Welcome to 'Tinos' island
Mareva shares her Tinian travel tips
Tinos is one of my favorite islands. It's a 3-hour boat drive away from Athens. Located in the Aegean Sea amongst the Cyclades, Tinos is known for its distinctive buildings and art. Tinian houses conform to the custom of Cycladic architecture and are predominantly Grecian white and blue. Traditional windmills and decorative dovecotes are dotted amongst the landscape and give the hilly island its distinctive feel. Tinos is also home to a rich artistic and craft culture. In the hands of many of the islands craftsmen, Tinian marble has been transformed to decorative architectural elements, fountains and sculptures that you can see everywhere. It’s a perfect collision of art and the everyday.
The town of Tinos, the main capital of the island or ‘Chora’ as it is known in Greek, has plenty of interesting places to see. The Archaeological museum has a rich collection of pottery, vases, clay pots and ancient coins. Art Gallery of the Evangelistria Foundation of Tinos includes works by Tinian arts such as Nikiforos Lytras and Nikolaos Gyzis but also other important works by Greek and foreign painters. I never leave the island without visiting the church of Evangelistria, home to the the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary.
For a Swim
My favorite beach in Tinos is Agios Petros close to the village of Kardiani. Although it’s difficult to access, the crystal clear water and tranquil sandy beach makes the trip worth while. With their own characteristics, the bay is divided into two distinctive beaches by an overlooking picturesque catholic chapel, built in the 16th century.
The perfect walk on Agios Petros to enjoy an amazing view of the sea.
Food & Drinks
For Coffee
Isternia is a village located 20 km from the Chora of Tinos and close to the village Kardiani. Whilst there, enjoy a coffee at Exomenia with a view of the bay.
For Dinner
Thalassaki, seafront tavern, located by the stony beaches near the town of Isternia is a perfect place for dinner. Alternatively, the rustic Tarsanas restaurant, in the southern end of the shipyard at the edges of the port of Tinos, does the best seafood on the island.
For Dessert
You must try the chocolate pastry at Halaris located in the town of Tinos, it’s my son’s favorite
Whilst on the island, there are few other notable villages worth a visit. Located 8km north of the town of Tinos is the tiny historic village of Loutra known for its the Ursulines Monastery founded in 1862. Alternatively, visit the village of Kardiani which is one of the most beautiful villages on the island and certainly the greenest. Situated on the slopes of Mount Pateles, it features unique traditional architecture and has magnificent views overlooking the Agean sea.
