Sacred Tinos: 10 travel tips for the Cycladic island

According to Greek mythology, Tinos the island of the wind god Aiolos. On hardly any other island does the summer wind Meltemi rage as fiercely as on Tinos. The third largest Cycladic island with its 8,600 inhabitants lives up to its name, because already at the ferry crossing a violent storm of six Beaufort blows towards us.

“The windswept island of Tinos is considered the sacred island of the Aegean Sea along with Patmos”

Tinos with its many snow-white villages is hardly known to international tourists. Almost every Orthodox Hellene has set foot on the island at some point. The magnificent church of Panagia Evangelistria in the capital is the most important Marian sanctuary in Greece and gave Tinos the status of a Holy Island.

Tinos is an island for individualists and spiritual vacationers. In addition to the almost 1,000 churches and chapels, lovers of Greece will also enjoy the enchanting Cycladic architecture and the unique dovecotes, relics from the Venetian occupation.

And the island also knows how to inspire culinary delights. The multitude of outstanding restaurants and taverns with creative Greek cuisine is second to none. Enclosed we present our 10 top highlights of Tinos:

#1 In the alleys of Tinos town

If you ask Greeks from other parts of the country about Tinos, you will often hear them rave about the beautiful marble villages on Tinos. There are said to be 50 “white villages” on the Cycladic island. They look like bright splashes of colour in summer, in the middle of an extremely barren landscape characterised by long drought.

The capital of Tinos, also called Chora, however, does not seem very inviting at first glance. Behind the turbulent harbour rise unadorned concrete buildings, typical Cycladic island architecture is not to be found here. Only the magnificent pilgrimage church shines sublimely on a hill above the city.

Have a nice view of Tinos town and by the way, you can enjoy the hinterland from the mini peninsula (Akrotiri) near the city beach Agali. To do this, follow Kazanova Street up the hill to a monument. Above the football stadium, a magnificent panorama of the city awaits you.

It takes some time to explore the beautiful corners of Tinos town on a walking tour. In the harbour area, you can park your vehicle in one of the parking areas, usually free of charge. From here it goes along the dead straight pilgrimage route »Megalocharis« first into the hidden side streets of the harbor district.

On the left, after about 200 m, is the street »Paximadi« where numerous pubs, hip bars and cafés await you. Especially in the evening it is worth a visit here, then the atmosphere in this district is exuberant.

On the right hand side of the pilgrimage road you will reach the “Gizi” alley, which leads you to a pretty square with a marble fountain house. From here you can explore the hustle and bustle of the cobbled bazaar alley »Evaggelistrias« or take a short coffee break a few meters away in the cool Bogan Bar.

On the long souvenir mile of Evaggelistria, there are religious souvenirs, such as icons and votive tablets, as well as numerous tourist souvenirs. In between, you’ll find tasteful little shops and boutiques. If you are looking for a culinary souvenirs from Tinos you should stop by the shop »Karpos Tinian Traditional Products«.

A visit to the Nissos Brewery

In the east of Tinos town, friends of the finest craft beer will get their money’s worth. Nissos Beer was founded in 2012 as the first brewery in the Cyclades on the island of Tinos and is now considered the largest microbrewery in Greece. The beer is not only sold in Greece, but now worldwide, from America to Australia.

The first brewed and still most popular variety is the Greek Island Pilsner, with a hoppy strong taste. In addition, there are a handful of other varieties, including an organic warehouse (our favorite!). The sympathetic Nena gives an informative insight into the brewery in 40 minutes, followed by an extensive tasting.

Appointments for viewing should be requested 2-3 days in advance. The brewery does not offer a factory outlet, but right next door there is a well-stocked liquor store that stocks all Nissos beers. Prices in stores: from about 2 € per bottle, prices in restaurants: from 4 € per bottle upwards. More information and appointment booking at: Nissos Beer

#2 Panagia Evangelistria: Landmark of the Holy Island

The dead straight pilgrimage road Megalochari leads you up to the landmark of Tinos, the pilgrimage church of Panagia Evangelistria. It is the most important Orthodox Marian pilgrimage site in Greece.

Throughout the year, numerous Orthodox believers from all over the world are drawn to the »Lourdes of the Aegean« to receive the blessing of the Mother of God. Out of reverence, they slide up the road from the harbor to the church on their knees. To ensure that the trousers or knees are not completely chafed at the end, a kind of carpet was laid on the right hand side of the curb.

