Tinos
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![]() | Private Tinos Off Road Tour $166.71 Discover with us the nature of Tinos! |
Tinos is worldwide famous for the Orthodox Church of Panagia Evangelistria, its many traditional windmills, the numerous artistic dovecotes scattered in the countryside, 50 populated and active villages and its Venetian fortifications at the mountain of Exomvourgo. The church of Panagia Evangelistria, with its reputedly miraculous icon of Virgin Mary that it holds, is also the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the date of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (15 August, "Dekapentavgoustos" in Greek). This is perhaps the most notable and still active yearly religious pilgrimage in the region of the eastern Mediterranean. Many pilgrims of the flock make their way the 800 m (2,600 ft) from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as a sign of devotion.
Tinos has a varied landscape. From the shores of Panormos and Kolimbithra on the North, to Kionia, Agios Yannis O Portos, and Agios Sostis on the South, Tinos has many beaches. Tsiknias is the highest mountain on the island at 750 m (2,460 ft) and hides the village of Livada. The mountain of Exombourgo is quite distinct, and unlike its more rounded Cycladic neighbors, has a jagged appearance. Between Tsiknias and Exombourgo lies the fruitful plain of Falatados, unique on the island for its relatively flat terrain. The area around Volax is very unusual, with giant boulders. The village of Volax lies at the center of this landscape. To the west, the mountains surrounding Pyrgos are full of some of the most beautiful green marble in Greece. All around the island of Tinos, the islanders have created the most unusual things out of stone. The hills are all terraced with stone walls and every village is connected to its nearest neighbors by stone walkways set between a parallel set of stone walls. The island's mineral resources include marble, Verde antico, asbestos and a granite mine near Volax.
Tinos has numerous beaches, organized or not. Perhaps the most famous beach is Kolympithra, on the north coast, very exposed to the etesian winds, with a usually high surf, thus the beach became popular among surfers and surf lessons and rentals are also available. The bay of Panormos is a natural harbor and has a beach and nice restaurants, while nearby Rohari beach is very popular with the younger crowd. On the southwest coast, Ysternia offers two beaches, one with sand one with pebbles. Further east, is the beach of Agios Petros, Apigania, a quieter option, and on the south of the island, Agios Ioannis Porto beach, Agios Sostis beach, Agios Romanos beach and Kionia beach. Generally, the beaches in the south are more popular and organized with hotels, seaside taverns, and cafeterias.
Tinos has numerous beaches, organized or not. Perhaps the most famous beach is Kolympithra, on the north coast, very exposed to the etesian winds, with a usually high surf, thus the beach became popular among surfers and surf lessons and rentals are also available. The bay of Panormos is a natural harbor and has a beach and nice restaurants, while nearby Rohari beach is very popular with the younger crowd. On the southwest coast, Ysternia offers two beaches, one with sand one with pebbles. Further east, is the beach of Agios Petros, Apigania, a quieter option, and on the south of the island, Agios Ioannis Porto beach, Agios Sostis beach, Agios Romanos beach and Kionia beach. Generally, the beaches in the south are more popular and organized with hotels, seaside taverns, and cafeterias.
Highlights
- Do not neglect visiting "Traditional Cafeneion of Kyra-Leni" at the small Catholic village of Krokos, where we enjoyed a great family lunch after a superb day at the beach, savoring local recipes artistically prepared by Andonis (tel.: 22830 51409).
- Tinos used to be an important religious center in antiquity as well, with pilgrims visiting the Temple of Poseidon, at Kionia, before departing for the sacred island of Delos.
- Tinos is home to the microbrewery of Nissos, producing an internationally-awarded craft beer. Ask for it, try it, and enjoy!
- Visit the important Catholic Monastery of the Sacred Heart, in Xombourgo.
- Visit the village of Xinara, and the ancient village of Arnado, as well as impressive Volax.