Zia is a mountain village with stunning scenery that lies at the base of Mount Dikaios, the highest mountain on Kos Island, which culminates at 846m above sea level. It is the southernmost and highest quarter of the Asfendiou village, lodged in deep green fruit trees with abundant crystal springs. Zia has been characterised as an area of special natural beauty and a preservable traditional quarter, as is the entire village of Asfendiou. Its parish church is that of the Koimisis (Dormition) of the Theotokos (Kouvoukli).
Climbing up to the top of Mount Dikaios
The village has kept its traditional feel but has become one of the major tourist attractions of the island and is therefore often overcrowded, especially around its main road, where the tourist shops are concentrated. I would advise you to take the time to walk to the upper edge of the village, as I find that it is the most untarnished, original part and well worth the visit. It’s interesting to see how nature and man have learned to coexist in a very healthy symbiosis full of mutual respect. The village is engulfed in woods, and the humidity (water rushing down the mountain is plentiful) produces a cooler atmosphere and makes Zia the ideal place to take refuge from the sweltering summer heat.
The best plan, in my view, would be to get there in the early afternoon and work on your appetite by going on a walk in the woods full of fir trees or, for the more adventurous amongst you, climbing up to the top of Mount Dikaios, where you can visit the church of Christos. On clear days, the all-around view is breathtaking, as this is clearly among the greatest vantage points of the island. You can see deep into Turkey and admire the islands of Pserimos, Kalymnos on the one side, and Nissyros on the other, just to name a few. Don’t get too carried away, though, as the path is a little treacherous, and I would avoid going back down in the dark. Once you have come back to the village, there are quite a few tavernas available, and the food is generally quite good, but I would focus on finding the restaurant with the best view, as the place is famous for its incredible sunsets