The flow of pilgrims reaches its climax every year at Assumption Day on August 15 and on March 25 for the Annunciation of Mary. Then the bellies of the ferries overflow and almost every accommodation on Tinos is fully booked. The accommodation prices are many times higher than usual at this time.

If you don’t necessarily visit the island for this event, we recommend that you plan your holidays on Tinos at least at intervals of two weeks before or after 15 August or 25 March.

The pilgrimage site of the Cyclades

Once at the top of the hill, you stand on a square made of sea pebble mosaics and enter the courtyard of the large complex through the monastery complex, which offers a view of the monumental marble church building. A red carpet accompanies the visitor to the entrance.

In the dark interior, the scent of incense flows towards you. Under a canopy of marble stands the miraculous Marian icon Megalocharis (Blessed Mother of Great Grace), which can hardly be recognized by the numerous offerings made of precious precious metals.

After making a monetary donation, you can light a candle and turn to the magnificent iconostasis with its images of saints. Striking are the numerous votive tablets, small metal pendants with various symbols (e.g. child, heart, arm), which are hung on the respective icons in gratitude for a fulfilled wish.

The catacombs below the church tell the story of the monumental building, which dates back to the 19th century. In 1823, the miraculous icon of Mary was consecrated by the Nun Pelagia after a vision on this very hill.

The construction of a small chapel was then started, on which the large monastery complex was later built. Even today, an altar can be found in the vaults below the church, as well as a baptismal font and the Sacred spring of Tinos, where believers fill small bottles.

#3 Tinos’ white villages

While in the less than 15 km away Mykonos thousands of holidaymakers cavort every day during the season, only a few die-hard Hellas fans and mainland Greeks end up in Tinos.

By doing this, the charming villages of Tinos don’t need to hide behind Mykonos Chora. On the contrary, all the villages on the island have the typical white Cycladic architecture, which makes the hearts of friends of Greece beat faster. They look like oases in the barren landscape of Tinos.

The 47 villages vary in size, from a handful of houses to partly urban settlements, such as Pyrgos. In almost all villages you will find a platia (village square) with usually a tavern or a coffee house, as well as a pretty snow-white village church.

In the winding, partly marble-paved alleys, great photo motifs await you, often colorful bougainvillea climb up house facades. You can enjoy the loving details, such as slate ornaments and marble light windows. Some villages were even partly made of Tiniotian marble (see: #8 Walk through Kardiani).

In the heart of the island, around the striking island mountain Exomvourgo, are most of the villages, most of which were founded in the Middle Ages. Of course, one stay alone is not enough to visit all the villages of Tinos.

Dyo Choria

Dyo Choria means something like “two places” and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful settlements on Tinos. The village has a strong medieval character, with winding streets, arcades and a main square worth seeing with taverns and cafes under plane trees. A walk through the white village is worthwhile!

→ Recommended tavern: Akrovatis

Falatados

Falatados is the second largest village on Tinos after Pyrgos and has a long history. In September, a raki festival (rakizio) takes place. The main square Megalochari captivates with the imposing Cathedral Ag. Triada. Two kilometers north you will find the »Falatados Rock Site«, a cluster of large granite balls.

Kampos

Kampos was the home of the nun Pelagia, who found the holy icon of Mary in 1823. The village has remained unspoilt and exudes a special tranquility. Kampos has two honorable churches, Ag. Triada (Catholic) and Αg. Aikaterini (Orthodox). At the entrance to the village, it is worth visiting the museum of the artist Kostas Tsoklis.

→ Recommended tavern: Choreftra

Komi

Komi is located in the valley of Livadi, the most fertile plain in Tinos. The settlement of the place dates back to ancient times and a detour to Komi is worthwhile! The pretty Platia next to the huge Ag. Ioanni’s church invites you to linger for hours. At the old village fountain there is a picture gallery of pigeon towers in the region.

→ Recommended tavern: Komissa

Triantaros

For many, Triantaros is one of the most beautiful places on Tinos. The village nestles picturesquely like a balcony on the terraced slope. During a walk through the pretty alleys with arcades, numerous photo opportunities await you. However, you have to be good on foot, because there are some steps to overcome.

