In brief
The island of Virgin Mary has always been famous for its rich natural landscapes offering a special peace, perfect for those who desire relaxed vacations. This mystical place, bearing chants of the past and a religious aroma that covers everything will capture you from the beginning.
You will find yourself strolling around traditional Cycladic villages, wandering between ancient monuments and remains of venetian castles or admiring the sunset from one of the hundreds of dovecotes, found on mountains, seaside villages and ravines.
General Information
Tinos lies very close to the southern tip of Andros. This is the holy island of Our Lady, which in August is swamped by pilgrims who have come to pray in the church devoted or in fulfillment of a vow.
As Our Lady’s feast day on 15 August approaches, the church and the town of Tinos become crammed with people, and religious services take place next to the commercial fair being held in the surrounding streets.
A line of mountains, whose highest peak is Mt Tsiknias (in the myths, the home of the wind-god Aeolus), runs the length of the island. On its lower slopes, walls like the fortifications of old castles divide the terraced fields. The coast of the island is mostly steep, but there are also numerous coves with sandy or pebbly beaches.
Among the special characteristics of Tinos are its dovecotes. These structures developed from simple roosts for pigeons into works of art – and the stone-built fountains to be seen in the villages evolved in a similar manner.
The island of Virgin Mary has always been famous for its rich natural landscapes offering a special peace, perfect for those who desire relaxed vacations. This mystical place, bearing chants of the past and a religious aroma that covers everything will capture you from the beginning.
You will find yourself strolling around traditional Cycladic villages, wandering between ancient monuments and remains of venetian castles or admiring the sunset from one of the hundreds of dovecotes, found on mountains, seaside villages and ravines.
General Information
Tinos lies very close to the southern tip of Andros. This is the holy island of Our Lady, which in August is swamped by pilgrims who have come to pray in the church devoted or in fulfillment of a vow.
As Our Lady’s feast day on 15 August approaches, the church and the town of Tinos become crammed with people, and religious services take place next to the commercial fair being held in the surrounding streets.
A line of mountains, whose highest peak is Mt Tsiknias (in the myths, the home of the wind-god Aeolus), runs the length of the island. On its lower slopes, walls like the fortifications of old castles divide the terraced fields. The coast of the island is mostly steep, but there are also numerous coves with sandy or pebbly beaches.
Among the special characteristics of Tinos are its dovecotes. These structures developed from simple roosts for pigeons into works of art – and the stone-built fountains to be seen in the villages evolved in a similar manner.
Tinos or Hora is capital of the island and its port, is where most of the population lives. A broad paved street leads from the harbour to the low hill on which stands the magnificent church of Our Lady. Built in marble from Paros and Tinos itself, the church stands overlooking the town on the site where a miraculous icon of Our Lady was discovered.
Next to the church, the Gallery of Tiniot Artists and Modern Greek Painters, which has a very interesting collection. Close by is the Archeological Museum of Tinos.
At Exomvourgo, we can admire the ruins of the medieval castle, on the south side of which is a sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
The interior of the island has been little affected by tourism, and the 45 villages have retained much of their traditional character and distinctive vernacular architecture.
Next to the church, the Gallery of Tiniot Artists and Modern Greek Painters, which has a very interesting collection. Close by is the Archeological Museum of Tinos.
At Exomvourgo, we can admire the ruins of the medieval castle, on the south side of which is a sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.
The interior of the island has been little affected by tourism, and the 45 villages have retained much of their traditional character and distinctive vernacular architecture.
Among the most interesting villages are the large settlements of Falatado, Stem and Pirgos, the latter of which has a museum dedicated to the sculptor Halepas, the house of the artist Lytras and numerous marble-sculptors’ workshops.
Among the monasteries of the island, many of them built on superb sites, we could single out that of Our Lady of the Angels at Kehrovouni (Panagia ton Angelon), which has the appearance of a Tinos village in medieval times.
The beauties of Tinos are gradually making a name for themselves. Although amenities for tourists outside the town are scanty, they are constantly expanding.
