Τinos is a beautiful island in Cyclades, the third largest after Naxos and Andros, with lovely villages to explore and lots of wind!
You can get there by boat from the port of Piraeus and Rafina. From Rafina is faster and more affordable.
Transportation in Tinos
Tinos is a huge island with long distances, so you definitely need to rent a car. The bus services are not convenient, as even in the summer there are very few of them.
Moreover, if you live in a village, to go anywhere you have to take a bus to Chora and from there take a bus to another part of the island. The ticket costs 1.80€.
There is also the option of a taxi, but the charges are quite high, it is better to rent a car.
Accommodation in Tinos
Aeolis Tinos Suites
In Triantaros Tinos you will find the luxury hotel Aeolis Tinos Suites, probably the best hotel in Tinos that offers you beautiful views, tranquility, unique rooms with private pools and a wonderful infinity pool.
If what you need is a relaxing getaway and a unique holiday experience, then Aeolis Tinos Suites is the place you need.
The room I was staying in had a special “cave” bedroom. It had a kitchen with all the essentials, a spacious living room and a huge private pool.
The best part is that despite having several rooms, it was completely quiet, just what you need for a peaceful holiday.
The hotel breakfast is served in the restaurant room, right next to the pool and contains everything. Fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, puff pastries, eggs, pancakes and delicious Liege waffles. In fact, in addition to the boiled egg and scrambled egg options, you can order fried eggs and omelette, which the kitchen is preparing at the moment.
The hotel is also home to the famous Napul’è restaurant, the only award-winning Italian restaurant from the FNL Best Restaurant Awards and at the same time awarded as the best “everyday-city-restaurant” in Athens. The food was delicious, as were the cocktails we tried.
Places to visit in Tinos
Panagia of Tinos
Of course, first on the list is the most famous attraction of the island, Panagia Evangelistria, also known as “Panagia of Tinos”, a church that is not only a church, but also a gallery with 120 works of art by great Greek and foreign painters.
In Tinos there is also the church of Panagia Evangelistria, with the miraculous icon of the same name, according to Christian tradition. The church celebrates on 25 March (Annunciation of the Virgin Mary), but it is the most popular destination on 15 August (Assumption of the Virgin Mary).
You will find the church in Chora, about a seven-minute walk from the port.
After visiting it, be sure to explore the surrounding neighborhoods of Chora with its many churches and cobbled streets, neoclassical buildings and mansions with beautiful courtyards.
Chora
The Panagia of Tinos may be the top attraction, but the island’s Chora is also quite beautiful and interesting.
Within its narrow streets and alleys you will find wonderful shops and cute little shops to enjoy your meal.
Chora of Tinos is the best place to shop for your souvenirs in the local shops.
Pyrgos
Pyrgos is perhaps the most beautiful village of Tinos. Apart from the beautiful alleys, there are three museums to explore.
Don’t miss to try fresh, handmade sweets such as galaktoboureko and orange pie in the central square.
Panormos
Panormos is the seaside part of Pyrgos and a great spot to enjoy the sunset.
Ysternia
Ysternia is a ten minute drive from Pyrgos.
They have a mountainous and a coastal part, and a central square where traditional Tinian marble craftsmanship dominates. The view from the old primary school is amazing, as it gives you the feeling that you are literally on a balcony over the Aegean Sea.
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I suggest you have a drink in the afternoon at Mayou, one of the most idyllic spots on the island to enjoy the sunset.
Triantaros
The village of Triantaros is also where we stayed. A cute village to explore with white alleys, blue doors and of course countless bougainvillea to photograph.
Volakas (or Volax)
One of the special villages of Tinos is Volakas or Volax, which is quite popular for the lunar landscape of the huge granite boulders that surround the village.
Walking through the streets of Volakas, you will come across in unexpected and unexpected places written verses from poems by Greek and non-poets or lyrics from old Greek songs.
Kardiani
For a breathtaking view, then you need to take a walk to Kardiani.
It is a beautiful village with traditional architecture and a small river running through it. The special feature of this village is that it is inhabited by both Orthodox and Catholics who have lived together harmoniously over the centuries.
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Kolimbithra Beach
In the centre of the north coast is the most famous beach of Tinos. In fact, two beautiful beaches, Little and Big Kolimbithra.
The smaller of the two has organised facilities and a taverna, as it is more sheltered from the winds. The big one, on the other hand, has a more boho style, with sunbeds and umbrellas made of natural materials and a beach bar that blends perfectly with the natural landscape.
Paths in Tinos
In Tinos there are more than 150km of signposted paths, connecting the villages to each other and leading you to archaeological sites, monasteries, Venetian castles, dovecotes and other examples of classic Cycladic architecture.
Some paths are circular, others follow the coast or disappear far into the hills. It’s up to you which one to choose… the Livadi valley, the “marble” villages or a mountain-sea combination, so you can end your route with a cool dip?
Food in Tinos
Napul’è
Athens’ top Italian restaurant, Napul’è opened at Aeolis Tinos Suites and was one of the best restaurants we ate at in Tinos.
It is located next to the hotel pool and has a fantastic view.
Napul’è is definitely a culinary bridge between Greece and Naples through its recipes and dishes.
From the handmade pasta to the pizzas baked in the wood-fired oven and the classic Italian desserts, every dish is delicious.
We had the Bufalina pizza with San Marzano sauce, mozzarella di bufala, and basil and a dreamy carbonara. On our second night on the island we visited again, this time not for dinner but for cocktails.
Triantaraki
Triantaraki is a beautiful restaurant with colorful stairs and tables.
It is located in Triantaros and is a perfect choice for coffee and brunch. It also has delicious desserts that you can try.
Right across the street is a playground, so it’s the perfect place for those with young children.
Posto
In Chora of Tinos in a central location you will find Posto, everything you need to eat in a place where everything is right next to you. We didn’t dine in, but we got souvlaki for take away for 4€.
Myrtilo bistro
Myrtilo bistro is located in a pedestrian street with various shops in the heart of Chora. You can drink coffee, eat and drink, it’s perfect for every hour of the day.
I tried and recommend pasta with penne, cream, chicken and mushrooms. The prices especially for an island are very reasonable.
Fatto a mano Tinos
If you want to have the best ice cream in Tinos, then you will undoubtedly go to Fatto a mano Tinos.
It’s a “sibling” of Fatto a mano in Peristeri, which I wrote about in my article about the best ice cream in Athens. As you can understand I was so happy when I discovered it.
Piazza Cafe
We visited Piazza Cafe just before boarding the ferry to Athens. It’s nothing special as a place to eat, but it’s a good choice if you’re looking for something cheap and quick on the island.
For a portion of chicken nuggets, a chicken baguette and a small water we paid 15€.
Tinos: What you need to know before your trip
- Tinos is a huge island, make sure you rent a car or motorbike.
- The traditional sweets you can try are almond sweets and Tinos lychnaraki.
- Tinos has a lot of wind, be prepared for that!
- The island has countless villages, make sure you make a good itinerary to see them all. Three days in Tinos I think is enough.
If you want to see more about my trip to Tinos, visit my Instagram profile.