Steni

Steni is located at the foot of the highest mountain of Tinos, the Tsiknias with 727 m. The aesthetic Cycladic architecture, as well as the many stone arches in the village are striking. Rustic taverns invite you to linger. In the area you will find the Tinos- Wineries Vaptistis, T-OINOS and De Kalathas (Viewing by telephone arrangement).

→ Recommended tavern: Amiséli

Volakas (also Volax)

Volakas is one of the most interesting places on the island. You can find out more about the village, which is located in the middle of a bizarre rocky landscape, at: #7 The granite forest of Volax

#4 The pigeon towers of Tinos

Like most others Greek Islands Tinos was also under Venetian rule for a long time. From 1207 to 1715, the flag of the Lion Republic flew almost continuously on Tinos, making it the island with the longest reign of the Venetians among all the Mediterranean islands.

Even after the conquest by the Ottomans in 1715, Tinos retained many special rights due to its relations with the Catholic Church. Even today, almost half of the Tiniotes profess the Roman Catholic faith, almost a novelty in Orthodox Greece.

From Venetian times come the island’s typical pigeon towers »Peristeriónas«, architecturally remarkable tower buildings with geometric and sometimes imaginative patterns of slate slabs, which served as nesting sites. The pigeons resided upstairs, the lower area was used as a storage room.

Carrier pigeons were widespread in Venetian times, Tinos was considered a good location due to its central location. The pigeon manure was brought to the fields as a fertilizer rich in substrate. Between 600 and 800 pigeon towers are spread across Tinos, from the inconspicuous ruin to the newly renovated holiday home.

There are a particularly large number of well-preserved pigeon houses on the outskirts of Tarambados see. You can enjoy a great view of the white pigeon towers from an unpaved parking lot above the village. The hidden hamlet of Agapi in the northern highlands also offers some pigeon towers. They are located below the village and stretch photogenically through a green valley.

#5 Exobourgo: Kastro of Tinos

The Exomvourgo, also known as the Exobourgo, the most striking mountain of Tinos. It is located about 12 km north of Tinos town. The rough and massive rocky summit of the 640 m high mountain catches your eye from afar.

Thus, people have always been attracted to the Exomvourgo. The first traces of settlement date back to the Copper Age. One Demeter Temple is said to have been on the summit in ancient times. Old wall remains from the Ionic period can still be found today.

In Byzantine times, a Kastro was built on the Exobourgo. The Venetians reinforced this Castle of Tinos in the 13th and 14th centuries to defend the island from the Ottomans and at the same time moved the capital here. In the Middle Ages, about 1,000 people lived around the mountain.

The strategic location of the fortress allowed the Venetians to rule Tinos for almost 500 years. Only in 1537 did the Pirate Barbarossa for a short time to take Tinos for the Ottomans. It was not until 1715 that Tinos finally fell to the Ottoman Empire under siege of 25,000 soldiers.

Ascent to the summit

Today, unfortunately, only remains of the former fortress can be seen. Until Monastery »Iera Kardia Iisou«, just below the Kastro, you can drive up by car. From here starts a short but steep climb, which takes you to the summit in about 15 minutes.

The view of Tinos to Mykonos and Delos, as well as Syros is unique. At the top there is a summit cross and a few ruins to visit. Great photo opportunities are offered by a few ruin windows on top of Exobourgo on a clear and windless day, otherwise it is very stormy at the top of the summit.

Below the Exobourgo lies the village of 35 souls Loutra, in which time seems to have stood still. Loutra is one of the oldest settlements on Tinos and has attracted many believers in the past. In the garden of the former Ursuline convent (order of Protestant nuns), the Café Serviam Established. Coffee and small snacks are served here in an extremely idyllic atmosphere.

#6 Beautiful beaches in Tinos

The island of Tinos is not necessarily considered a Greek beach paradise and for a pure beach holiday we would probably visit other Cycladic islands such as Naxos prefer.

Nevertheless, you can of course also jump into the Aegean Sea on Tinos, provided you catch a windless day. Especially on the beaches in the north and east, high waves and a fresh breeze are not uncommon in midsummer.

The island is rugged and so are most of its beaches. Many coves of Tinos consist of grey-brown sand or gravel. When the sea is not churning up, you can still bathe in crystal clear waters.

