VILLAGES

This is the capital and port of the island built on a hill protruding into the sea thus forming two bays: the port – Pera Yialos -and Livadi Bay. The peak is dominated by the fortress built of dark local stone from which one can see the glowing white domes of the Evangelistria and Aghios Georgios Churches sticking out. Around it are white houses with blue doors and windows and wooden railings on the balconies. Among them are churches and domed chapels. On the saddle of the hill are eight windmills, a unique jewel adorning Hora. Slightly further on is the traditional coffee house and further still is the Town Hall from whence the two main roads which lead up the hill to the Fortress begin. Each leads to a well known church, the Monastery of Panaghia Portaitissa on the Livadi Bay side and the Megali Panaghia Church on the Pera Yialos side.

The area of Pera Gialos is located at the heart of the capital and for many years was the main port of the island. At this time, is a very nice place to stay, especially for visitors who reach the island by their private boat, as it has a new marine.

A seaside village spread out along a small valley in Exo Nisi with a beautiful sandy beach. The second name ‘Maltezana’ makes reference to the pirates who pillaged the Aegean and found refuge in the island’s sheltered bays. The village hugs the bay with a long jetty at which fishing caiques moor. The orchards and vineyards go right down to the water’s edge. Tour boats can take visitors to the island’s beaches and the islets of Hondro, Ligno, Aghia Kyriaki, Koutsomytis, Syrna and Kounoupi.

A seaside village spread along a fertile valley on the inlet of the bay with the same name. Livadi is the island’s flower garden. The gardens with mandarin trees, orange trees, vines, and houses bedecked in flowers are spread along the entire length of the stream which terminates at a beautiful beach.

Vathi resembles are lagoon. The bay is almost completely closed off with an opening of just 50m. There are two small villages at Vathi: Exo Vathi which is at the mouth of the bay with its small jetty at which caiques moor and Mesa Vathi on the inlet of the bay with fields, a few trees and vineyards. Visitors can reach Vathi by road along a passable dirt track or by boat. There are regular sailings from Vai Bay.

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