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.

Over 25,000 items are on-hand to teach visitors about the area's pioneer history at Estes Park Museum. Some artifacts date all the way back to the Ice Age. History tours are available.

A visit to Sweden's largest waterfall is a must for anyone coming to Åre. In the summer, the falls are incredibly powerful, while in the winter, beautiful ice formations occur, and seeing the water surge over the ice is a very special experience. The rapids are also lit up at night, adding a magical dimension to the water and ice.