Agios Fokas Beach

Agios Fokas beach starts about one kilometer east of Tinos town. Despite the proximity to the capital, you will find many quiet and partly natural places on the elongated bay with a gray sandy beach. On a striking hilltop at the eastern end of the beach was once the Venetian Fortress »Vriokastro«.

On the Agios Fokas Beach you will find the cozy Sundara Bar. In a very chilled atmosphere, the friendly staff serves delicious snacks and drinks. The cosy ambience exudes holiday flair on Tinos. Perfect for a Freddo with an ocean view.

Coves near Kionia

West of the Kionia Beach, which is dominated by a large hotel bunker, you will find a few quiet little bays below the road. The natural sandy beaches slope quite gently into the clear sea and are wonderful for an undisturbed beach day.

Kolimbithra Beach

In the north of Tinos, at the mouth of the reed-covered Livadi valley, lies the wide bay of Kolimbithra, also known as the Megali Ammos called.

The coarse sandy beach, with its dunes that reach into the hinterland, is one of the most beautiful beaches on Tinos and drops quite deep into the sea. When the wind blows from the north, there are metre-high waves here, which the local Tinos Surf School .

The beach bar with a Volkswagen Bulli provides cool drinks as well as creative parasols and a few sandbags as sunbathing areas. One bay further is the small Kolimbithra beach (also Mikri Ammos) and at the very end of the road is Apothikes Beach.

Livada Beach

Natural pebble beach in the northeast of Tinos, which is framed by bizarre rocks. To the left of the bay, a small river flows into the sea, in which turtles often frolic, and on the shore you will meet ducks and geese.

Especially on windless days, a visit to the Livada Beach, then the clear sea is pleasant for swimming. The approach is via a gravel road, which was also easily passable for our small car.

Pachia Ammos Beach

Dune-lined bay in the southeast of Tinos. A trail leads you down to the natural sandy beach with a fairly shallow entrance into the sea. Since there is no operator and no shady trees, you should bring your own parasol. Above the beach, there is a country club refreshing drinks.

Rochari Beach

In the northwest, not far from the coastal town of Panormos, lies the grey sandy beach of Rochari, which is lined with a few tamarisk trees. When the north wind is not predominant, the sea here is pleasantly calm.

The beach slopes quite gently into the water, so it is also suitable for families with children. The cosy beach bar on site offers parasols and seat cushions or bags for hire.

Santa Margarita Beach

Pretty bay with sandy beach in the east of the island. Outside the high season, the unorganized beach is very quiet. There are some tamarisk trees on the shore, the sea water is clean and quite shallow.

The approach to the beach is via a steep and narrow concrete track. Above the bay lies the Catholic Monastery of Panagia ton Aggelon, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the east coast.

#7 The granite forest around Volax

In the northeast of Tinos you can expect an extremely bizarre landscape scenery made of huge round granite boulders. It looks as if the Greek gods once played with balls here.

At the heart of this curious moonscape rises the village of Volax (also Volakas), which is a popular starting point for so-called bouldering, especially for outdoor sports enthusiasts. A walk through the photogenic village with its white cube houses and colourful flower pots is entertaining and worthwhile.

Among other things, there is a photogenic main street with small shops and the cozy Café Kafe-nai. The many houses that were built directly on rocks are striking. At the entrance to the village, beautiful wickerwork is sold, basket making has its origins in Volax on Tinos.

On the northern edge of the village you will come to a washhouse with a spring and village well. Further towards the end of the village is a field with interesting rock formations where you can take great photos. East of the village you will find a small amphitheatre, which offers a beautiful view of Volax from the top row.

💡 Vineyards near Volax: Especially in the evening, it is worthwhile to drive from Volax even further towards Volacus Winery. Then the warm evening sun bathes the entire granite landscape in a warm light and you feel a bit like you’re on another planet. A tour of the winery, which is well worth seeing, is possible Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 5 p.m. More information at: Volacus Wine

#8 Walk through Kardiani

Below the connecting road from Tinos town to Pyrgos hides this beautiful marble village. Besides Pyrgos, Kardiani on Tinos enchanted us the most. The white village is picturesquely situated on a slope and, embedded in lush vegetation, offers fantastic views of the coastal plain.

