Mount Dikeos Kos
Hike to the highest peak on Kos for breathtaking island views, starting from the charming village of Zia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mount Dikeos Kos
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the highest peak on Kos for breathtaking island views, starting from the charming village of Zia.
"The view is breathtaking and a little sign says bravo you made it. Don't miss the opportunity to go and view from the top if u can."
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones make the descent tricky. Teva sandals are not recommended; opt for hiking boots.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially for the upper, sun-exposed parts of the hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Mount Dikeos Summit
Breathtaking panoramic views of Kos island and the Aegean Sea from 846 meters high. A truly unforgettable vista.
Zia Village Charm
Zia Village
A picturesque village at the foot of Mount Dikeos, famous for its stunning sunsets and traditional Greek charm.
Natural Park of Zia
Zia
Tranquil area with beautiful views and roaming deer, offering a peaceful escape before or after your hike.
Chapel at the Summit
Mount Dikeos Summit
A small, serene chapel offering a spiritual element to the mountain's peak, often visited for personal rituals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Mount Dikeos
Navigating the Dikeos Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones make the descent tricky. Teva sandals are not recommended; opt for hiking boots.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially for the upper, sun-exposed parts of the hike.
☀️ Seek Early Morning Hikes
Start your trek early to avoid the intense midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures.
🚩 Trail Markings
Follow the red and blue markings, but be aware some sections can be poorly marked.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes are a Must
Loose stones make the descent tricky. Teva sandals are not recommended; opt for hiking boots.
💧 Hydration is Key
Carry plenty of water, especially for the upper, sun-exposed parts of the hike.
☀️ Seek Early Morning Hikes
Start your trek early to avoid the intense midday sun and enjoy cooler temperatures.
🚩 Trail Markings
Follow the red and blue markings, but be aware some sections can be poorly marked.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are spectacular, especially on clear days.
🚗 Drive to Zia First
Consider driving to Zia village to shorten the hike, but be mindful of slow driving on mountain roads.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mount Dikeos offers breathtaking panoramic views and a rewarding hiking experience, especially when starting from the charming village of Zia. While the trail can be challenging with loose stones and limited shade, the effort is widely considered worthwhile. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity to witness stunning sunsets from Zia.
"Went early ish but still hot, take a lot of fluids, path well marked, lots of loose stones underfoot, with partial shade and not much breeze. It's about an hour and a half trek when you get through Zia by foot, first you trek through the wooded area, then the trees clear after about an hour, then it's all full sun for the rest of the hike. When u get to the top of the first mountain look for the Greek flag on your left, over the mountains and keep walking. The view is breathtaking and a little sign says bravo you made it. Don't miss the opportunity to go and view from the top if u can."
Alan Clarkson
"Mount of blues, spiky greens, roaming turtles and retired knees.
Climbed and descended in Teva sandals, but DEFINITELY do not recommend. Knees felt sore for a few days so take a good care making your way down as there are plenty of loose stones"
Jolita Marcinkevičiūtė
"They say that if someone has been to Kos and hasn't counted Dikeos, it's as if they hadn't been to Kos. I like active leisure, so during my stay in Kos, this was one of the mandatory points. I started my journey from the picturesque and charming (in some places) village of Zia, which I got to in a rented Fiat Panda for 40 euros😉. The trail is poorly marked in places, demanding in some places, but the views make up for everything... at least halfway😞. In my case, that day the summit was shrouded in clouds, so from the very top you couldn't see anything except the fog😶🌫️. This time, I was cross-eyed😂 but the satisfaction and joy of conquering the summit (846 m above sea level), and it stayed that way. The views a little lower down were also beautiful... judge for yourself. And after the hike, you can eat on the terrace in one of the few (for me) charming restaurants in the village of Zia. I highly recommend it, wishing you beautiful weather and amazing views from the top 😉."
Tomasz Kołodziejczyk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can rent a car or scooter in Kos Town and drive towards Zia village, which is the common starting point for the hike. The drive takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
While challenging, you could potentially take a bus to Zia and then begin your hike. However, a rental car offers more flexibility and allows you to start closer to the trailhead.
Yes, you can drive through Zia and continue on a road that leads further up the mountain, significantly shortening the hiking distance. Be cautious as the road can be rough.
The most popular starting point is from the picturesque village of Zia. From there, you can follow the marked trails.
Yes, local buses operate from Kos Town to Zia, making it accessible without a car, though schedules should be checked in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mount Dikeos is a natural landmark and there are no entrance fees to access the hiking trails or the summit.
As a natural mountain, Mount Dikeos is accessible 24/7. However, hiking is best done during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
No, tickets are not required as it's a natural attraction. You can visit and hike at your own pace.
While not always advertised, local tour operators in Kos may offer guided hikes to Mount Dikeos, especially during peak season.
There isn't a formal visitor center on the mountain itself, but information can often be found in Zia village or through local tourism offices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike from Zia village to the summit can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on your fitness level and pace.
The hike is considered moderately challenging due to loose stones and inclines, especially on the upper sections.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, comfortable clothing, a hat for sun protection, and consider layers as the weather can change.
Restrooms and water are generally available in Zia village before you start your hike. There are no facilities on the trail itself.
Yes, you might encounter turtles and other small wildlife, particularly in the natural park areas around Zia.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning for sunrise or late afternoon for sunset offers the best light. Clear days provide the most expansive views.
Expect stunning panoramic landscapes of Kos island, the Aegean Sea, and the charming village of Zia.
While drone usage might be restricted in certain areas, the open vistas offer great potential for aerial photography if permitted. Always check local regulations.
The summit itself offers the most dramatic views. Look for the Greek flag on your left as you approach the top for a key landmark.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. A tripod can be useful for sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children have appropriate footwear and plenty of water. Alternatively, many family-friendly resorts are located at the foot of Mount Dikeos, offering amenities like pools and beach access, such as the Mitsis Family Village.
+1 These resorts provide a comfortable base with easy access to the mountain's natural beauty without the strenuous hike.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
💑 Couples
Consider a sunrise hike for a truly special experience, followed by a leisurely breakfast in Zia. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mount Dikeos Hike: A Traveler's Guide
Starting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the intense heat and potential crowds. The trek can take around 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on your pace and fitness. While the summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding Aegean Sea, some days can be foggy, obscuring the vista. Despite potential challenges, the sense of accomplishment and the beauty of the landscape make it a rewarding endeavor.
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, it's possible to drive a significant portion of the way up the mountain, starting from Zia. This allows you to reach higher elevations with your vehicle, reducing the hiking time considerably. However, the roads can be rough, so a car with decent clearance is advisable.
+1Zia Village: The Gateway to Dikeos and Sunset Spectacles
+1Many visitors combine a hike up Mount Dikeos with a visit to Zia. After descending, you can enjoy a meal at one of the village's many tavernas, many of which boast terraces with prime sunset views. The Natural Park of Zia, located nearby, is also a tranquil spot where you might encounter roaming deer, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
Getting to Zia is relatively easy, with regular bus services from Kos Town and the option of driving. The drive itself offers scenic views as you ascend the mountain.
Social
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