TINOS
Tinos
Tinos is definitely an island to consider if you’re planning a trip to the Cyclades. This gorgeous island is a hidden gem and the perfect combination of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and cultural heritage.
Tinos is the third-largest island in the Cyclades, covering an area of around 194 square kilometers. The island’s landscape is characterized by rocky hills, green valleys, and stunning beaches, which makes it a paradise for hikers and beach lovers alike.
One of the most distinctive features of Tinos is its traditional villages, which are scattered throughout the island. These villages are known for their picturesque architecture, narrow alleys, and quaint squares. One of the most famous villages is Pyrgos, which is considered the cultural capital of Tinos. Pyrgos is home to a variety of museums, art galleries, and workshops, where visitors can learn about the island’s rich artistic heritage.
Another interesting feature of Tinos is its dovecotes. These small stone buildings were traditionally used to house pigeons, which were a valuable source of food and fertilizer. Today, many of these dovecotes have been restored and converted into charming holiday homes or bed and breakfasts, making them a unique accommodation option for visitors.
If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be happy to know that Tinos also has a thriving wine industry. The island’s soil and climate are ideal for growing a variety of grape varieties, including the rare and unique Tinos Mavro. There are several wineries on the island that offer wine tasting tours and other activities, where you can sample the local wines and learn about the wine-making process.
Best for: Tinos really does have broad appeal with something for everyone.
Not best for: Those looking for the classier type of bars and shops perhaps.
Best places to stay on Tinos
It’s not easy to work out where the best location is to stay in Tinos and it may well come down to your own preferences of where you like to base yourself.
Tinos Town: If you want to stay in the heart of the action, Tinos Town is the perfect place to be. You’ll find a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments within walking distance of the port and the town’s main attractions. Some popular options include Hotel Pallada, Tinos Resort, and Vidalis Hotel.
Villages: Tinos has many picturesque villages that offer a quieter, more authentic experience than Tinos Town. In Pyrgos, you can stay at the elegant Selana Suites, which features spacious rooms with stunning sea views. In Isternia, you can check out the traditional stone houses at Isternia Villas or the charming rooms at Aigaio Studios. Other villages to consider include Triantaros, Kardiani, Tripotamos and Volax.
Coast: If you’re looking for a beach vacation, there are plenty of options along Tinos’ beautiful coastline. Agios Sostis Beach is a popular spot with crystal-clear waters and soft sand, and you can stay nearby at Agios Sostis Bay. Kionia Beach is another popular choice, and you can stay at the comfortable and affordable Porto Vidali Hotel. For a more luxurious option, check out the beautiful seaside suites at Tinos Beach Hotel.
Best sights on Tinos
Dovecotes: Tinos is famous for its ornate dovecotes, which were traditionally used to house pigeons for their eggs and fertilizer. These unique buildings are found throughout the island and are decorated with intricate patterns and designs. You’ll see them everywhere but some notable dovecotes to check out include the ones in Tarambados, Kampos, and Skalados.
Marble Villages: Tinos is also known for its traditional marble villages, which feature beautifully crafted houses, churches, and other buildings made from local marble. The village of Pyrgos is particularly famous for its marble architecture, and you can visit the Marble Museum there to learn more about the island’s history and traditions.
Wineries: Tinos has a long tradition of winemaking, and there are several excellent wineries on the island that offer tours and tastings. Some top wineries to visit include T-Oinos and Domaine de Kalathas. Make sure you sample some Mavrotragano, one of the local specialities.
Panagia: The most famous landmark in Tinos is the Panagia Evangelistria, or the Church of Our Lady of Tinos. This important pilgrimage site is visited by thousands of believers each year (you might see some making their way up the main street to the church) who come to venerate the icon of the Virgin Mary. The church is also a beautiful example of Greek Orthodox architecture, with a grand facade and stunning interior.
Best beaches on Tinos
Perhaps they are not the most spectacular in the Cyclades but Tinos has a good range of beaches.
Agios Fokas is located just a few kilometers from Tinos Town and is a long sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.
Kolympithra is actually two beaches, known as Kolympithra East and Kolympithra West, separated by a rocky hill. Both beaches offer golden sand, turquoise waters, and excellent wind conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. There are several beach bars and tavernas in the area, serving fresh seafood and refreshing drinks.
Agios Ioannis Porto is a long and wide sandy beach is located on the north side of Tinos, about 8 km from the town. It is a popular spot for families with children, as the shallow waters are safe for swimming. The beach is surrounded by tamarisk trees, offering plenty of natural shade.
Livada is located on the south side of Tinos, It is a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and fine sand. It is surrounded by rugged cliffs, offering a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and swimming. There are no bars or tavernas on the beach, but there is a small taverna nearby serving traditional Greek food.
Agios Sostis is a small, picturesque beach located on the northwest side of Tinos, near the village of Kardiani. It is a quiet and peaceful spot, with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the sunset.
And finally Ormos Ysternia which has a small, sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, which is popular with families with young children. The beach is organized, with sun loungers and umbrellas available for rent, and there are several tavernas and cafes nearby where you can enjoy a cold drink or a meal.
Best restaurants and bars on Tinos
With multiple centres and villages there are plenty of drinking and eating options for visitors.
In Tinos Town Mikro Karavi serves up well presented food in an attractive courtyard setting – friendly service too. At the end of the port near the football ground, you’ll find the seafood restaurant Tarsanas which does a good trade with the locals (always a good sign). Other good options are To Koutouki Tou Antoni and Koukoutsi.
If you head north west along the coast , you’ll find O Ntinos below Kardiani and the well respected To Thalassaki (complete with ‘splash’ tables) below the Ysternia village.
Heading further on to the attractive Pyrgos village you’ll find a good selection of eating places. There’s Dough & Shaker if you want a break from Greek food and Athmar if you want to get a good view of the main square and ‘eat like a local’.
Then on to Panormos you’ll find another group of restaurants including To Limanaki and Maru.
For drinking, Tinos has one of my all time favourite bars – Mayou at Ysternia. A great setting with a magical view, eclectic music vibes and a good range of drinks and food make this a place not to miss. Three Donkeys, Santiago and Koursaros make sure you wont go thirst in Tinos Town.
Tinos Town also offers a number of cafes in the laneways for breakfast or lunch. Mikro cafe is a good place with a nice selection of food options and good coffee – Moxa Espresso bar also serves up good quality coffee.
Island hopping from Tinos
No airport on Tinos but it’s a very short and regular ferry crossing to Mykonos and Tinos also connects well with Andros.
Tinos tips
Pyrgos is best experienced when the crowds are away so give Sundays a miss if you can and drive on if you see a lot of tour buses around. Do the touristy thing of sampling some galatkoboureko under the village square trees.
Visit the wineries – Volacus, T-Oinos and Mylonas to sample the white varieties Malvasia and Assyrtiko, and the red varieties Mandilaria and Mavrotragano. And don’t forget the local beer – Nissos Brewery located in the north east of Tinos Town.
Hiring a car and driving around Tinos to visit the various beaches and villages is highly recommended. The driving is generally easy, distances manageable and there’s plenty to see. Vidalis is there to take care of all your car hire needs.
A wander round the alleyways will let to discover any number of small cafes, shops and bars.
If you like to visit a very well presented butcher/deli, head to Meat Market – Koroupas in the southern area of Tinos town. A very nice selection of food for you to consume at home.
