Tinos
Discover the homeland of famous Greek marble carvers
Tinos is the third largest island of Cyclades in the heart of the Aegean. An ideal destination for nature lovers, architecture and art enthusiasts, and also foodies! Tinos is the birthplace of famous Greek marble carvers such as Gyzis, Chalepas, Filippotis, and Lytras. The locals were instructed in the secrets of his craft by the renowned antique sculptor Phidias, so the narrative goes. Chapels, fountains, arches and pigeon lofts all showcase their magnificent craftsmanship.
Experience the island’s spiritual side
Due to its spiritual aura, the island of Tinos has a profoundly relaxing overall effect. Located at Tinos town, the church of panagia evangelistria is one of the most popular destinations for Greek pilgrims. Every year, people from all over the nation come to this massive church to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary that is kept there. Visit the island on August 15, when the Virgin Mary is honored and there are several celebrations happening all across the island, including feasts and food festivals.
Visit the scenic villages of Tinos
Little whitewashed settlements scattered throughout the highlands preserve the island's culture. Over 60 villages and 1500 orthodox and catholic chapels and churches, all of which have vibrant local cultures, are dispersed over the island, making it a true gem that deserves to be discovered. Visit Pyrgos, Ktikado, Kardiani, Loutra, and Tripotamos while you're on vacation to stroll through the charming squares and escape the heat by lounging beneath the sycamore trees!
Tinos' traditional villages are the island's biggest gems and every visitor should explore them. The little whitewashed villages scattered across the mountains preserve the island's tradition. During your vacation, visit Pyrgos, Ktikado, Kardiani, Loutra, and Tripotamos to wander around the beautiful squares, taste the local delicacies, and escape the heat by lazing under the sycamore trees that surround the villages.
The area around Volax has surreal topography including enormous stones, that are the remains of a volcanic eruption that occurred thousands of years ago. In the middle of this scenery is the village of Volax. The white cottages of the village contrast with the intense red of the rocks, giving the environment a distinctive natural attractiveness. These natural monoliths come in a variety of shapes.
In the centre of Tinos is the settlement of Kardiani, which is a must-see. Enjoy the town's historic architecture and the impressive view of the aegean sea below. Be sure to notice the stunning marble fountains and spectacular artistic lintels that resemble needlework, as they give this stone and marble settlement a distinctive appearance.
After leaving Kardiani, you'll come across the charming town of Isternia, which is home to marble craftsmen and is located on the Meroviglia slope with spectacular views. The village is located 20 kilometers west of Chora on the island. Wander through Isternia's alleys to see marble workshops and the Isternia's Artists Museum, which will give you a closer look at the islanders' love of art. The inner village is surrounded by marble-paved streets and features two-story houses with marble lintels, charming courtyards, and incredible arches. Isternia is well-known for its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and its neighboring islands.
Tino's highest village, Arnados, is located on the south flank of Mount Kechrovouni. Visit the Monastery and the Church Museum, as well as the Aegean Sea views and local cuisine. Don't leave without seeing the monastery of Kechrovouni (10th century), a large structure that resembles a fortified village. Take a look at the museum, which features icons from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as other important heirlooms.
Dovecotes are a feature of the Tinos landscape and are regarded as some of the most beautiful works of art in the Cyclades. There are more than 600 dovecotes, which are composed of slate, stone and limestone and decorated with lithographs and used to hold farmed doves and pigeons. Dovecotes can be generally found in the villages of Komi, Krokos Villages, Tarabados Valley and Kardiani Village.
Taste the gastronomic treasures of Tinos
Tinos is as rich in natural ingredients as it is in imagination when it comes to sharing its culinary creations, from its seafood and mountain herbs to its dairy products and wines. The traditional cuisine of Tinos includes mainly local products such as artichokes, dried tomatoes, capers, thyme honey, prickly pears and much more.
The dairy products and cheeses from the area are widely known. The dairy farmers on the island have helped to organize the large-scale production of milk while maintaining its high standards for purity. Befre you leave the island, you must definitely try delicious cheese (including the well-known round or ball kind boiled cheese) and a soft unsalted variety known as "myzithra" that is used in the classic Easter cheese pies. Kopanisti - a soft cheese with a peppery flavor that isn't heat-treated and is set with natural yeast - is the great monarch of local cheeses. The most typical cheese on Tinos is called Tinian Tyraki (Volaki or Sklavotyri) and it has a round form and can be either fresh or dried. In addition, delicious meat products such as sausages or syglina, and louza demonstrate the island's farming heritage and distinctive cuisine.
Be enchanted by the pristine beaches of Tinos
Prepare for a swim at some of the most beautiful beaches in the Aegean sea. There are beaches to suit every preference, from cosmopolitan, secluded, family, alternative, with or without amenities, with coarse or fine sand, pebbles, and many more. Some of the stunning and serene beaches that dot Tinos' coastline are Agios Ioannis, Porto, Agios Sostis, Agios Romanos, Agios Fokas, and Kionia. These beaches, which have smooth sand and clear water, are ideal for relaxing.
Two beaches with sand are located in the natural seawater basin known as Kolimbithra. The Panormos harbor, once used by marble exporters, is now a well-liked trip location. It is a beautiful location with sand beaches and brightly colored fishing boats. Ormos Isternion is also a little picturesque harbor with a nearby pebble beach and fishing houses next to the water.
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Tinos' museums contain timeless examples of Neohellenic marble sculpture. Sculptors such as Giannoulis Halepas, Dimitris Filippis, the Fitali brothers, Lazaros Sochos, and Georgios Vitalis have all left their imprints here. The Museum of Marble Crafts, located in Pirgos on the island of Tinos, is a one-of-a-kind showcase for the technology of marble, a material that has played a significant role in Greek building and art from antiquity to the present. The permanent display places a focus on pre- and proto-industrial Tinos, the most significant center of marble crafts in Modern Greece and describes the intricate meshing of equipment and techniques used in working marble in detail and live fashion.
In ancient times, one the most important sanctuaries of Poseidon was situated in Tinos, with breathtaking sea views to Delos and Rineia islands. Actually, Tinos was the only Cycladic island to have an entire temple devoted to Poseidon, the God of the sea. He was worshiped alongside his spouse, the sea nymph Amphitrite.
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Archaeological sites​
Getting to Tinos
This enchanting Greek island is located in the centre of Cyclades island group and is an ideal destination for island hopping, as it’s connected to many other islands in the Aegean with regular ferry crossings. By boat or plane, the island is conveniently close to both. If you're spending your holidays in Mykonos, hop on a ferry and in 20 minutes you will be there. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from one of the ports in Athens (Piraeus, Rafina) or one of the nearby islands to go to Tinos (Syros, Paros & Naxos). The nearest airports to Tinos are located in Mykonos and Athens.
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