Tinos

The island of Tinos is located between the islands of Andros and Mykonos and is one of the largest islands of the Cyclades. It is a mountainous island, full of pretty, picturesque mountain and seaside villages. The villages that extend on the slopes of many mountains are generally surrounded by rich vegetation and are full of traditional stone houses, beautifully decorated by local craftsmen, built close to each other and surrounded by alleys and archways. The seaside villages have traditional Cycladic architecture and have kept their authenticity. There are magnificent dovecotes on the island. Among the religious Tino is famous for its huge Church of the Virgin which has a miraculous icon and on August 15th it attracts hundreds of pilgrims. The island is also known for its traditional marble working.

In ancient times the island was known by the name of Ophioussa, from the Greek "ophis", snake, due to the large number of snakes on its soil. It was also known by the name of Ydroussa, from "hydria", i.e. place of water, due to its abundant waters.

According to ancient mythology Poseidon became the protector of the island and was highly revered for having sent the snakes away from the island. Another mythology sees Tino being the home of Aeolus, god of the winds.

The first inhabitants of the island were probably the Phoenicians, followed by the Ionians in 1000 BC. C. In the VI century a. C. Tino was dominated by the Eritreans, while in 490 a. C. was under the dominion of the Persians. He regained his freedom following the Battle of Marathon. In 207 it was conquered by the Venetians who dominated the island longer than all the other islands of the Cyclades. In 1715 it fell into the hands of the Turks and was liberated from the Greeks with the War of Independence in 1821.

The traditional houses of the island represent a great example of traditional art: simple and practical lines at the same time, with semicircular arches as a decoration, called "face", placed halfway between the first and second floors, with windows and doors painted navy blue or green, with the main door decorated with marble lunettes. The whole house is white and some decorations are in slate and generally adorn the highest part of the external walls as well as the small acrops on the windows.

The island has a good road network and is best explored by motorbike or car. Taxis are available in Chora and service all main towns and beaches. During the summer there are daily boat trips to Delos, which leave from the port of Chora.

Taxi Station in Chora +30 22860 22830 22470

Tino

The nearest airport is in Mykonos, and is well connected to Tinos by ferries and hydrofoils. Tinos is well connected to the mainland with ferries departing from Piraeus and Rafina. The journey to both ports takes approximately 3 hours. There are also regular connections with the other Aegean islands. From Tinos you can reach Andros (1 hour and a half), Mykonos (40 minutes), Naxos (1 hour and a half), Paros (2 hours), Syros (30 minutes), Santorini (7 hours). Hydrofoils connect Tinos to Mykonos in 20 minutes. From the island you can visit the nearby Cycladic islands such as Ios, Santorini, Kimolos, Anafi, Amorgos.

There are many beautiful places to visit on the island.

Pyrgos

It is one of the largest and prettiest localities, located 24km northwest of Chora. It has beautiful architecture and a long sculptural tradition. In Pyrgos there is an important school of marble sculpture. It is also known for being the birthplace of many sculptors.

Fatalados

12 km northeast of Chora, it is a very old village, dating back to the 15th century, built amphitheatrically opposite the village of Kechrovouni.

Dyo Choria

10km northeast of Chora, it is among the most beautiful resorts on Tinos. Built amphitheatrically, on the slopes of Mount Exobourgo, it offers a magnificent view of the sea. It is a traditional village made of old white stone houses with colorful windows and doors, narrow paved alleys and superb stone arches and arcades forming small passageways through which the light draws magical shapes. Brightly colored flowers adorn the whole village like precious ornaments. On the small square of the village it is possible to admire beautiful fountains.

Aranado

It is one of the oldest villages on Tinos, located near Kechrovouni Monastery, 10km northeast of Chora. It is built amphitheatrically and from its highest point the view of the sea and the island of Mykonos is spectacular. It has a traditional architectural style, with the medieval arches, the cobbled streets, the beautiful square and the labyrinth of paths which give the place a very suggestive scenery. The village is surrounded by several churches, such as the Kechrovouni Monastery and the Church of San Nicolaos Vanos. A short distance away is the traditional settlement of Mountados.

Hysternia

20 km northwest of Chora, it is located on the northern side of the island and is built amphitheatrically, on the slopes of a mountain. The village has a long sculptural tradition and is the birthplace of many famous artists such as Vitalis, Lamera and Sochou. A beautiful marble paved road connects Isternia to the splendid sandy beach called Spiaggia Isternia.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

It is located northeast of Chora and is surrounded by nature of absolute beauty.

Dovecotes

They are traditional constructions placed all over the island of Tinos. They look like small fortresses and have geometric shapes such as triangles and rhombuses, and non-geometric motifs such as cypress trees and variations of the sun, which seem to attract doves. There are dovecotes near Komi, Krokos, near the locality of Tarabados and Kardiani. While the exact number of dovecotes is not known, they are said to number more than six hundred. The dovecotes have also influenced the architecture of Tinos so much that it is possible to see houses built in the same style as the dovecotes. The particular thing is that they are well preserved and some of them are still in use. The dovecotes are unique masterpieces and constitute the symbol of the island of Tinos.

Kechrovouni monastery

It dates back to the 12th or 11th century and is notable for its architecture. According to tradition, this is the place where nun Pelagia had a dream following which she found the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Saint Pelagia is celebrated on June 23rd.

