Further inland, in the southern part of the island, lie the so-called masticochoria (mastic villages). These well-preserved, fortified villages date from the 14th-16th centuries and were centres for the cultivation of mastic. Mastic is the sweet-tasting gum of the lentisk bush, which was exported all over the Mediterranean – and the area still produces around 300 tonnes of mastic every year. The most picturesque villages are Pyrgi, with its houses decorated in black and white geometric patterns called xysta Mesta, where towers and walls surround a baffling labyrinth of village streets as well as Olympoi and Vessa are all a worth a visit.

The Paddle Shack is an activity centre in Mariehamn. They have offered a varying range of sporting activities through the years, lately narrowing the scope of their services to paddleboard and kayak rentals, and offering kayaking courses. Their skilled instructors also organise a climbing school for groups.

"New Monastery" is a misnomer – this imposing religious institution was founded in the 11th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constanine IX Monomachos. It is, perhaps, the finest religious building in the Aegean islands, with mosaics that date back to the golden age of Byzantine religious art.