Hidden in the surroundings, the "Mystras of the Aegean Sea, Anavatos is a well-preserved abandoned settlement. Its name indicates difficulty in climbing (i.e. an area not easily accessible). It is built amphitheatrically on the wild slopes for military reasons and can be accessed only from the north, just 16km away from Chora and 2-3 km from Avgonima. It was built by the same craftsmen that built Nea Moni. Its defensive wall allows the supervising of the west coastline. The natural environment and the castled houses with the small windows add a mysterious breeze in the atmosphere, while, in the summer, even the most remote corners are lighten.
Its fair-sized perimeter and noiseless presence are its main characteristic. During the massacre of 1822, it operated as a way of escaping slavery: when the Turks invaded the settlement, it served as Zaloggos- the inhabitants chose to jump off the edge rather than submit to the Turkish yoke.
Anavatos, discontinued from the sea and stretched in the wild beauty of North Chios with inapproachable trails, makes the visitors shiver, although it is deserted. A wonderful "three stores" building, where the water cistern, the school and the church of Taxiarchis and the Virgin Mary are located, is worth mentioning.