THE THOMS SUNDAY TRAVEL SECTION.
Tinos is another one of those Greek Islands that is hiding in plain sight.
If you are standing on the northwest coast of Mykonos, you can see Tinos day or night.
So how does an island in the shadow of Mykonos manage to stay off the radar?
Perhaps because there is no airport, however, there is a daily ferry service in the summer from other islands and the mainland.
Is it because there is no UNESCO site on this island? Mykonos has no ancient sights to see. You have to take a boat to Delos for ancient artifacts.
And Tinos’ art of marble-carving is on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
So why don’t people visit Tinos?
I think it’s time to put the island on your radar.
Visit Tinos Town.
The main town goes by the name Tinos or Chora.
This is where the ferries arrive, so everyone visits Tinos town.
Pantanassis Square.
This charming area just southeast of the ferry pier seems to be the center of Tinos’ traffic.
On the harbor side, excursion boats depart to explore Tonos’ aqua water. On the other side of the square is Leof. Megalocharis.
This wide street slopes up to the main attraction on the island.
Holy Church of Panagia of Tinos (Evangelistria).
Christians make a pilgrimage to this church of Virgin Mary Megalochari, the protector of all Greece.
The church 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, just down from the church, 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 site is the only temple to Poseidon known in the Cyclades.
Vryokastro.
Just east of Chora, at the end of Agios Folkas beach, is this prehistoric fortified settlement. To date, it is the oldest settlement in Tinos.
The architecture is from the Minoan civilization during the Bronze Age circa 3500 B.C. to around 1100 B.C. 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.
Pyrgos.
In 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 there are marble sculptures.
Museum of Marble Crafts.
This modern museum is a porthole into the ancient techniques of marble carving. On display are drawings, models, instruments, equipment, and actual carvings.
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.
Dovecotes.
As you drive across the island, you will see numerous white structures with triangular, square, or round holes in them.
The Venetians brought these pigeon birdhouses with them. Many dating from the 18th century, the Venetians would position them to the winds. These attractive houses would lure pigeons in.
To the Venetian nobility, the pigeon was a delicacy. Consequently, there are numerous dovecotes around Kambos.
The Rest of Tinos.
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 even fewer remains 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. Exomvourga is the island’s capital during the Byzantine age.
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. Inside, you can see medical, physics, and chemistry laboratories, painting and music rooms, plus 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.
Ecclesiastical Museum of Arnados.
The museum is above the main road, next to the church. Inside are old icons from island churches, ecclesiastical items, and holy vestments. If there is a sign for this anywhere, I have not found it. It is near the church, but plan to ask for directions.
Nikos Ballis Winery.
With the correct directions, this shop is a few minutes’ walk from the church. However, this is not the vineyard but a cellar shop in Arnados village.
Visit Tinos’ Traditional Villages.
The island has more than 20 villages with traditional status. You can drive around them, but to explore the center, you need to go on foot.
Visit Tinos’ Beaches.
The beaches on Tinos, like on many Greek islands, range from sandy to rocky. Most people would not fly 6+ hours just to visit these beaches. Many have limited or no services or facilities. Having said that, they are some of the best in the Cyclades.
Agios Fokas Beach.
Beginning just east of Chora, this beach 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, popular for windsurfing.
Kolimvithra Beach.
If you stay in the middle of the island or Kolimvithra on the north shore, this is a nice beach. 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. Along the way, you may see old windmills and monasteries, dovecotes, and more.
Visit Tinos Summary.
For me, this is a great place to rest your brain. There are not that many ‘specific’ sites to see or things to do.
Drive until you see a traditional village that piques your interest and explore it.
There, that’s easy enough.
Add on a progressive lunch, stopping at the bakery, then the market and wine store.
Or enjoy a leisurely hour plus dinner in a square.
Make sure you try the Tinos’ cuisine.
There is some nightlife if you look hard enough.
However, most people choose a leisurely dinner, a walk, and maybe some local music.
So what do you think? Could you visit Tinos?
To read more about Tinos, click here.
Would you please scroll down to the “Hey Explorer, what are your thoughts” section below?
Then, please comment or tell me your thoughts on:
“Does Tinos’ cuisine and some local Greek wine sound tempting to you?”
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“See the World” Continued on Page T3. “Taste the World” Continued on T11.