On the western coast of the island, the settlements of Zagora and Ypsili were well-organized and fortified and between the 8th and 7th centuries B.C. Andros played a significant role, since it was an important point of passage from Central Greece and Euboea to the Aegean. These settlements were abandoned or went into decline at the end of the 8th century, and their place was taken by the archaic city-state in the area of Palaiopoli. Info Zagora can be visited (there is a path that takes 20 minutes and is marked on the road between Stavropeda and Korthi). To reach the excavation in Palaiopoli you will have to ask for directions (there is no road; you need to go through farmland to reach it). The archaeological site of Ypsili is closed.