Hora is the island’s capital, its administrative center, and its harbor. It offers all modern conveniences year-round. A number of monuments in Hora, such as Portara, the archaeological site of Grotta, and the Venetian castle, attest to its past. The archaeological museum and Vassilis and Kathy Koutelieris folk museum collection are located in Hora. In summer, holidaymakers flock to Ai Yioryis beach, a long stretch of sand to Hora’s south, while some swimmers prefer the waters at Grotta beach, to Hora’s north, just beyond the port. Local products are sold in the market, alongside folk art, artifacts, clothing, and jewelry. There are dozens of restaurants and taverns where visitors can sample local dishes, as well as a range of establishments catering for all types of nightlife. There is regular public transportation from Hora to all villages and beaches.
Halki. Located in the middle of the Tragea plain, Halki is the administrative center of the second largest settlement on the island-the municipality of Drymalia, which includes the villages of Tragea and mountain areas. Tragea is fertile and densely cultivated with olives and other fruit trees; since antiquity, it has been one of the most fertile and productive parts of the island. The plain is ringed by a number of villages-Kaloxylos, Akadimoi, Heimarros, Tsikaliaro, Damarionas, and Damalas. The area is known as the "Little Mystras" because of the large number of churches located there, most dating from the sixth through the 14th century.