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 36 most beautiful greens are between glacier, mountain & lake The Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club consists of two equally good 18-hole courses. Their names are "Kitzsteinhorn" and "Schmittenhöhe". Golfers will find flat terrain, natural biotopes, ponds surrounded by reeds and fairways full of variety in park-like grounds in the shadow of the region's two famous mountains. The stunning natural scenery of the Hohe Tauern and the Pinzgau Grass Hills add further flair.

Located only twenty minutes from Pescara, Chieti is a pleasantly provincial hillside town. A magnificent Gothic cathedral looms over Chieti, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The local Archaeological Museum (Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Antichità) is particularly intriguing. It is situated in a villa surrounded by a park and contains various archaeological finds, such as Roman statues and tombs.