Fotos

The settlement of Vathi is amphitheatrically built on the foot of the hill and has 2900 inhabitants. During the 17th and 18th century the island was often attacked by pirates which stole, killed and captured people to sell them as slaves. To protect themselves from this menace, the people of Vathi built their homes in a valley between the mountains Koutsomylos and Varela. The houses were hidden in the dense forest of the area.

Vathi was primarily built on the remains of the ancient city which are still visible today. According to tradition, the first citizens came from Peloponnesus trying to escape from the Turks. It is also said that the forest around the city was burned by the people of Vathi so that the Turks couldn't make ships out of its lumber.

In 1678 Vathi had 400 houses and in 1828 it had 926 houses and 4.060 citizens. Vathi is known for its delicious figs called 'Mpouknes' that have both exceptional flavor and scent.

The visitor can enjoy wandering around the beautiful streets of Vathi, this is Pythagoras Square by the waterfront,having his coffee in traditional coffee-shops, dining in local taverns or visiting the night-clubs of the city.

The city preserves its traditional appearance. It is densely-built and has tiled streets and roofs. The originality and diversity of architecture is impressive.

In Vathi, there are many old churches and chapels as well as various sights. It has been proclaimed a 'Traditional Settlement'.