Palaio Pyli Castle

Palaio Pyli, or the Byzantine Castle of Old Pyli, is an abandoned settlement located on a hilltop, part of Mount Dikeois near the village of Pyli. Palio (old in Greek) Pyli is an abandoned settlement at the foot of the castle, located on a hilltop, part of Mount Dikeo. A trek to the top of the acropolis rewards you with a stunning view of the Aegean Sea, the neighboring islands of Kalymnos and Pserimos, and even parts of the Western Turkish Coast.

The ruins of the village and the castle itself exhibit almost four centuries of Greek history, from the Byzantine period to the Knights Templar occupation. The Old Pyli settlement is believed to have started in the 9th century. After the occupation of the Knights of St. John, the fortress was renovated in the 1300s. The place does not have any labels, so research beforehand would help. Even though cars run from the road to the foot of the old village, there's a steep uphill trek from Palaio Pyli to the castle through a rugged path, and it is easy to lose your way since there are no good signposts. The place is not wheelchair friendly. Entry to the castle and the village is free.