Τήνος | Ferrytips

Tinos

Tinos

More than 40 of Tinos' villages are small architectural gems, with cobblestone alleys and traditional houses. The intricate dovecotes scattered throughout the island are one of the most distinctive features of the landscape, reminiscent of Venetian influence.

Tinos' artistic tradition, particularly in marble sculpture, makes it unique. In Pyrgos, the town that produced great Greek sculptors like Giannoulis Halepas, visitors can tour workshops, museums, and get an up-close look at this traditional art form.

The local cuisine is another reason to love Tinos. With dishes based on fresh, local ingredients such as wild artichokes, tomatoes, and sausages, combined with the famous cheeses of the island, its gastronomy is filled with flavors that take you on a journey.

How to Get to Tinos

Tinos is easily accessible thanks to regular ferry schedules, with alternative departure ports from Attica (Piraeus and Rafina) and different types of ships (conventional or high-speed ferries), offering flexibility for trip planning. 

From Piraeus port, the journey with a conventional ferry takes about 5 hours, while with a high-speed ferry it takes about 3 hours. Additionally, there are ferries from Rafina port to Tinos, with the journey lasting 4 hours by conventional ferry and 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry.

However, the island does not have an airport, so access by plane is not possible.


Chora (Tinos)

The town of Chora, also known as Tinos, is the island's capital. For many visitors, the most charming aspect is the neighborhoods filled with bars, cafes, and taverns, while the town's main attraction is the impressive Church of Panagia Evangelistria.

Two main roads lead to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria. The newer one is Megalocharis Avenue, where the City Hall of Tinos is located. The street also features the Archaeological Museum of Tinos, which displays artifacts from excavations across the island.

Evangelistrias Street, the older route, runs parallel to the avenue and serves as the main shopping street. It is stone-paved and includes an 18th-century marble fountain with carvings. The street also has art galleries and many shops offering a variety of products and souvenirs.

Around Tinos

Tinos is full of stunning villages and natural beauty, offering visitors a unique exploration experience.

Kampos: Situated in the heart of a fertile valley, this village hosts the Kostas Tsoklis Museum and several traditional elements, such as the best-preserved windmill on the island and dozens of pigeonhouses, which are the area's trademark.

Kardiani: One of the most beautiful villages on the island, built on the slopes of Mount Pateles, 15 km away from Chora, offers an excellent view of Syros. The narrow streets and beautiful nature around the village make it ideal for a peaceful stroll.

Ktikados: A beautiful village near Chora, with an amazing view of Kionia and characteristic elements of traditional Tinian architecture. The cobbled streets, arches, and fountains create an atmosphere that takes you back in time.

Panormos: A picturesque fishing harbor perfect for a relaxing walk or meal at its tavernas. Nearby, you can discover the village of Agapi, hidden in a green valley full of pigeonhouses, offering an atmosphere of complete peace and natural beauty.

Pyrgos: The most impressive and picturesque town of Tinos, which was once a center for marble sculpting, hosts three significant museums that highlight the island's tradition: the Marble Art Museum, the house of Giannoulis Halepas, and the Museum of Panormian Artists.

Volax: After passing through Krokos with its large Catholic church, you reach Volax, a traditional settlement with a distinctive atmosphere, full of giant boulders.

Getting Around

The best way to explore the island is by your own car or motorbike. Conventional ferries and some high-speed ferries offer the option of bringing your vehicle to Tinos. On the island, car and motorcycle rental companies provide excellent service and offer suitable vehicles for your travel. Internal transportation on the island is also possible through the KTEL buses that reach central locations. Alternatively, you can call a taxi.

Beaches in Tinos

Tinos’ beaches offer a variety of landscapes and experiences for every type of visitor, ranging from organized and busy beaches to quieter and more secluded ones. Here are some of the most famous and beautiful beaches of the island:

Agios Fokas

Agios Fokas Beach is one of the largest on the island, with sand and shallow water. Located near Chora.

Agios Ioannis Porto

Ideal for families, Agios Ioannis Porto Beach has shallow waters and a calm atmosphere. The beach is organized with tavernas and beach bars, while the small chapel at the end provides a picturesque setting. It is only 6 km from Chora, offering the perfect escape for a relaxing family time in Tinos.

Agios Romanos

Located in the southwestern part of Tinos, about 12 km from Chora, Agios Romanos Beach is organized and very popular, with natural shade from trees and calm weather. At the end of the beach, you'll find the church of Agios Romanos and a small port for small boats, offering a beautiful atmosphere for relaxation.

Kionia

Kionia Beach, just 3 km from Chora, is popular for its pebbles, sand, and incredible view of Syros. Here you’ll find the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite. It has organized areas with sunbeds.

Kolymbithra

About 12 km north of Chora, Kolymbithra Beach is one of the best for surfing, with two excellent sandy beaches. Mikri Ammos is sheltered with deep waters, and Megali Ammos is exposed to the northern winds, with waves perfect for water sports. Both beaches are organized and popular.

Livada

Livada Beach is in the northwest part of the island, about 19 km from Chora. The beach features pebbles, rocks, deep waters, and natural shade. It is quiet, unorganized, but particularly exposed to the northern winds, which create large waves. The area from Myrsini to Livada is part of the Natura 2000 program, hosting rich fauna, such as wild goats, ducks, turtles, and migratory birds.

Pahia Ammos

Located in the southeastern part of Tinos, about 8.5 km from Chora, Pahia Ammos Beach is sandy and exposed to the northern winds, with shallow waters. It is not organized but offers a sense of tranquility and isolation, especially for those who prefer less crowding.

Rochari

Rochari Beach is located near Panormos, about 28 km from Chora. It is easily accessible via the coastal road of Panormos. This sandy, organized beach with normal depth is popular among visitors. However, like other beaches in Tinos, it is exposed to strong northern winds.

Attractions

Archaeological Museum of Tinos

The Archaeological Museum is located on the main road of Chora leading to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria. One of its most important exhibits is the marble sundial of Andronikos, often considered a precursor to the Antikythera mechanism. 

Church of Panagia Evangelistria

This church is the religious center of the island, housing the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Tinos, discovered in 1823. The church's interior is magnificent, adorned with numerous candles and offerings from pilgrims.

The Cultural Foundation of Tinos

The Cultural Foundation of Tinos hosts an exceptional collection of works by the famous sculptor Giannoulis Halepas, along with other temporary exhibitions and cultural events, especially in the summer months.

Marble Art Museum

Located on the slopes of Pyrgos, the Marble Art Museum is a modern museum that creatively presents the methods of marble extraction and sculpting that have been used on the island since antiquity. The museum features excellent illustrations and English translations and includes objects and architectural elements made from local marble. The films showcasing the work of the last traditional quarrymen are particularly fascinating.

The House - Museum of Giannoulis Halepas

This captivating museum offers a rare opportunity to see the rooms and workshops of the legendary sculptor, exactly as they were when he lived there.

BOOK NOW

Tinos is one of the islands often referred to as "hidden treasures." It is primarily known for its Orthodox pilgrimage site, the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, located in the port and capital of the island, Chora. However, once you leave the bustling center, Tinos reveals a world filled with authentic beauty and tradition, ideal for travelers seeking to explore the "hidden treasure" of the Aegean.

Cyclades

Small Cyclades