In the pre-Hellenic period, the Carians were the first settlers of Tragaea (Agathonisi). In historical times, the island was inhabited by the Dorians, who were ousted by the Ionians of Miletus. In fact, a series of excavations has brought into light remains of very ancient buildings and settlements that date back to the above-mentioned periods.
The island owes its name to the large populations of the shrubby hare’s ear (Bupleurum fruticosum) that grow on the island.
During your sightseeing tour, you should visit some circular Byzantine buildings which are called tholoi and served as food storerooms.