In the central part of the island of Chios in about 16-17 km from the capital city of the same name is an abandoned medieval settlement Anavatos. The ancient town lies at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level on top of huge granite rocks, which can be accessed from only one side. This location was very convenient, as it allows to control the west coast of the island and provides relative safety of local residents from the constant raids of pirates, actively hunted in the region, and other invaders.

According to one version Anavatos Byzantines was founded as a settlement for woodcutters, who arrived here on the orders of Emperor Constantine IX Monomakh for the construction of the Monastery of Nea Moni. For centuries Anavatos flourished and perfectly protected its inhabitants. Local residents are mainly engaged in agriculture, growing grapes, olives and peanuts.

Externally Anavatos resembled a veritable fortress with built close to each other two-story stone houses with wooden roofs, low doors and small arched windows. Unfortunately, much of the building is now in a dilapidated condition, but nevertheless remained a unified architectural appearance of the medieval city. Near the gate of the city you can see the massive three-storey building, which housed the olive press, school and special water tanks. It survives to this day and the Taxiarchis church and the Virgin Mary.

1822 went down in history as one of the saddest pages of the Greek War of Independence. This year was fatal for residents Anavatosa. More than 400 women and children, to avoid the Turkish captivity, holding hands rushed over the cliff into the abyss. The village was empty, and after the earthquake in 1881 and was abandoned altogether.

Near Anavatosom is a temple of St. George, built in the 16th century, with well-preserved frescoes. Opposite the church is a memorial in memory of the battle of 1822.

Abandoned Anavatos town, which is also called "Mystras of the Aegean", is an important historical monument and one of the most interesting attractions of the island of Chios. Today there live just a few permanent residents.