Palaio Pyli
Παλαιό Πυλί
A Byzantine hilltop castle and abandoned village, with frescoed chapels among pine trees. An adventurous destination far from the crowds.
Palaio Pyli lies on the hillside south of Pyli village. An 11th-century Byzantine castle was built atop a steep rocky outcrop, and below it lies an old village abandoned in the 19th century because of plague, where a few small frescoed chapels still stand. From the parking area, the walk up to the castle takes about 20 minutes over rough ground, but the views are wide. Nearby Pyli village has the ancient burial site known as Charmylio. Admission is free and facilities are few, so wear sturdy shoes.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Zia
- Dikaios Christos Peak
- Alykes Salt Lake
- Tigaki Beach
- Marmari Beach
- Antimachia Castle
- Kardamena
- Asklepieion of Kos