Chora’s cobbled main street, edged with shops selling religious memorabilia on either side, leads up to the Church of Panagia Evagelistria. The buildings around the church house the Museum of Tinian Artists, an exhibition of icons and religious relics, an art gallery and an exhibition of works by Andonios Sochos.
The archaeological museum features find from the excavations at the temple of Dimitra in Xobourgo, as well as statues and pieces from the temple of Poseidon and Amfitrite.
Tinos boasts 40 villages, each with its own distinct character. Visit the traditional village of Koumaros to have a coffee at the traditional kafenio – you will probably have to prepare the coffee yourself and then leave money at the wooden desk because there is no landlord.
Head to the charming mountain villages of Volax, Xinara, Smardakito and Falatado. Krokos is a diminutive village with an eerie atmosphere and Xobourgo is home to the Convent of Sacred Heart.
Being a religious centre, Tinos has countless churches and monasteries that are scattered around the island. Visit the convent of Agia Pelagia close to Arnados, the convent of Ursulines in Loutra and the monastery of Jesuits the shrine of Agios Iosif has closed down, but you can visit the folklore museum with objects from island’s everyday life.
Aside from sightseeing, Tinos has a local cuisine that is among Greece’s best, as well as an array of colourful bars where you can sip cocktails under the stars. For outdoorsy types, Tinos has a long network of hiking trails and two excellent surfing spots.
Best beaches in Tinos
Agios Fokas The largest and one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Beach-bars, tavernas, watersports – everything you need.
Agios Ioannis Porto One of the island’s most popular beaches and once the port of Tinos. Fine sand, dazzling waters, pine-trees and a beach bar.
Agios Markos A charming pebbled cove with crystal clear waters, protected from the fierce northern winds.
Agios Romanos A large beach with sand, crystal clear waters and natural shade. From there, you can walk to the secluded beach of Apigania.
Agios Sostis A popular sandy stretch with sparkling clear waters with views over to Mykonos. The beach is well-protected from the winds.
Kionia A pebbled bay backed by pine-trees close to the archaeological site of the Temple of Poseidon and Amfitrite.
Kolibithra This large beach is a popular surfing spot. The small one is a sandy bay protected by the winds and served by a taverna.
Lichnaftia A gorgeous bay with sand and pebbles, natural shade and dazzling emerald waters, with views towards Mykonos.
Livada A gorgeous landscape of a river that spills into the sea, forming small pools, and rocks sculpted by the winds. Gets quite rough when there is a northern wind.
Mali A charming cove at the northwest of the island, with a few houses, a pebbled shore and dazzling emerald waters.
Pachia Ammos A stunning and popular beach with coarse golden sand, sand-dunes and bright emerald waters.
Santa Margarita A quiet sandy bay that took its name from the nearby catholic chapel. Remains quiet even during peak season.