At the entrance to the village there are a few parking spaces where you can park your car. On foot we then go into the narrow maze of alleys of the traditional village.

Between white houses, which are sometimes spanned by round arches, you will discover numerous photo motifs. In the centre of Kardiani lies the quaint Kafenion Dimitra. Behind it you get to the historic washhouse with a spring and to the church of Agia Triada, from which you have a great view of the village.

We were always accompanied on our tour of Kardiani by beautiful photographs on the walls of houses, which documented the village life of times long past and showed the place from a very personal and authentic side.

Below the marble village lies the fishing hamlet of the same name Ormos Kardiani with its Giannaki Beach. The coastal town is known for its Tavern O Ntinos, which serves excellent Tinian cuisine. An asphalt road runs to the tavern, then we continue on a gravel road to Giannaki beach (sand-gravel mix).

#9 Pyrgos: The Marble Treasure of the Island

As soon as the name Tinos is mentioned by the Greeks, an extensive raving about the village of Pyrgos follows shortly afterwards. Located in the far northwest is Pyrgos, also called Panormos, the largest village on the island and a real gem.

After a winding drive through barren mountain landscape, the view falls on a white sea of houses with magnificent church buildings. On the western outskirts of the village there is a large free parking lot and directly opposite you go into the enchanting alleys of the marble village. Pay attention to the numerous small details on the walls of the houses, much of it was made of marble.

The Marble quarrying and the processing of the precious stone have a very long tradition in this region and date back to antiquity. Many artists and sculptors come from Pyrgos and some still run workshops and studios in the village today.

The prestigious Sculpture School is located on the highest point of the village near the Marble Museum. Along the picturesque alleys of Pyrgos you will find numerous pretty boutiques and studios, which are sometimes closed for the siesta (2 – 6 pm).

The most beautiful viewpoint in Pyrgos is the platia with its large plane tree and the marble fountain house. The village square with its numerous cafés was packed even when we visited in September. We had a particularly nice seat and, as is so often the case on Tinos, also excellent food, in the Athmar Café on the Platia.

Lunch break in Ormos Panormou

If it’s too much hustle and bustle in Pyrgos, stop by Ormos Panormou in the meantime, 3 km away. The tranquil coastal town was once a busy commercial port of Tinos. In the old days, marble was shipped out of the tunnels that had been excavated in the area.

Around the bulbous harbour pier In the fishing village, cafés and taverns invite you to take a lunch break or a coffee stop. We ate particularly delicious at the Maru directly on the waterfront.

The tamarisk-lined beach section of the Stafida Beach can be used for a short refreshment. From here you also have a good view of the Rocky island Planitis with its lighthouse.

If you are good on foot, a real Tinos insider tip awaits you at Kavalourko Beach at the northern end of the bay. Here, an artist has created a relief of the wind god Aiolos carved into the rock.

By the way: If the fishing village of Ormos Panormou looks familiar to you, then you may have already seen the German feature film »Highway to Hellas« (View on Amazon*), many of which were filmed right here.

Koumelas and Malli

With an off-road vehicle, you can take a detour to the coastal towns of Malli and Koumelas in the very northwest. The wild landscape knows how to inspire and the scenery resembles a pirate’s nest. Green marble was once mined here, and the old tunnels are located directly on the sea. In recent years, some “illegal summer houses and huts” have been built in both villages.

#10 Culinary highlights on Tinos

Just because of the culinary offer, we would visit Tinos again. What is on the table here in many places is creative Greek cuisine sometimes at gourmet level, which is well above the average of other Greek islands.

Almost every village is home to at least one, usually even several taverns or restaurants, which serve visually very appealing and extremely tasty Greek cuisine with international influences. And the whole thing usually at a very fair price-performance ratio.

Where on other islands you can find a good tavern after a long search, on Tinos you are really spoilt for choice. We have put together a small selection of our personal favorites listed. But the list can certainly be extended on the next visit:

Tinos restaurants: Our recommendations

Athmar Café, Pyrgos

Nice café overlooking the Platia of Pyrgos. Very friendly staff and fair prices. We found the quinoa salad, the stuffed pita bread and the zucchini balls particularly delicious.

