The 11 things to do in Tinos

You're going to Greece this summer? Discover the Cyclades and the Greek islands: here is our selection of 11 things to do to visit Tinos!

Located in the middle of the Aegean , Tinos is a Greek island, between Andros and Mykonos . Tinos is the third largest island in the Cyclades Archipelago and yet, it is often blocked by foreign tourists who deport instead to Santorini or Mykonos. In causes, the absence of ancient monuments, the shredding coastline devoid of paradise beaches and its exposure to the winds of meltem In the summer, he earned the nickname of "Eole House" in Greek mythology.

It is therefore a significant advantage for authenticity travellers and picturesque destinations: Tinos will not be “polluted” by mass tourism. With 8,636 inhabitants (2011) spread over 197 km2, the small island of Tinos has many attractions to offer.

Are you planning a program and looking for what to do in Tinos? We've compiled a list of things to do by visiting Tinos.

1. Visit Chora

Port city from the Greek antiquity, Chora — or “Tinos-ville” — is the capital of Tinos. The Chora we know today would come back to the first half of the 18th century. It is at the port of Tinos that you will arrive by ferry from Andros , Siros or Mykonos . Once disembarked, explore the alleys and their terraces, admire the white facades of traditional houses and the paved lanes of the small town centre. Visit the Cultural Institute of Tinos, the Cap Pasakrotiri, a rock overlooking the sea and the island, and the church of the Virgin Mary. It is interesting to stroll around the old streets leading to the church, surrounded by small shops where to glean your memories.

The visitor is invited to wander in the old quarters Pallada and Saint-Elefthérios , humant jasmine effluves adorning windows. In the old shopping street, do not miss the weaving workshop, to watch women Tiniotes make traditional embroidery by hand. Behind the temple of the Virgin Mary, there are the ancient ramparts with which history lovers can walk. As a bonus in the city: many restaurants and bars to go out, cafes and pastries.

2. The tourist market in Tinos

In the old street of Tinos-ville, there is a ritual that would almost revive the Ottoman era or the Grand Bazar of Istanbul: the tourist market. The market is the meeting place of traders who make available to passers-by all kinds of products, exposed to the floor.

It contains everything: icons, local embroidery, jewelry, pastries and traditional artisanal confectionery. All under a sense of incense that is becoming more and more tenacious as we approach the church of the Virgin Mary.

3. Museums of Tinos

In addition to Archaeological Museum of Tinos, some cultural visits are essential. You know what to do in Tinos? The wind stops you from swimming? Here are some interesting museums to visit:

• The Tiniot Artists Museum
• The exhibition of objects of ecclesiastical heritage and icons
• The sacristy of the temple of the Virgin Mary
• The Mausoleum of Elijah
• The marble sculpture museum
• Antonios Sohos Museum
• Kostas Tsoklis Museum
• The Museum of Artists from Panormos
• The music house of Giannoulis Chalepas
• The Museum of Artists from Ysternia

At the Tiniotes Museum — located in the temple of the Virgin Mary — there are many works created by artists from the island, including their paintings and sculptures. The Antonios Sohos Museum, originally from the island, exhibits the woods and plasters carved by the artist. Finally, if you come to visit Tinos, the marble sculpture museum, founded in 2007, is unique in Greece: it exposes the life cycle of marble, from career to work at the workshop.

4. The Basilica Evaggelistria Panagia

Built in 1823 after a nun — whether believed or not — had a vision of an icon of the Virgin Mary, the Virgin Mary Basilica Evaggelistria Panagia is the emblematic monument of the city of Chora. Located in a hillside, you can access it by stairs after a small walk. It became a High place of pilgrimage in Tinos because of some women who, in the past, did not manage to have children.

The pilgrimage was born when these women began to promise to give the Virgin Mary the name of the child they would bear if they were pregnant. Many people are now called “Maria”, “Despina” and “Panagiota” as a result of this legend. Inside the basilica, you will see the icon of the Annunciation , then the building in itself, its nave and its cupola, the chapel and the confessionals. Built in immaculate white marble, the basilica also symbolizes the independence of Greece.

5. The villages of Tinos

The villages of the island, typical and picturesque, are immanquable if you come to visit Tinos by taking the road. Do not hesitate to make a stop in some of them:

• Volax

To Volax , discover a unique village where white houses — attached to granite blocks — offer a singular contrast with dozens of flower gardens perched on balconies, roofs and windows.

