Above Syvros is the village
of Ayios Ilias, built at a very high altitude. It is the second highest mountain
village on the island after Englouvi
and the vegetation here is quite sparse because of the altitude. Ayios Ilias was
an old refuge for the locals seeking sanctuary from the regular pirate raids,
and flocks of sheep and goats were also kept here in the summer. Marantochori,
a large village with a long tradition, lies on the central road which leads from
Nydri to Vasiliki.
