains. Public buses to Zia depart only from Kos Town several times a day and back. A one-way ticket costs around €2.50 and takes around 40 minutes from the island’s capital.
→ Current bus timetables for Kos and ticket prices can be found at: KTEL KOS
Guided bus tours to Zia, optionally with Greek evening in the Tavern Fantasia, are offered by local tour operators in almost every resort on Kos. A stop in Zia is also planned in a guided island tour. On GetYourGuide* you can find out about the tour and check prices:
➲ To the organized island tour*
Cycling to Zia
The best way to discover Zia individually is with your own wheeled vehicle. Sports enthusiasts can rent mountain or e-bikes at the holiday resorts and take a bicycle tour to Zia. However, the gradients into the village should not be underestimated.
Since there are no bike paths, you have to make do with the partly busy roads. For the 8 km long bike tour from Tigaki to Zia you should plan at least 30 minutes. On foot you walk minimum 1.5 hours to the mountain village.
By rental car to Zia
The most flexible way to get to Zia is by rental car, which gives you the opportunity to visit outside of rush hour. From Tigaki you need about 20 minutes to Zia, from Kardamena it is about 30 minutes by car.
Our long-standing and reliable car rental partner on Kos, Costas Car Rental, offers everything you need to get around, from small cars to family cars. Baby seats and child seats are also provided. You can request a vehicle directly here:
If you don’t tolerate serpentines and many curves so well, we recommend to avoid the mountain road from Zipari to Zia. Alternatively, you can drive from the island highway at Linopotis up the winding road to Lagoudi and on to Zia. The route leads past the Ktima Akranis Winery and a small blue and white chapel with a great view.
Parking in Zia
Free parking lots in Zia are available on the outskirts of the village. The largest parking lot is located at the entrance to Zia coming from the direction of Asfendiou. In summer, finding a free space in the dusty and bumpy parking lot can be frustrating. Another parking lot is located behind the Zia Natural Park.
The place can be driven through, but only in the walking pace in Zia, and parking along the main road is strictly prohibited. There are few parking spaces in the upper village, but mostly occupied by locals. We advise against parking on the side of the road in the narrow streets.
→ More articles and numerous travel tips for the island of Kos can be found at:
- Kos Island Overview
- Kos Beaches
- Kos Resorts
- Kos Island with children
- Embros Thermal Baths
- Plaka Peacock Forest Kos
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