• Kardiani

The village Kardiani is built on the hillside and only on foot. A unique view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Cyclades Islands (Siros and Siros) Giaros ).

• Panormos

Panormos is the small port of the village Pyrgos . It was built in a bay near a lake and for a long time was considered the largest maritime port of Tinos. Nearby you can swim in beautiful coves that are not frequented.

Note : The villages Triantaros , Arnados and Mountados They are also worth visiting.

6. Mount Exombourgo

Located in the centre of the island, Mont Exombourgo is essential if you like walking and outdoor activities. A hiking trail (facile) allows you to discover, in 2h30, the road built in the Venetian era and to reach the port and the city of Exombourgo . On your passage, the walls built with huge stones of the ancient acropolis, the church of the Kyra Xéni, the ruins of the old city and the fortress at the top, will be revealed to you.

7. Hiking on Tinos

In the south of the island, there are several options for hiking if you are out of inspiration to find out what to do in Tinos (or if the wind so depicts the beaches that you cannot swim).

• To Falatados, a walk of about 2h30 allows to rally the village of Livada. On the programme for the eyes: beautiful chapels, the remains of a watermill, stables and the Mediterranean vegetation of a stream.

• Other possibility: starting from Loutra, towards Smardakito or Kampos. This circuit explores the valley that once made the agricultural prosperity of Tinos.

8. The beautiful beaches of Tinos

Visiting Tinos not to mention the beaches would be a shame. It would be like visiting Istanbul without doing the Basilica of St. Sophia, Paris without Montmartre, Scotland without pubs and Highlands!

The most popular and/or pretty beaches of Tinos are Agios Fokas , Kionia, Panormos, Kolimbithra , Agios Ioannis, the bay of Livada, Stavros, Agios Markos, Agios Sostis. There are so many that we cannot list them all. But one thing is certain: if you love desert beaches wet by hot and turquoise water, it is in Tinos, this little corner of paradise preserved from mass tourism, that it is happening.

9. A boat ride

Have you been on the beach and are you looking for new adventures? No worries, another must in Tinos awaits you: the boat ride! Indeed, boat rental in Tinos will offer you a relaxing afternoon and discoveries with your loved ones.

If you use the services of a skipper, you will be able to discover the unknown corners of most tourists, and you will be able to swim in peace! But you can also play it adventurer and take even the orders of the boat, with or without license!

10. The caves of Tinos

On the island of unspoiled nature, Tinos also has caves dug by winds, waves and erosion. Countless caves are unexplored. However, a few can be visited, including Gastria cave , one kilometer west of Kionia , Myospilia (or Kameni Spilia), and 6 kilometres from the village Aetofolia .

11. The archaeological museum of Tinos

In Chora, Archaeological Museum is a must for anyone who comes to visit Tinos. Located on the central street leading to the Church of the Virgin Mary , it was founded in the 1960s and presents collections of archaeological discoveries made on the island: storage jars discovered at the sanctuary of Demeter (in Xombourgo, dating from the 8th and 7th centuries BC), statues of the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite of Kionia , the clock Andronikos de Kyristos , a mosaic of soil, and antique coins.

How do I get to Tinos?

From France

From France, set course on Athens and look for the best available flight deals on the Compare Ulysses .

From Athens

Once Athens , join the port of the city — The Square - to go by ferry to Tinos.

On site, you are recommended to rent a car to explore the island peacefully, at your own pace.

Note : You can also go to Tinos from Crete, Rhodes, the Dodecanese Islands.

Where to stay in Tinos?

You decided to go to discover the famous island of Tinos and want to know where to stay? Several options are available to you and good news, since Tinos is not the best known in the Cyclades, prices are relatively affordable. Many hotels spread across the island, so it will not be difficult to find the one that suits you best. For even more ease, use a Compare hotels and choose from a range of hotels according to your tastes and desires.

Would you prefer to stay in an apartment, in a villa the feet in the water or a more typical accommodation in the area? No worries, go to a housing platform at home like Airbnb for example where you will necessarily find shoe at your foot.

We advise you to focus on neighbourhoods Chora , Panormos or Volax . In Chora, the place of arrival of the island, it is easy to find accommodation. However, if you are a fan of tranquility, choose to stay out of season. In high season, prefer the pretty villages — a little far from the centre — such as Panormos or Volax.