Sanctuary of Poseidon

One of the most important sanctuaries dedicated to Poseidon, a very short distance from Kionia beach. Tinos was in fact the only Cycladic island to dedicate an entire temple to Poseidon. In addition to him, his wife, the nymph Amphitrite, was also highly revered. The remains of this great sanctuary date back to the 4th century even though the sanctuary itself is much older. In the past it was used as a kind of hospital and people went there to ask the deity for help. The sanctuary was brought to light between 1902 and 1905 by the Belgian archaeologists H. Demoulin and P. Graindor. In addition to the temple, the archaeological area includes baths, altars, an imposing stoa and a fountain.

The capital of the island of Tino

Tino city

It is located on the southern side of the island and also forms the main port. It is most famous for the mammoth Church of the Virgin Mary, which made the island an important religious destination for the Greeks. Most of the island's population lives in the capital and it is always in the capital that most of the tourist activities are concentrated. Strada Evangelistrias, the oldest street, is paved, has a beautiful marble fountain dating from the 18th century and several art galleries displaying the work of local painters.

To be seen

Church of Evangelistri

It is located on a hill and houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the church was built following the dream of a local nun from the Kechrovouni Monastery in which Our Lady told her to find her home and showed her a particular place. When the nun reached the place in 1823, she found an icon representing the Madonna in the act of praying. The icon is Byzantine in style and scholars date it back to the 7th century AD. C. It is thought to be the most important monument in Greece. The church is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary and sees, in August, the presence of many pilgrims who reach the church walking on their knees and making solemn promises to the Virgin. Since the route is rough, a red carpet is laid out from the entrance of the church to the port.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

It is located in via Megalocharis, the street that leads to the church of the Virgin Mary. It exhibits finds from the excavations that took place on the whole island, especially from the ancient temples of Demeter and Poseidon.

Chalepas Museum

It is housed in the same building where the famous Greek sculptor Pyrgos was born and where he lived out his final years. Many of his works are exhibited here as well as some of his personal effects.

Art Gallery

It is housed in a large room of the Virgin Mary church complex. It houses more than 100 paintings and reproductions of the most famous Greek and international artists and paintings of the Italian and Ionian Renaissance.

Museum of Marble Crafts

The only one of its kind in Greece, it is housed in a modern and well-equipped building. Here it is possible to see the history of marble technology, from ancient times to today. Visitors can see a permanent exhibition showing extraction, cutting and processing tools, processing techniques and a rich collection of sketches of ancient marble sculptures. The whole process is also shown through the audiovisual system, while a collection of photos shows the use of marble in various circumstances.

Ecclesiastical Museum

It was opened in 1987 in the town of Arnados, near the church. The exhibition consists of ancient icons belonging to various churches in the area, various ecclesiastical objects, ancient books and sacred vestments.

Tino

Beaches

Long beaches with golden sand, with pebbles, rocky beaches and small bays, crystal clear waters and deserted landscapes: anyone who visits the island of Tinos is fascinated by the beauty and calmness of its beaches.

Holy Fokas

2 km east of the capital, it is one of the most beautiful and longest beaches on the island. It is very close to the capital and this makes it quite popular in the summer. Part of the beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, while the largest part has no facilities. Santa Fokas is a nice place to swim due to its crystal clear waters and shallow seabed. Along the beach there are fish tavernas as well as hotels and rooms for rent. The road continues towards the beach of San Giovanni, a few kilometers to the east, while the whole place offers a great view of the coasts of Delos.

Agios Sostis

5 km east of Chora, it is one of the most popular beaches of Tinos and is characterized by crystal clear waters, sandy beach, tavernas along the beach.

Kionia

Located 3 km northwest of Chora, it is very popular for its sandy beach and calm atmosphere which attracts many tourists. Kionia is the tourist center of the island. What makes it really interesting are the excavations that have brought to light the temple dedicated to Poseidon and Amphitrite and a necropolis.

St. Markos Kionia

3 km northwest of Chora, it has crystal clear blue waters and a long beach of fine sand. Part of the beach is organized with facilities.

Kolympithra

14 km northwest of Chora, it is a characteristic beach that attracts many tourists during the summer season. It has crystal clear waters surrounded by rich vegetation and is protected from strong winds.

Isternia beach

20 km northwest of Chora, it is a small secluded beach. It is currently a protected bay with some summer houses nearby.

Kalivia

It is located 15 km northwest of Chora and is a small bay with no facilities where you can enjoy great relaxation. The beach is protected from strong winds and is very popular with families and people who love tranquility. Around Kalivia and in the nearest beaches there are several accommodations.

Lychnaftia

8km east of Chora, it is a small, remote beach with no facilities and is ideal for absolute tranquillity. The beach can be reached by a dirt road that starts from the village of Triandaros.

Ormos Giannaki

15 km northwest of Chora, is a large bay with umbrellas and sun loungers. The beach is a mixture of sand and pebbles and is a nice place to relax.

Pachia Ammos

7 km east of Chora, it is a pretty beach close to Agios Ioannis Poto. It is not organized and is ideal for swimming.

Fun

In Tino Città there is a wide choice of bars and nightclubs. Although Tinos is mainly famous as a religious destination, the island's nightlife is rich and varied, all the bars and clubs offer music and pleasant atmospheres.