Tinos

Map of Tinos

Tinos is the 4th larger islands of the Cyclades with 8.636 population and 194km² extension. A few foreigners have discovered its beaches and unspoilt villages, but most visitors are Greek who visit Tinos every year to see the church of Panayia Evangelistria, a grandiose shrine erected on the spot where a miraculous icon with healing powers was found in 1822. A local nun, now canonized as Ayia Pelayia, was directed in a vision to unearth the relic just as the War of Independence was getting under way, a timely coincidence  that served to underscore the links between the Orthodox Church and Greek nationalism. Today, there are two major annual pilgrimages, on March 25 and August 15, when Tinos is inundated by the faithful, and at 11am, the icon bearing the Virgin's image is carried in state down to the harbor.

Tsiknias is the tallest mountain of the island with 726 meters height and is located in the East side of Tinos. Exobourgo, the craggy mount dominating Southern Tinos and surrounded by most of the island's sixty-odd villages, is studded with the ruins of a Venetian citadel that defied  the Turks until 1715, long after the rest of Greece had fallen. Hills are dotted with distinctive and ornate dovecotes. Aside from all these, the inland village architecture is striking, and there's a flourishing folk-art tradition that finds expression in the abundant local marble.

Capital of the island is Tinos Town or Chora. Tinos Town is large and commercial, possesing a unique mixture of religion and commerce and is located in the South part of Tinos.

The climate is generally temperate Mediterranean. The winter is mild and the summer is cool with several winds. During summer there is usually drought however, the moisture is intense any season.

Beaches

Agios Fokas

It is the largest beach and one of the most beautiful on the island. It is only a few minutes on foot from the town. In other places there is only sand, in other pebbles, or both, while pine trees offer shade along the coast. Agios Fokas has restaurants, cafes, apartments, umbrellas and lounge chairs, and beach bar and watersports for all tastes.

Agios Petros

A remote beach with fine sand and crystal blue waters. It is located in the West side of Tinos. In the middle of the rock is located the little church of St. Peter.

Agios Petros

  

Agia Kyriaki

Agia Kyriaki is a large wide beach with fine sand, but exposed to Northerly winds. Organized in two places with umbrellas. Near the beach there are hotels, restaurants, cafes and mini markets. It is located to the Southern Tinos.

Ysternion

This is a very beautiful idyllic bay with fine sand and trees that offer shade. Located to the Western side of Tinos.

Livada

This is a very beautiful, picturesque and quiet beach with sand, fine gravel and a few trees. Is exposed to northerly winds. The feature that makes it unique is the shapes of the carved rocks of the wave on the left wing of the beach. Located in the Eastern side of Tinos.

Livada

Pahia Ammos

One of the most-known and secluded exotic beaches of Tinos. It is actually a large sand hill that ends in a very beautiful and exotic beach with crystal clear blue waters. Although the road is rough, the destination is definitely worth visiting. Located in Southern Tinos.

Kionia

Kionia , maybe the most popular beach in Tinos, is a cosmopolitan and well organized beach, very close to the town, with fine sand and clear blue waters. There is also a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Linaftia

Secluded beach with clear blue waters. The main feature is the black and white pebbles in the beach. Easily access by road. Located to the Southern Tinos, next to Pahia Ammos.

Linaftia

Other Beaches

Rohari, Stauros, Kastani, Panousa, Agios Romanos, Agios Markos, Agios Sostis, Agali, Apigania, Kavalourko.

Sights

The Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary of Tinos

The Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary of Tinos is the most popular pilgrimage destination of Hellenism and of the most popular of Christians everywhere. Thousands of believers have submitted descriptions miracles from the day of finding the Holy Icon until today. Finding the picture in 1823 was considered divine omen for Greek revolution. In Tinos each year arriving from every corner of the globe, thousands of believers in grace, to feel close to her and get her blessing.

The Holy Shrine of the Virgin Mary of Tinos

Caves

Tinos has several interesting caves, some of which are remarkable biotopes. Some of them are: Gastrion Cave, Kammeni Spilia, Drakolakas, Vrekastro Cave, Voulismenoi Cave, Kithara Cave, Fournakia Cave, Spilia Cave, Krouftres Cave, Mourounia Cave, Koufagreli Cave, Panormos Cave, Kamara Cave.

Volax

Volax  is a medieval village, built at an altitude of 283 meters, surrounded by stones and granite rocks. Many of the houses are built on these rocks. It's an awesome landscape which is worth visiting. Located in the middle of Tinos

Other Sights

Water Mills, Wind Mills, Archaeological Museum, Museum of Marble Art, Museum of Isternia’s Artists

Transportation

By ferry: All ferries dock at Tinos Town at any one of three different marinas: one for yachts, one for catamarans and one for normal ferries, all next to each other.

Destinations: Andhros(2-6 daily, 1hr 30min), Iraklion(0-1 weekly, 4hrs), Ios(2-4 weekly, 2hrs), Lavrio via Kea/Kythnos(1 weekly, 5hrs 30min), Mykonos(2-6 daily, 30min), Naxos(5-6 weekly, 1hr 30min), Paros(1-2 daily, 1hr), Pireas(2-4 daily, 4-5 hrs), Rafina(3-5 daily, 2-4hrs), Santorini(5 weekly, 3hrs), Syros(2-4 daily, 30min- 1hr 30min)

Getting Around

By bus: Buses leave from a small parking area(Chora) on the inner quay and serve: Ayios Fokas(5 daily, 15min), Falatados/Steni(6 daily, 20min), Kalloni via Xinara(3 daily, 20min), Kionia(hourly, 10min), Panormos via Pyrgos(5 daily, 45min), Kalloni(3 daily, 45min), Porto(6 daily, 20min).

Tinos

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Tinos: 22830 22234

Police Department: 22830 22100

Fire Department: 22830 23199

Port Authorities: 22830 22220

Health Center: 22830 22210

KTEL: 22830 22440

Taxi: 22830 22470

Tourist Information: 22830 25888

Post Office: 22830 25888 22247