Table of Contents:
TINOS TOWN.
PYRGOS
THE REST OF THE ISLAND.
Tino is another one of those secret Cycladic islands in plain sight.
I mean, it’s right there off the northwest coast of Mykonos. So even on an overcast day, you can see it.
In the summer, there is daily ferry service from Mykonos, Andros, and Refina on the mainland.
So why do so few non-Greeks know about this island?
Let’s explore and find out what this island has to offer. You will see Tinos may need to be on your radar.
See Tinos Town (Chora).
Holy Church of Panagia of Tinos (Evangelistria).
Christians make a pilgrimage to this church of Virgin Mary Megalochari, the protector of all Greece. It houses a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and is one of Greece’s most important religious monuments. Every August, thousands of pilgrims crawl from the harbor to the church.
Archaeological Museum of Tinos.
This museum houses relics from the island’s two major sites. These include the archaeological site Kionia Tinos and the 8th Century B.C. temple of Dimitra.
Archaeological Site Kionia.
West of Chora is the remains of this sizeable 4th century B.C. sanctuary to Poseidon and the sea nymph Amphitrite. It appears to be on top of an even older sanctuary. People would worship Poseidon, asking for his help. This temple is the only one to Poseidon known in the Cyclades.
Vryokastro.
This prehistoric fortified settlement is just east of Chora, at the end of Agios Folkas beach. To date, it is the oldest settlement in Tinos.
The few remaining walls appear to date to the Middle Bronze Age (2300-1600 B.C.) Only parts of the walls at the top of the hill are still visible.
Tinos town is like many ferry ports. Around the harbor, you will find hostels, stores, and other tourist-related businesses. But get away from the port and see what else it offers. You will see Tinos town may surprise you.
See Pyrgos.
At the northern end of the island is this “Marble Village.” Everywhere you look, you can spot marble. It is in the streets, buildings, churches, homes, and sculptures.
Museum of Marble Crafts.
This modern museum is a porthole into the ancient techniques of marble carving. Drawings, models, instruments, equipment, and actual carvings are on display.
Giannoulis Chalepas Museum.
This museum is in the house where the famous local sculptor was born and died. Several of his works are on display.
Museum of Tinian Artists.
Within the Church of Panagia complex is the small museum hosting works by famous local painters and sculptors.
Alley of the Mills.
Also, on the road to Pyrgos, you will crest a hill dotted with the remains of windmills on both sides.
Strolling through Pyrgos could easily take a half-day to look at the carvings, architecture, and fun doorknobs.
See Tinos Island.
There are more than twenty traditional villages, numerous miles of rugged coastline, and panoramic vistas.
Dovecotes.
As you drive across the island, you will see numerous white structures with triangular, square, or round holes. The Venetians brought these pigeon birdhouses with them. These attractive houses would lure pigeons. To the Venetian nobility, the pigeon was a delicacy. Their poop was excellent fertilizer.
Exomvourgo Castle.
On one of the island’s highest points are a few remains of this Venetian fort from circa 1204 A.D.
The castle is on top of an ancient archaeological site dating from the 11th century B.C. The 8th Century B.C. temple of Dimitra was also here. Items from it are in the archeological museum in Chora.
Holy Monastery of Ursuline Monks.
Dating from 1862, this was an educational center for young aristocratic ladies from different countries. The school and college would operate until the mid-1900s. You can see medical, physics, and chemistry laboratories, painting and music rooms, and dormitories.
Kechrovoúni Monastery.
This convent is now a village, with various churches and buildings dating back to the 1700s. The church of the Kimísis tis Theotókou (Mary in Ascension) has an icon from the 16th century. The Hermitage of Agia Pelagia houses the skull of the nun who received a vision from the Blessed Virgin in 1822. The image leads to the discovery of the island’s icon.
Arnados.
This hillside village above Chora is, for the most part, pedestrian with alleys and kamares (covered passages).
Within a 10-minute drive from the town are the island’s wineries. Although wine on Tinos dates back 3000 years, these wineries are somewhat new, although they follow the old traditions. While here, try to find the picturesque village square.
Nikos Ballis Winery.
This shop is a few minutes walk from the church with the correct directions. However, this is not the vineyard but a cellar shop in Arnados village.
Tinos Beaches.
The beaches on Tinos, like on many Greek islands, range from sandy to rocky. Most people would not fly 6+ hours to visit these beaches. Many have limited or no services or facilities. Nevertheless, they are some of the best in the Cyclades.
Agios Fokas Beach.
Beginning just east of Chora and stretches to Vriokastro. It is famous for its proximity to town and the cafes and tavernas nearby. Many of the island’s beaches are windy. Here, you will find the Akrotiri Surf Club, famous for windsurfing.
Kolimvithra Beach.
This beach is lovely if you stay near Kolimvithra on the north shore. There is a small snack bar and cafes nearby for food and facilities.
Hiking Tinos.
The island has almost 100 miles of trails for the beginner to the advanced trekker. These footpaths stretch from mountainous villages to deserted beaches. You may also see old windmills, monasteries, dovecotes, and more.
Traditional Villages.
The island has more than 20 villages with traditional status. You can drive around them, but to explore the center, you must go on foot.
See Tinos Summary.
As you can hopefully see, Tinos deserves to be on many people’s radar.
Tinos is a grand island.
There is history, beaches, boats, scenic villages, and great hikes.
The cuisine is incredible, and the local wine industry is making a comeback. Tinos has been making wine for more than 3000 years.
Are you ready to see Tinos?