Zia is the jewel in Kos’s mountain crown – a picture-perfect village perched high in the island’s interior, where the air is cooler, the views stretch to infinity, and the sunsets have to be seen to be believed. Also known as Asfendiou (the name of the municipality it belongs to), this traditional settlement feels a world apart from the beach resorts lining the coast. Whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs cascade down the hillside, flower-filled courtyards overflow onto cobblestone streets, and the village square is a wonderful tangle of taverna tables where locals and visitors mingle over glasses of ouzo and plates of mezze. Hiring a car in Zia – or driving there from your resort – is absolutely essential if you want to experience this side of Kos.
Why Rent a Car Here?
Here’s the honest truth – you can’t really experience Zia properly without a car. The village sits about 25km inland from the coast, up a winding mountain road thatswitchbacks through pine forests. Public buses do run, but they’re infrequent and won’t give you the flexibility to stay for sunset, explore the surrounding area, or stop off at other villages along the way. With your own hire car, you can time your arrival for late afternoon, wander the narrow streets at your own pace, settle into a taverna with a view, and stay until the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink – then drive back down the mountain in the cool evening air. It’s a completely different experience from the beach-focused holiday most people expect from Kos, and absolutely worth the effort.
What to See & Do
Zia village itself is the main attraction – and honestly, it’s enough. Wander the labyrinth of streets, peek into the tiny churches, browse the local craft shops, and find your favourite viewpoint over the Aegean. The main square comes alive in the evening, with musicians, locals dancing, and the whole atmosphere of a Greek village celebration. From Zia, you can drive to other mountain villages – Lagoudi and Evangelistria are both within a few kilometres and even quieter. The road down from Zia towards Mastichari on the north coast is spectacular, passing through changing landscapes from pine forest to olive groves to coastal plain. If you’re visiting in spring, the wildflowers along the mountain roads are incredible – bring a camera.
Driving Tips
Let’s be upfront: the road to Zia is not for the faint-hearted. It’s winding, narrow in places, and has some sharp hairpin bends – especially the final approach to the village. Take your time, use your horn on blind corners (it’s expected), and don’t attempt the drive after dark until you’re familiar with the route. The good news is the road surface is generally good, and the views make every tricky moment worth it. In summer, the mountain air is cooler and more pleasant than the coast – a welcome relief from the heat at the beach. Park in the main village car park (free) and explore on foot – the village is small enough to navigate without a car once you’re there.
Booking Tips
There aren’t many car hire offices in Zia itself – it makes more sense to hire a car from your beach resort or Kos Airport and drive to Zia for the day. That said, if you’re determined to base yourself in Zia, some rental companies will deliver cars to the village – check with your provider. Most visitors find that a day trip works perfectly: hire your car in the morning, drive up to Zia, spend the afternoon exploring and eating, watch sunset, then drive back to your resort. This gives you the freedom to explore other areas too – you could combine Zia with a beach afternoon, visiting the salt flats near Mastichari, or even heading to Kefalos on the other side of the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zia a village or a town?
Zia (also spelled Zia or Asfendiou) is a traditional mountain village in the heart of Kos. It’s known for its sunsets and traditional tavernas.
Can I drive to Zia from Kos Airport?
Yes, it’s about 25km from Kos Airport to Zia. The drive takes around 30-35 minutes via the mountain road.
What is Zia famous for?
Zia is famous for its spectacular sunset views, traditional Greek architecture, and the winding mountain road to reach it.