|  Asfendiou is set back from Kos Town inland approx 14km, west beyond Asklepion. It consists of a group of hamlets (Pilaiopili, Evangelistria or Pera Ghitonia and Asomati, Agios Georgios, Agios Dimitrios Zia, Zipari, and Lagoudi, to name a few) and is situated on the slopes of Mt. Dikeos, which at 843 km is the highest point on Kos and is settled amongst the densest and lushest green wooded area on the island. At the top of Mt. Dikeos you will find a small church of Christ, and spectacular views of Turkey. This can be visited by ferry from Kos Town.
Asfendiou is considered one of the most beautiful areas on Kos with a local population of approx 130 you can experience a little of how Kos would have been before tourism took hold. Rather than staying in hotel’s you will find villas or rooms for rent in traditional houses along picturesque narrow lanes wonderful for exploring on foot or the ever popular bicycle. Once in the village, it is worth seeing the church of Assomati Taxiarhes, built in the 11th C. it has a very nice wood carved icon screen; just off the village you will see the ruins of the Early Christian basilica of Aghios Pavlos (St. Paul). Several local feasts take place in the area at different times of the year at Pyli on the 23 Apr the feast of Aghios Georgios where they hold horse races. On the same day in Asfendiou locals serve up Mezes in the forest. In Lagoudi on 23 Jun they honour Aghios Ioannis Theologos (St. John the Evangelist). At Zipari on the 6 Aug they celebrate the Transfiguration of Christ. Many other religious celebrations and feasts take place in and around Afendiou, mainly throughout the summer, the dates of which depend on the respective saint honoured in each town. Usually the feast would involve a community meal with plenty of traditional food traditionally a dish of boiled goat meat is served, along with folk music and dancing. Villagers will often dress in traditional dress. Other places of interest around Afendiou are at Pilaiopili where there is an amazing ruined castle perched proudly on a pinnacle of rock and giving wonderful views over hills and sea. Asomati has the most picturesque whitewashed houses on the island. Zia is found at a distance of some 2 kilometres south to Asfendiou. Zia and Evangelistra have some of the best restaurants and traditional tavernas in the area, both with a good variety of local dishes and excellent Greek cooking. One is very excellent and as played host to Bill Clinton and other luminaries in 2003. However the tourist industry is fast encroaching at west facing Zia tour buses unload scores of visitors every evening to enjoy dramatic sunsets. But the locals remain friendly. Zia also boasts the oldest windmill on the island. Many of the shops sell locally made thyme honey, olive oil and souvenirs, mainly folk-art artefacts. At Asomatos the Greek residents lead a more typical country life with their goats, donkeys and hens. Several local houses are owned by people from other parts of Europe who love the atmosphere and view. Behind the village are pine forests with many walks offering natural beauty and wonderful views. All the villages (the subject of preservation orders) and surrounding area have classic Greek scenery and atmosphere. Further a field are locations like Tam-Tam, approx 20 minutes away, you will find a laid back bar and restaurant set amid palm trees overlooking a beach. It plays music and serves great food. If this is to far away you will find the nearest beach at Tigaki, a long expanse of white sand approx 12 minutes by car or scooter. The area as much to offer the visitor local activities include walking, cycling, mountain biking, swimming, sailing, fishing, horse riding, wind-surfing, water skiing, paragliding and probably a whole lot more not mentioned. If you are unfortunate and suffer injury in any of these sports Zipari houses a medical centre and chemist which serve the area. The visitor to this area will find excellent peace and quiet, not yet spoilt by mass tourism, where you can experience the real Kos and simply relax. |