Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Tinos, Greece
Compared to the tourist hotspots of Mykonos and Rhodes, the island of Tinos remains a largely undiscovered gem. Yet this little Cycladic jewel has so much to offer anyone looking for an authentic Greek holiday away from the crowds.
Despite being so close to Mykonos – around 10km (6mi) at its closest point – Tinos is a world away from the notorious party island. It’s far less developed than many of its neighbouring Greek islands, and herein lies its appeal. From scenic villages and quiet, pristine beaches to cultural events and mouthwatering delicacies, Tinos is sure to amaze you with its unassuming beauty and unique traditions. Here are Culture Trip’s top reasons why you should make Tinos your go-to sanctuary this year.
1. Spot the famous pilgrimage site
Building, Church
2. Marvel at the beautiful pigeon houses
Natural Feature
Scattered around Tinos are more than 600 whitewashed pigeon houses. These are believed to date back to the 13th century when noble Venetians began breeding and exporting pigeons. Tinian craftsmen have since used these peculiar, two-storey houses as blank canvases, adorning them with elaborate geometric symbols and turning them into fine pieces of folk art. Right next to the village of Tarabados, you will come across a valley with so many of them that it’d be hard to resist a no-filter Instagram post.
4. Stroll around the one-of-a-kind villages
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
While the capital is where most of Tinos’ restaurants and bars are, it’s the picturesque villages that will win you over. The birthplace of Chalepas, Pyrgos stands out for the abundance of marble, present in every corner – even benches and bus stops are made of marble – and for the charming square where you can taste a delicious galaktoboureko dessert at a local cafe. In Volax, a series of otherworldly granite boulders give way to cute houses whose doors are decorated with lyrics of romantic poems.
5. Sunbathe on the multitude of pristine beaches
Natural Feature
As a typical Cycladic island floating in the vast Aegean Sea, Tinos boasts white sand beaches and cerulean waters. In fact, there are so many good beaches – each marvellous in its own right – that you’ll be spoilt for choice. From Agios Ioannis’ crystalline waters and plush amenities – the bar is fully equipped with snacks, and massages are on offer – to Agios Romanos’s cool waters or Kolymbithra’s rocky landscape and wild waves, Tinos is a beachgoer’s paradise.
6. Windsurf on its windy shores
Natural Feature
Tinos is known for the very strong winds which are especially prevalent during the summer. Trying to sunbathe without getting covered in sand is certainly no easy feat, but you can at least make the most of big, spectacular waves. Beaches such as Kolymbithra or Livada are particularly popular among surfers, while others like Agios Fokas or Kionia are ideal for windsurfing. The island has a coastline of 114km (71mi), so you are bound to find your dream spot and catch that perfect wave.
7. Dance at a local festival
Natural Feature
Tinos hosts a range of festivals, mostly during the summer. Tinos Festival, which includes music concerts, theatrical performances and book fairs, is probably the most well-known, but the Revival of the Trawl has to be the most exciting. To honour the old fishermen in the village of Ktikados – one of the very first fish villages of Tinos – people gather at Kionia beach towards the end of August and fish. Afterwards, they feast on seafood and sip on wine, as folk groups dance and play traditional music.
8. Dine on excellent Greek food
Restaurant, Italian
No die-hard foodie will stay unimpressed by Tinos’ culinary delights. The island’s farmer’s markets sell some of the most succulent fresh produce – pass by the one at Pallada and you will find anything from luscious tomatoes to capers and artichokes. Meanwhile, the many quaint taverns on Tinos’ hillside villages serve delectable traditional dishes, some with a gourmet touch. One of the most idyllic is the elegant Exo Meria, guaranteeing unparalleled sea views from its lovely terrace. Don’t miss their oven-baked omelettes.
To explore more of Greece, check out the best hotels in Astypalea, and the best hotels in Zakynthos, all bookable with Culture Trip. During your stay, explore the best things to do in Oia, and relax on the best beaches in Santorini. Make sure you also book a table in at least one of the best restaurants in Oia to sample some delicious Greek dishes.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.