Akrovatis, Dyo Choria

Cozy restaurant in a beautiful location in the village square of Dyo Choria. The tomato salad, Skordalia (garlic dip) with chickpeas and the keftedes (meatballs) were particularly tasty.

Komissa, Komi

Superb restaurant with gourmet level food in the heart of Komi. Both on the Platia and in the cozy courtyard you can feast wonderfully. The three owners Konstantinos, Markos and Laertis run Komissa with a lot of passion and take Greek cuisine to a new level! All dishes were delicious, from lamb to Tinos salad.

Krok Monsieur, Krokos

The breakfast location on Tinos! Here you will find everything you need for a rich breakfast or a snack in between, from delicious avocado toast, delicious omelettes to heavenly pancakes. The tasteful ambience and the friendly staff invite you to linger forever.

Maru, Ormos Panormou

The thought of the Maru still makes our teeth drip today. The crab balls, the maru salad and the anchovies in the oven – a taste explosion! The modern restaurant is somewhat inconspicuous between all the traditional restaurants directly on the waterfront. Despite the upscale cuisine, we found the price-performance ratio very fair!

Sta Fys Aera, Aetofolia

Quaint tavern in the hamlet of Aetofolia offering homemade Greek cuisine. The staff was a bit reserved, but worth a visit just because of the delicious mezedes and the cozy atmosphere.

Choreftra, Kampos

Tavern in the heart of Kampos. The friendly owner family serves delicious Greek cuisine and island-typical specialties. We particularly remember the aubergine dip (Melitzanosalata), the Tiniotic pasta and the meat dishes with homemade mashed potatoes!

More Tinos tips for your holiday

Guided tours and activities in Tinos

The best way to explore the island of Tinos is by renting a car on your own. As a tour operator, Tinos Unveiled offers numerous activities. From island tours to city tours, everything is in the program. In addition, there is the opportunity to take part in a cooking course in the Tiniotic cuisine Immerse.

→ You can find out more about it here: Tinos Unveiled

Accommodation in Tinos

Similar to the neighboring island Andros Tinos lives mainly from individual tourism. According to this, you will find numerous family-run hotels, tasteful holiday homes and villas, as well as modern studios and apartments on the island.

→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodation in Tinos and you can check prices here:

Here we spent the night here

Villa Aerino, Kampos

We spent a week in the beautiful Villa Aerino in the central village of Kampos. Host Antonis and his mother Maria were very helpful and made sure we were completely comfortable during our stay on Tinos.

The spacious Tinos-Villa for 4 people is located directly in the center of Kampos and offers a large living room, a well-equipped kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms.

On the cozy outdoor terrace with lounge corner it can be wonderfully relaxed. Villa Aerino is very well equipped for self-catering and has been tastefully decorated in a traditional island style.

From the bedroom and kitchen you can enjoy a great view of the Exobourgo mountain. Below the villa is the Taverna Choreftra, which serves excellent Tinian food in the evening. On Booking.com* you can book the accommodation directly if needed:

➲ Book Villa Aerino*

Getting around Tinos

With an east-west extension of about 27 km, the island of Tinos can be wonderfully discovered with a hired car. You can find local rental companies especially around Tinos town. We can recommend the following car rental companies on Tinos:

• Vidalis Tinos Rent a Car & Bike
• Dimitris Rent A Car Tinos Island
• Jason Tinos Rent a Car

The public buses from KTEL company connects the main towns in Tinos, from Chora to Pyrgos. However, the times are more dependent on the local population, so you are more flexible with your own wheeled vehicle. You can find the current bus schedules at: KTEL Tinos

Getting to the island of Tinos

Since the island does not have an airport, you can reach Tinos only by ferry from Athens. Regular connections are available from both the port of Piraeus and Rafina (Athens East). The large ferries of Blue Star and Golden Star call at Tinos several times a week. On the Ferryhopper* portal you can search for suitable ferry connections and check prices:

➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*

A direct flight from Germany (or AT, CH) to Athens or Mykonos. From Piraeus the ferry takes about 4.5 hours, from Rafina it is 3 hours 45 minutes. The shortest ferry connection is 35 minutes from the neighboring island of Mykonos, so Tinos can also be easily integrated into a Greece Island Hopping integrate.

→ All information and travel reports about the Cyclades archipelago can be found at: Cyclades Islands

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