Tinos Island Things to Do Tips by om_212 Top 5 Page for this destination

Don't Miss Sunsets in Tinos

the Cyclades Islands are known for beautiful and mesmerizing sunsets, with Thira and Oia being the top destinations for watching sunset. well, I happened to see sunsets in all the islands I have visited and have to admit that they are equally beautiful. the best places to see the sunsets in Tinos are the harbor in the city center (Hora) and/or the ancient harbor (about a kilometer to the south from the city center, in Kionia direction).

Secluded sandy coves of Kionia beach

Kionia beach is located 2 km to the south from Tinos. it stretches for several kilometers from the old harbor. At the beginning it is relatively narrow and consisting mainly from pebbles. If you are looking for a refine sandy beach you will have to walk to the Tinos Beach Hotel. The beach in front of the hotel has sun beds and umbrellas (free for the hotel guests). There were just few people there since it was already off the season (mid-Sept.), but I would imagine that it can get pretty crowded in July-Aug. we walked further down the beach and have discovered several lovely sandy coves. Every time we went to the cove, we were the only people there. Very private, very relaxing. No need to say that water and the quality of sand were superb. it was the best “beach experience” of the trip.

P.S. if you are into pebbles or stones, this beach has great choice of marble-looking little white pebbles, which will look great in combination with Santorini black and red sand

Directions: 3 km from the center of the center of the town; the beach starts in the old harbor and streches beyond the Tinos Beach Hotel

Visit to a traditional Greek village: Volax

Volax (aka Volakas) is another traditional Cyclades village inhabited by Catholics. it is located in a unique natural environment. When you approach the village you see huge stones, a result of a volcanic eruption that took place some thousands of years ago. It looks surreal and can be a great setting for a modern painter, something like the Second Voyage of Sindab the Saylor in the Picasso/ Dali style: a huge nest made out of stones, with white square eggs (white buildings) with anticipation of a gigantic roc bird to appear on the horizon.

The few inhabitants of Volax, who were enjoying their 2 to 6 pm siesta while we were rumbling around the tiny twisted streets and climbing up the old church to make pictures, are basket-weavers. So if you are interested in visiting their workshops or buying some of their works, plan your visit accordingly. Here siesta comes on the first place, and then go tourists ;)

There is a small ethnic museum (free) next to the church. If it is closed, just knock on the door of the house on the opposite side. The lady who lives there will open it for you.

Address: Volax

Directions: 15 km to the north from Tinos town

Visit to a traditional Greek village: Pyrgos

The Pyrgos village is considered to be one of the most picturesque villages of the Cyclades. Located 30 kilometers from Tinos town, it is known for marble and wood carving work shops and is the only village (at least that I know about) has the high educational institution – the School of Fine Arts. It is also the birthplace of many famous Greek sculptors.

As I walk up and down the twisted streets, I had a strange feeling of unjustified excessiveness in using marble for everything possible. Marble was indeed everywhere: below your feet (be careful as you walk, as it can be quite slippery), above your head, on the fountains, and of course in the cemetery. Even in cafeterias, the tables were made of… marble  total marblisation

The marble coldness is “warmed” by typical Cyclades architecture and décor - whitewashed houses, narrow alleys and colorful flowers decorating the houses’ facades and balconies. Though it’s not my favorite of Tinos villages, it is unique and I still think it was worth getting there.

Directions: 30 kilometers to the north east from Tinos town

exploring far off Tinos beaches

Tinos has a lot of little beaches, some of them more developed, some - not developed at all; the former can be easily reached by foot or public transportation, and former can be reached only by a boat. it's definitely worth hiring a boat (or becoming friends with someone who has a boat) and going to explore far off beaches.

the views are amazing: a little church right on the seashore, bluish rocks eroded by winds; white "patches" (houses) with green gardens on barren hills gave you an impression that someone just merged two pictures in Photoshop; terraces with scares trees and old sheep-pens right on the beach.

a beach belongs to you ONLY, and you also seem to perfectly belong there. and then a feeling of total harmony pours into you.

Directions: along the west coast, to the north from Kionia and Agios Romanos

Visit to Kekhovouniou convent

the history of the convent goes to 10th century. since 1822, its history has been closely linked to Tinos church of Panagia Evagelistria as Pelagia, a local nun who had had a vision of a hidden icon, was from this convent.

It is an important place of pilgrimage and Pelagia's cell as well as her skull (don't ask me why) can been seen. The convent’s religious community consists about fifty nuns who live in a small village behind the convent walls.

If you are planning on visiting this convent, beware of a very strict dress code - your legs and shoulders have to be covered. if you are a man, you must wear pants not shorts and shirts with sleeves (no matter how hot it is outside). a woman to enter must wear a skirt that goes below knees and a long-sleeve blouse or to cover shoulders with a shawl. the fact that you are a tourist unaware of local traditions, will not help. to the contrary, it might make nuns very angry and you will be ask to leave the convent.