"Pilgrimage Island and so much more" Tinos Island by Ruai

Tinos Island Travel Guide: 125 reviews and 310 photos

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Outside Tinos town, untouristy Island
Cons:Tinos Town
In a nutshell:Can bring you closer to God, wherever you choose to worship ;)

Last visit to Tinos Island: May 2006
Intro Updated Jun 12, 2006
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Reviews (6)

Candles Things to Do (5)

When going to the church it is customary, as a sign of devotion, to light candles. Normally these are small and... more travel advice

Devotion can be a painful thing - Tinos Island

Devotion can be a painful thing Things to Do (5)

On one of the roads up to the Church in Tinos town, there is a strip of carpet. Along this on hands and knees crawl... more travel advice

The Church Things to Do (5)

There are many churchs on Tinos but everybody knows when you talk about the Church. Centre of devotion and place where... more travel advice

Dovecotes Things to Do (5)

Perhaps the most memorable manmade part of the Tinos landscape are the dovecotes, of which there are huge numbers, many... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Nice and handy location

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Written Jun 12, 2006

8 photos

Doors of Pirgos

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Comments (4)

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mindcrime Aug 18, 2012 at 5:14 AM

men also crawl on their knees, you just didnt see any.
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tini58de Sep 17, 2006 at 10:01 AM

Tinos is a special island - your page brought back happy memories to me! Thanks for sharing!
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janetanne Sep 9, 2006 at 2:30 AM

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..
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johngayton Aug 28, 2006 at 2:08 PM

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.