The Most Beautiful Beaches in Tinos, Greece

Agios Sostis beach – located on the southern tip of Tinos – is one of the island’s most popular spots with its white sand and crystalline water. You can easily spend all day relaxing on this large beach, renting deck chairs and umbrellas, before taking a sunbathing break in one of the surrounding restaurants, serving local cuisine. Dive off the picturesque pier at one end of the beach – or sit on the soft sand admiring tranquil views of green hills in the distance.

Just below the hillside village of Isernia, a quiet cove offers two beaches. One has sand – the other pebbles – but both boast transparent ocean and spectacular sunset views. Strong winds can be an issue in Tinos, but Isteria’s waters are sheltered from hefty northern gusts. On the beach, choose from two charming taverns and a warm cafeteria to pick up refreshments. Keen hikers should also explore the long path winding from the beach up to the white buildings of Isternia village.

Vathi Beach is a very secluded narrow bay, just west of the hilltop village Panormos. If you’re looking for an afternoon away from tourist hotspots, Vathi is the perfect place for solitude. Plunging hills descend towards this tiny cove – where an authentic fishing village sits on one end of the sandy beach that’s well protected on windy days. To get here, you have to descend a steep dirt road – but it’s well worth the adventure.

Santa Margarita Beach – only accessible by foot – is one of the wildest beaches on Tinos. Around 15.5 km (9.6mi) from Chora and near the town of Steni, the narrow beach is a quiet paradise with white sands, blue-green waters and views of neighbouring Mykonos. Other than the Catholic Santa Margarita Church located immediately behind it, there are no buildings in sight – so you’ll have to bring your own food as well as an umbrella if the one patch of shade provided by the big tamarisks trees is taken.

Agios Ioannis Porto Beach – in the bay adjacent to Agios Sostis Beach – is a slightly smaller but cosmopolitan beach on the south of Tinos. Here, you can walk barefoot over soft white sand, before plunging into cool waters and relaxing in the thick shade of the trees lining the shore. Round off your visit with fresh calamari at one of the many beach bars and taverns.

Kavalourko Beach – near the village of Panormos – is one of the most isolated and peaceful spots on Tinos. To get here, walk along the Agia Thalassa beach passing in front of a little chapel and continuing on a footpath ahead. This tranquil beach is surrounded by shady tamarisk trees and impressive rock formations that plunge into the bay’s deep blue waters. After a blissful dip, have a search for the sculpture of Aeolus – keeper of the winds – carved into the rocks.

A quick walk south-east of Hora takes you to the town of Kionia and its lively beach – neighbouring the impressive archaeological site of Poseidon’s temple. Restaurants and tavernas on the beach serve tasty local produce like cheeses, tomatoes and wild artichokes. But beyond the delectable food and azure waters, Kionia Beach is the island’s best water sports hub with windsurfing, surfing, snorkelling and paddleboarding – among the options. The beach is also easily accessible by public transport if you don’t have a car.

Kolimvithra is possibly Tinos’ most popular beach – although it’s actually two beaches rolled into one stretch of coast. One is a small buzzing bay, organised with sun loungers, umbrellas, local restaurants and charming cafes – while the other, just around the corner, is much longer but has a more remote, wild aesthetic. You can spend hours flitting between the two, taking lessons at the windsurf school, renting a canoe, snorkelling through rock caves or simply sipping Mediterranean cocktails.

This pebbled beach – near the village of Komi – is only accessible by driving a four-wheel-drive car before finishing on foot across the rocky Tinos landscape. The setting is staggeringly impressive with big rocks shaped into strange formations by the wind. A little taverna serves fresh seafood next to a little pond where ducks float up and say hi to visitors. When the north wind blows, Livada turns into a perfect empty bay for surfers as monster waves crash onto the shore.

Ormos Giannaki, a 15km (9.3mi) drive northwest of Hora and right below the village of Kardiani, is a perfect summer day haven. Secure your spot on this beach that’s part sand and pebbles, grab some shade under an umbrella and treat yourself to an icy drink from a local taverna – without the crowds of Agios Sostis or Kionia. Book in hand, you can relax on the shore for hours with lovely views of Syros in the background.