Villages

If someone asked “what should I not miss out” while visiting the island, the one sure answer is its villages. A big part of Tinos’ magic is located there. If you have time to visit them all, each one has something to “say” and leave their mark on the map. Pyrgos, the largest village of the island, Volax, with its lunar rocky landscapes, Kardiani featuring fairy-tale houses and flowered courtyards, Dyo Horia (Two Villages) with the labyrinthine alleys and the beautiful square, Tarambados with its famous dovecotes, Panormos the fishing village, Ysternia with the wonderful views and Agapi with the unique architecture and beauty that takes you to the past, are a just some of those worth adding to your list.

Beaches

Another thing you won’t want to miss out on is the beaches of Tinos that are so different to each other satisfying every mood and taste. From the famous Kolimbithra beach that the surfers and the “cosmopolitans” adore, the sandy Rochari beach near Panormos village with the cool hippie vibes, the family beach of Agios Fokas and the suntrap Kionia beach, the wild Livada, the remote Apigania to the “secret” beach of Ballos that enchants those looking for wild beauty without being deprived of modern comforts, the only thing that’s certain is that here you have a wide variety of options on a blue backdrop.

Holy Church of Panagia of Tinos

Also known as Panagia Evangelistria, it is one of the island’s main attractions. People from all over the world travel here every year for worship. Built in 1823, it is distinguished for its brilliant architecture with the white Tinian marble causing admiration to anyone who sees it. It is also here that the icon of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary was found. It is worth visiting it and seeing the unique relics it has inside.

Chora

Most people may come to Chora to visit Panagia of Tinos, however make sure to make some time from a walk in its beautiful alleys with the sweet shops. There is always a little treasure for you to discover!

Gastronomy

The Tinian gastronomy comes as a captivating surprise to establish its presence on the culinary map. The island’s local products compose a delicious basket that every gourmet will appreciate. Artichokes, figs, local meats, wine and tsipouro are a small sample of the “fruits” of this land. The traditional Tinian recipes, including rice with artichokes, bobota (a type of pie), lahanodolmades (stuffed cabbage leaves), sausage and louza (sausage), endure in the pot of time and are generously offered to Greek and foreign visitors. On the island you will find traditional taverns as well as fine dining restaurants, groceries and authentic cafes that will take you back in time.

Tinos Food Paths, awarded as the best gastronomic festival in Greece, is held here every May, during which the Tinian businessmen highlight the island’s culinary “paths”. There is also the Aegean Cocktails & Spirits Workshop event that showcases Greek spirits and produce. During these days, top bartenders and journalists from Greece and around the world live an experiential three-day event aiming to put the spotlight on the importance and power of local produce.

Dovecotes

Dovecotes, the island’s trademark, are typical structures for housing and breeding pigeons and an excellent example of folk art. You will find them in every Cycladic island; however, Tinos is clearly the queen of dovecotes. In the village of Tarambados you will see the most impressive ones.

Art

Island and art are inextricably linked. Tinos has been the birthplace of many great artists (including Chalepas, Vitalis, Filippotis, Sohos, Gyzis and Lytras) who stood out with their sculpture and painting, as well as elaborate marble craftsmen that left their mark on art. It is worth visiting its museums, like the Museum of Marble Arts and Crafts and the Tinian Artists Museum, the Giannoulis Chalepas Museum (all in Pyrgos village), the Kostas Tsoklis Museum in Kampos, and the Archaeological Museum in Chora.

Lunar Landscapes

One of the things that make Tinos so uniquely beautiful is its otherworldly lunar landscapes. One of the most unique and imposing on a global level, is the one in Volax village with the huge granite rocks that seem to have fallen from the sky like other planets. Mythology wants the village to be the result of a battle of the Titans, where while playing stone throwing, they created this impressive image that the visitor faces today. Experts, however, claim that what we see is the corrosion effect of granite by air and moisture. It is worth mentioning that in the wider geographical “triangle” of Livada, Flatos and Exomvourgo you will find some of the most beautiful landscapes of the island.

Surf

The earthly paradise of surfers could be none other than the “island of Aeolus”. Strong winds, huge waves and wild waters compose a backdrop that raises the adrenaline to the max. Kolimbithra and Livada are the two most famous and ideal beaches for surfing, but that does not mean that they are the only ones! If you want to know more about all the beaches that provide perfect surfing conditions as well as the secrets that will make you an expert with your board, feel free to get in touch with Tinos Surf Lessons.

Activities

For many, the best way to explore a destination is on foot. Tinos, in recent years, through the remodelling and organization of old paths, reveals its unexplored aspects to the island’s guests. Go to https://www.tinostrails.gr to learn more about hiking options. If you are interested in a tour guide, feel free to contact us and we will arrange everything for you. Also, something that few people know about the activities of the island is that it is an international climbing destination. Contact the manager of the villas and he will inform you about the access, the routes, the difficulties, the areas, the weather and soil peculiarities that it is good to keep in mind before embarking on your favourite sport.