Tinos

Greek: Τήνος | Pronounced: `tinos
  • Tinos
  • Tinos
  • Tinos - Livada
  • Tinos
  • Tinos

Overview of Tinos

Tinos’ fame as a major Greek island religious centre might be misleading for other types of visitors who are not aware of its unspoiled beauties. Yes, it’s true that Tinos is a top orthodox pilgrim destination, counting also more than 700 chapels, catholic included. On the other hand, though, Tinos stands out thanks to more than 40 pristine inland villages, a great coastline, archaeological sites and its artistic tradition that challenge you to explore and appreciate them all.

The island’s number one trademark is of course the temple of the miraculous Panagia Evangelistria or Megalochari that dominates the capital, Tinos’ Town. There, behind the urban-looking busy waterfront, the numerous restaurants, bars and cafes (not to mention religious souvenirs shops, too), there is a charming Cycladic/Neoclassical settlement to wander about. The Town’s touristic development is obvious but down to earth, regarding accommodation, gastronomy and nightlife. The island’s countryside, however, reveals Cyclades in their most authentic version.

Tinos is one of the few Greek islands where you can see so many beautiful mountainous villages untouched by time, one next to the other. Tarabados with its innumerable dovecotes (a fine example of folk art and another trademark of Tinos), Tripotamos, Ysternia, Kardiani, Dio Choria, just to name a few, will impress you with their architecture, atmosphere and customs. Tinos is famous for its long tradition in marble art, being also the birthplace of many renowned Greek sculptors. In turn, Pyrgos, the island’s second largest settlement, features the Tinos School of Fine Arts, the Museum of Marble Crafts, the Museum of Tinian Artists and the museum of the eminent Greek artist and native Giannoulis Chalepas. In the shadow of its landmark Mt Xombourgo, Tinos finds the right balance between art and faith, modernism and tradition, celebrating the traditional way of living in the Greek islands.

Find more information on Tinos at the official website for Greek Tourism VisitGreece.gr

Find more reviews and ratings for Tinos at tripadvisor

Beaches Food Things to see & do

Pahia Ammos

: Difficult access, but rewarding turquoise waters, dunes and fine sand. It’s not an organized beach, so bring supplies.
9.0

Agios Fokas

: The longest beach in Tinos is sandy and organized. It’s located near the Town and offers many facilities.
8.0

Kolimbithra

: It is a natural seawater basin with two sandy beaches, the smaller of which is popular, organized and ideal for swimming. The other one, less frequented and exposed to winds, lies next to a small lagoon.
8.0

Livada

: A wild beauty, with a small lake nearby. Hard to reach, but easy to admire its unusual rock formations, pebbly shore and deep waters.
8.0

Agios Romanos

: Quiet beach, wind-protected, with sand, tamarisk trees and a tavern nearby.
7.0

Thalassaki

: Ormos Ysternion, Greek cuisine
9.0

Ta Tsambia

: Kionia, Greek cuisine
9.0

Marathia Tavern

: Agios Fokas, Greek cuisine
8.0

Epineio

: Town, Greek cuisine
7.0

Metaxi Mas

: Town, Greek cuisine
7.0

Volax village

: A small settlement set in a unique landscape, where white houses contrast with (or they’re built on!) peculiar big rounded granite rocks scattered all over. Must-detail: the village is home of a few remaining basket weavers.
9.0

Sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite

: Near the village of Kionia lies this prestigious Hellenistic temple, indicating that Tinos has been an important religious centre since antiquity. The site also features roman baths, a fountain and an altar.
8.0

Monastery Kehrovouniou

: Founded in the 11th century near Arnados village, the convent resembles a miniature village with impressive traditional architecture and magnificent views of Tinos.
8.0

Panagia Megalochari

: Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth visiting this grandiose temple, built in 1823 where its famous icon was found. Bear in mind that there is a strict dress code in the shrine and that also, during the two important holidays (25/3 and 15/8) Tinos gets even more packed with believers from all over Greece.
8.0

Day trip to nearby Mykonos or Delos

: Don’t miss the chance to make a day trip to nearby Mykonos or Delos.
8.0

Tinos’ delicacies

: Try the local types of cheese -tiniako, graviera and kopanisti- and also cold cuts like pork sausage and louza.
7.0

For art lovers

: Every summer the island hosts the Tinos International Literary Festival and the Tinos Jazz Festival, while downtown various art events and exhibitions take place in the Cultural Foundation of Tinos. Moreover, the Museum of Kostas Tsoklis has recently been inaugurated at Kambos village, as homage to the renowned contemporary Greek artist.
7.0

Map of Tinos

Reviews of Tinos

No text reviews of Tinos exist. You can be the first one to review Tinos.