Destination Guide

The island of Tinos, the third largest of the Cycladic Island group, is just a short boat trip from Mykonos, but offers a total contrast, in that it is still largely unpopulated by tourists.  Also known as the holy island, it is traditionally a famous destination for  Greeks who come to visit the Church of the Panagia and the miraculous  Icon of the Virgin Mary. If you happen to be in TInos on the 15th August, you can join in with the biggest festival on the island - the name day celebrations of the Virgin Mary, and a wonderful opportunity to experience a very important celebration in the Greek calendar. For those interested in the religious history and importance of the island, it is worth visiting the monastery of Agias Triados ( Saint Trinity), important during the Ottoman occupation of Greece. The monastery of Agia Ekaterini is also a popular attraction, as is the 10th century monastery of Kehrovouniou.

As well as its religious significance (with over 600 chapels on the island), the island is known for its thousands of dovecotes, built as two-storey fortress like towers and elaborately decorated with geometric designs.  There are also over forty picturesque, traditional villages to be explored, many offering the opportunity to enjoy authentic, simple Greek cuisine.  In particular Kionia, Isternia, Steni and Pyrgos are all well worth a visit.  Tinos town, he harbour and capital of the island, is a typical Cycladic town, with narrow streets and a port lined with restaurants and hotels. Here you can visit the impressive church of Megalohari (Great Grace), a neo-classical structure with white marble stairs. Among the buildings of the church there is the Byzantine Museum, the Art Gallery of Artists from Tinos and the Sclupture Museum. 
Also in Tinos town there is an Archaeological Museum which exhibits sculptures of nereids and dolphins found at the sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite. It also displays decorated storage vessels. 

Last, but not least, Tinos has a wonderful choice of beautiful beaches that are extremely popular during the summer season. Some of the most well known beaches include Stavros, Agios Markos, Pachia Ammos, Agios Ioannis, Porto, Agios Fokas and Kionia. When it comes to beaches, visitors to Tinos will be truly spoilt for choice.

Tinos has excellent boat connections with Athens from the ports of Pireaus and Rafina. There are also local boat networks to other islands in the Cyclades. There is no airport on Tinos Island. The nearest airport is on Mykonos, which is well connected to Tinos with daily ferries (40 minutes) and hydrofoils (20 minutes).