Tranquility of Tinos

The Panagia Evangelistria Monastery

Your first compelling reason to book a ferry to Tinos should be to witness the magnificent Monastery of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. This is one of the most vital pilgrimage sites in the Christian Orthodox world. Built from pristine white marble in 1823, its imposing structure commands the hilltop in Tinos Town, offering a breathtaking panorama of the port below. The pebbled outer courtyard (1833) and the impressive 30-meter bell-tower, a creation of the renowned Tinian sculptor Ioannis Filippotis, are stunning examples of folk art.

Explore Tinos' Historic Heart

Delve into the captivating Old Town of Tinos. It's a charming labyrinth of narrow, paved streets, adorned with stately traditional mansions and villas featuring ancient coats of arms, ornate fountains, significant museums, and venerable churches. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the island's prosperity during its 19th-century golden age.

Unearth Marble's Secrets

Journey to the village of Pyrgos and visit the contemporary Museum of Marble Crafts (2007). This museum offers an incredible narrative, guiding visitors through the history and techniques of marble production, from ancient quarrying to the creation of finished sculptures. Original artworks and engaging audio-visual presentations bring this rich legacy to life.

Experience the Tinos Festival

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Tinos Festival, where unique events celebrate the island's culture and artistic spirit.

Savor Local Delicacies

Indulge your palate with baked pigeon, one of the most distinctive and representative dishes of Tinian cuisine.

Discover Distinctive Villages

Uncover the unparalleled charm of Tinos' villages. Each is a jewel of folk architecture, a rare work of art with its own unique cultural identity, making every village feel like a separate, enchanting world.

Hike Ancient Pathways

Embark on an adventure across the island's famous medieval paths – a remarkable 400 km network of hiking trails following ancient paved routes. Consider the historic Vary path (Kionia-Hatzirados-Ktikados-Smourdia-Vary-Poles-Tinos Town), which historically connected the island's main city with inland settlements.

Behold Volakas' Lunar Landscape

Witness the extraordinary lunar landscape of Volakas, a geological wonder. Enormous spherical boulders of volcanic origin lie scattered, as if hurled down during a mythical clash of gods and giants. It's also a premier destination for "boulderers" in Europe.

Ascend Exomvourgo Hill

Climb the 640-meter-high Exomvourgo Hill, dominated for centuries by St. Helen's, the tallest castle in the Aegean. From its peak, you'll be rewarded with a sweeping panoramic vista of Tinos and the surrounding Cycladic islands.

Step into Chalepas' World

In Pyrgos, visit the home of Yannoulis Chalepas, now a museum. This offers a deeply personal insight into the life and work of modern Greece's greatest sculptor, showcasing rare personal artifacts, photographs, sketches, and original sculptures.

Kionia

One of Tinos' most cosmopolitan beaches, offering views of Syros. This strip of sand and pebbles lies directly in front of the archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite, which is well worth a visit. With its tourist amenities and ample opportunities for water sports like pedalos and jet skis, it's an ideal choice for families.

Livada

Tinos' most dramatic beach boasts a setting of raw, rugged beauty. Expect colossal, uniquely shaped rocks, large stones, and powerful waves. Its deep, emerald-blue waters and strong currents draw surfers and seasoned swimmers. It's a haven for those seeking solitude and exploration, with oak trees, ducks, and a river flowing into the sea – compelling reasons to set your sights on Tinos.

Kolymbithra

A favorite for water sports enthusiasts, offering fantastic views of Drakonisi Rock. Kolymbithra actually features two sandy stretches: the more bustling and cosmopolitan Mikri Ammos, and Megali Ammos, affectionately dubbed "California" by locals, a hotspot for surfers and younger crowds. Nearby, a tranquil lake provides a home for turtles and ducks, and the area is a vital habitat for rare birds.

Pachia Ammos

Discover one of the island's most exotic beaches, characterized by coarse sand, grasses, and captivating dunes that gently slope towards the sea. It's a natural sanctuary for those who cherish peace and quiet, or simply love to play in the sand, all while enjoying views of the straits between Tinos and Mykonos.

Saint Phocas

The island's largest and most celebrated beach, stretching gracefully along the coast adjacent to Tinos Town. Its fine sand, natural shade from fragrant pine and tamarisk trees, shallow azure waters, and excellent amenities make it incredibly popular. It's perfect for a leisurely jog or stroll, and a walk to its eastern end, to the hill of the ancient city of Vryokastro, rewards you with a stunning vista of Delos.

Wandering Through Pyrgos

Explore the exquisite medieval village of Pyrgos, an open-air museum of marble sculpture. This was the birthplace of 19th-century artistic giants like Chalepas, Filippotis, and Lytras. From its meticulously carved fountains and narrow paved streets to elaborate lintels and stone churches, every detail speaks volumes about the aesthetic sensibility and artistry of the local people.

Discovering the Dovescotes

Seek out the hundreds of dovecotes scattered across Tinos. These unique monuments of folk art have adorned the island's hillsides since the Venetian era, with an estimated 600 or more dotting the landscape. These stone towers are celebrated for their intricate geometrical shapes and symbols, each bearing the name of its patron and construction date. Find them nestled in the valleys of Tarambados, Agapi, Livada, Potamia, and Kardiani.

Visiting the Museum of Tinian Artists

Explore the excellent Museum of Tinian Artists in Tinos Town. Its impressive collection features over 100 sculptures and paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries by renowned local figures such as Yannoulis Chalepas, Dimitrios Filippotis, Georgios Vitalis, Lazaros and Markos Fytalis, Nikolaos Gyzis, Nikiforos Lytras, and Giannis Gaitis.

Immersing in Volakas' Poetry

Stroll through the captivating village of Volakas and discover poems by Kalvos, Cavafy, Elytis, and others, beautifully inscribed on the old doors of its houses.

Exploring Picturesque Kardiani

Hike through the picturesque village of Kardiani, seemingly suspended above the sea with boundless views of Syros, Kea, and Kythnos. Built amphitheatrically on the steep, verdant slopes of Mount Pateles, it's famous for its abundant waters, numerous springs, and classic Cycladic architecture, featuring vaulted white houses and narrow streets.

Visiting Kechrovouni Monastery

Journey to the historic Monastery of Kechrovouni, also known as Our Lady of the Angels. This impressive cluster of seven 10th and 11th-century churches, built on the steep slopes of Mount Kechrovouni at 650 meters above sea level, resembles a traditional Cycladic village. Its museum and library safeguard rare relics and fascinating publications.

Touring Nissos Microbrewery

Take a fascinating tour of the Nissos microbrewery in Vayia. Learn about the production of the island's internationally acclaimed beer and enjoy a tasting session perfectly paired with local delicacies.

Engaging in Basket-Making

Participate in one of the traditional basket-making workshops in Volakas, a village renowned for this centuries-old craft.

Discovering Ancient History

Visit the Archaeological Museum of Tinos to admire Andronicus’ exquisite marble sundial, unearthed during excavations at Kionia, and ancient relief storage jars dating back to the 8th century BC.