| Page Views: 668 Last Visit to Tinos Island: May, 2006 | Pilgrimage Island and so much more by Ruai - last update: Jun 12, 2006 |
Tinos, Island of contrasts Tinos is the most popular Orthodox pilgrimage site in Greece (Mt Athos doesnt begin to compare). Its famous for an icon miraculously discovered near Tinos village in 1822 following a vision given to a local nun. A church was built on the site (Church of the Megalohari) and to this church on August 15 come all and sundry for the great celebration of the Assumption of Mary. I don't even want to think how crowded the town must be around then! This is a very important feastday anywhere in Greece but Tinos is the epicentre of devotions.
The church itself is now connected to the port by two roads that lead straight up from the shore a few hundred metres away. The town is there to serve the pilgrims and has only limited appeal, unless you like religious kitsch, in which case you have found a goldmine! Indeed you could bhe forgiven, if you are not religious, for taking one look and then jumping right back onto your ferry. |
|  | Villages and Beaches But this would be a mistake. Firstly, go and visit the church and marvel at the tokens left by generations of grateful pilgrims in thanks for divine intervention. Then enjoy a moment of peace in the church before heading off to explore the rest of the Island (tho remember this is a working church and you will be expected to show respect by dressing appropriately)
Tinos is the third largest of the Cycladic Islands and the trip from Tinos town to Pyrgos, the next biggest village, is 18 km. Having your own transport really helps, although there is a limited bus service and lots of taxis. All told there are 50 villages on the Island and on this most Orthodox of Islands there are some 'catholic' villages. Pyrgos is very pretty and many of the others are also worth exploring, as they are located in spectacular places. The road from Tinos to Pyrgos across the spine of the Island is stunning and worth making the trip for.
In addition to the attraction of the countryside and villages, there are also many fine beaches on the Island, such as Panormou near Pyrgos. |
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| Pros: | "Outside Tinos town, untouristy Island" | | Cons: | "Tinos Town" | | In A Nutshell: | "Can bring you closer to God, wherever you choose to worship ;)" |
Ruai's Tinos Island Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 5 - Photos: 8 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 Ruai's Tinos Island Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for Ruai about Tinos Island | | | | |
tini58de Sun Sep 17, 2006 18:01 UTC
Tinos is a special island - your page brought back happy memories to me! Thanks for sharing! | janetanne Sat Sep 9, 2006 10:30 UTC
Perhaps the reasons we live in Greece are places like Tinos, the churches and the sun...all of which are still free to look at...the cost of getting there, well.. | johngayton Mon Aug 28, 2006 22:08 UTC
Hi there, I agree that it is surprising how few non-Greeks visit, but also refreshing to have lunch with Greek voices as accompaniment. Will revisit hopefully next year and spend a bit more time. |
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