3. Pyli – Palaio Pyli – Amaniou

Set off from the Pyli square and climb uphill following the road. After walking 200 meters turn left at the sign pointing towards the “Harmylos Monument” that is located a few steps ahead. After passing by the monument turn right before the next crossroad into an olive grove field and climb uphill. Keep climbing up the hill after crossing the ravine until you come across a path leading to a dirt road. Turn right at that point in order to reach the top of the hill. From there you will see the ruins of a building on the opposite hill, which is where you’ll be heading next and a military canopy down to your left. Walking downhill you will leave the dirt road behind and follow a trail that will take you above the derelict house. Look for a flat field next to it. At its right end you will find a hole in a wall. This is the starting point of a cobblestone trail passing through bushes, oak trees and derelict stone farmhouses. The trail becomes narrower after a left curve near the church of Agios Georgios but the view of the northern coastline of the island as well as of Kalymnos and Pserimos will win you over. Turn left at the top and follow another dirt road. After passing by another farmhouse and a drinking trough you’ll come across the ruins of the byzantine castle. Afterwards you’ll pass through the abandoned settlement of Palaio Pyli that was built at a naturally fortified position to ward off pirate attacks. Pirates never managed to raid the village but a cholera outbreak in 1830 resulted in the evacuation of the whole settlement. Enjoy the view of the northern coastline from the castle before heading back. Walking back turn right 50 meters before the parking lot and follow the path leading to the church of Agios Vasileios. After reaching the church follow the dirt road downhill. Turn left at the first crossroads and you will come across the cobblestone trail that connected the church with the village. A few steps ahead you will reach a dirt road that leads to the Amaniou settlement. After that point, follow the main asphalt concrete road and it won’t be long before you return to Pyli.