"Pilgrimage Island and so much ..." a Tinos Island Travel Page by Ruai

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.

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.