By on 09-04-2015
Tinos is a beautiful island in the northern part of the Cyclades. This is actually the most important Greek Orthodox religious centre, as it hosts the Church of Holy Mary, the patron church of all Greece. Every year on August 15th there is a great religious ceremony in Tinos island dedicated to the Dormition of Holy Mary. Thousands of people come to the island at this time for pilgrimage.
Tinos is also a lovely summer destination with wonderful sandy beaches and many hospitable villages. Beautiful churches, impressive dovecotes, art and tradition are the main highlights that make Tinos island unique. Holidays in Tinos are easy from Athens as there are ferries to Tinos from both the ports of Piraeus and Rafina.
Villages
Tinos villages are characterized by their picturesque architecture and interesting monasteries. The most scenic villages are found in the centre of the island and are mostly mountainous. They have few inhabitants with genuine hospitality. Pyrgos is the most famous village with traditional style and long tradition in marble carving.
The villages Kardiani, Isternia and Tripotamos are also very nice. They offer spectacular views to the sea and the countryside and also distinguish for the elaborate marble adornments in houses and churches. Tinos Town, the place where ferries to Tinos arrive, hosts the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria, which is considered a miracle working church.
Beaches
Most beaches in Tinos are calm and sandy. On the southern coast are the most popular beaches, organized with many tourist facilities, seafront taverns, cafeterias, and accommodation. Beaches on the northern part of the island are usually remote and quiet.
Kolymbithra is a wonderful place for swimming, with plenty of amenities and a unique environment. The busiest and most cosmopolitan beach in Tinos is Agios Ioannis Porto, offering crystal waters, soft sand, and some luxury accommodation. Agios Romanos and Kionia are two other amazing and serene beaches in Tinos.
Sights
Tinos is renowned for its religious buildings and its interesting architecture. It is only natural that there is a lot of sightseeing offered, especially regarding monasteries and marble artworks. Scattered all around the island are many Byzantine monasteries of the unique structure and surrounded by wild beauty, such as the Jesuit Monastery, the Ursulines Monastery and the Church of Evangelistria in the Town.
Fountains, marble arches, and picturesque dovecotes are also worth seeing. Art lovers should definitely visit the Chalepas Museum, with works of the famous Greek sculptor, and the Museum of Marble Crafts outside Pyrgos village.
Ferries to Tinos
Ferries to Tinos depart all year long from two ports of Athens, Piraeus and Rafina. Ferries to Tinos from Athens are daily and the trip lasts from 2 to 5 hours, depending on the vessel. There is also frequent ferry connection between Tinos and the Cycladic islands of Mykonos, Syros, and Andros.
