The west side of the island is covered with low hills and wind-shielded slopes, blessed with natural springs, numerous coves and sandy beaches, serving as an ideal location for the island’s first settlers. Along the coast, the remaining ruins of the ancient settlements serve as a testimony of permanent residential development since prehistoric times. It is a long journey of continuous progression over time into today’s great cultural, religious and commercial centres.

• Tower of Agios Petros ( around Gavrio )

pillar building of the 4th – 3rd BC; a fortress in a strategic location, safeguarding the area from enemy attack by sea.

• Open air Sanctuary of Zeus (Area of Katakoilos)

prehistoric sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.

• Geometric period settlement of Ypsili (Area of Aprovatou)

Fortified settlement 10th – 8th BC; you can see remains of house foundations, temples and the fortified citadel. It is an organised archaeological site.

• Paleopoli (Area of Paleopoli)

A settlement which flourished between the classical (6th BC) and the early byzantine (6th AD) period; it was the capital of Andros and a large fortified settlement; remains of house foundations, temples and fortification walls are preserved. Important archaeological finds are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Andros.

• Geometric period settlement of Zagora ( Area of Zagora )

Fortified settlement between 10th – 8th BC; parts of the strong fortifications still remain, together with houses, benches, storage units, courtyards and stables. There is evidence of earlier and later period settlements.

• Strofillas ( Area of Strofillas )

Traces of prehistoric settlements (4th century BC); a cave painting of a shipwreck has been salvaged inside a cave.

Byzantine Churches

• The Temple of Taxiarchis (Area of Messaria).
• The Temple of Taxiarchis (Area of Melida).
• The Temple of Taxiarchis (Area of Ypsilou).

Monasteries

• Monastery of Agia (14th century A.D).
Dedicated to Zoodocho Pighi (around the area of Batsi).
• Panachrantou Monastery (1442 A.D).
Dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary (access from the nearby village Ekso Vouni).