Sightseeing
The most dominating feature of Tinos is its basilica Panagia Evangelistria (Virgin Mary Evangelist). It was built after a nun had dreamt of an icon in 1823, and after searching and digging in the area, it was found, as well as a well of fresh water. The church is situated on a hill in Hora, with steps leading up to it. In antiquity, there used to be a Dionysus temple here.
In Hora there is also an archaeological museum. It houses findings from the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite (at Kionia beach) and from the Geometric burials of Exo Meria.
Pilgrimage is of course not the only reason for going to Tinos. It is a beautiful island, with many little villages well worth visiting. For example Moundatos, Ktikados, Hadzirados, Kardiani, Volaka, Isternia, Kambos, Steni and Pyrgos, which is the largest and perhaps prettiest village. In Pyrgos you can visit the workshop of the sculptor Giannoulis Halepas as well as the museum of artists from Tinos. The lunar landscape at the village Volakas with its peculiar boulders, is probably unique anywhere in the world and is a worthy visit.
Among the monasteries of the island, many of them built on superb sites, we could single out that of Our Lady of the Angels at Kehrovouni (Panagia ton Angelon), which has the appearance of a Tinos village in medieval times.
The beauties of Tinos are gradually making a name for themselves. Although amenities for tourists outside the town are scanty, they are constantly expanding.
Sightseeing
The most dominating feature of Tinos is its basilica Panagia Evangelistria (Virgin Mary Evangelist). It was built after a nun had dreamt of an icon in 1823, and after searching and digging in the area, it was found, as well as a well of fresh water. The church is situated on a hill in Hora, with steps leading up to it. In antiquity, there used to be a Dionysus temple here.
In Hora there is also an archaeological museum. It houses findings from the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite (at Kionia beach) and from the Geometric burials of Exo Meria.
Pilgrimage is of course not the only reason for going to Tinos. It is a beautiful island, with many little villages well worth visiting. For example Moundatos, Ktikados, Hadzirados, Kardiani, Volaka, Isternia, Kambos, Steni and Pyrgos, which is the largest and perhaps prettiest village. In Pyrgos you can visit the workshop of the sculptor Giannoulis Halepas as well as the museum of artists from Tinos. The lunar landscape at the village Volakas with its peculiar boulders, is probably unique anywhere in the world and is a worthy visit.
The cave of Gastrion outside Kionia is quite fascinating with inscriptions dating back to antiquity. Here, there are also ancient remains of a temple to Dionysus and Roman baths.
On Mt. Exomvourgo the Venetian citadel used to lie, until it was blown up by the Turks in 1715. The Jesuits used to live here, and there is a Catholic, as well as an Orthodox church here.
The nunnery Kechrovouni is definitely worth a visit. It dates back to the 11th century, and allegedly it was built after three sisters had dreamt about it. This is where sister Pelagia, the one that dreamt of the Evangelistria icon lived. There is also a small museum here.
On Mt. Exomvourgo the Venetian citadel used to lie, until it was blown up by the Turks in 1715. The Jesuits used to live here, and there is a Catholic, as well as an Orthodox church here.
The nunnery Kechrovouni is definitely worth a visit. It dates back to the 11th century, and allegedly it was built after three sisters had dreamt about it. This is where sister Pelagia, the one that dreamt of the Evangelistria icon lived. There is also a small museum here.
Beaches
There are plenty of beautiful beaches, notably at Agios Fokas near the town, Kionia, Porto, Panormos bay, Kolimbithra, Agios Sostis and Pahia Amos.
Useful Information
(Area 195 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 86 nautical miles. Distance from Rafina 64 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22830
Municipal Offices: +30 22833 60100-5
Police: 22255, 22100
Port Authority: 22348
Health Center: 22210, 41229
Archaeological Museum: 22670
Holy Foundation of Our Lady: 22256
http://www.tinos.gov.gr
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrio
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300
Lavrio Port Authority: +30 22920 25249, 60188
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22830
Municipal Offices: +30 22833 60100-5
Police: 22255, 22100
Port Authority: 22348
Health Center: 22210, 41229
Archaeological Museum: 22670
Holy Foundation of Our Lady: 22256
http://www.tinos.gov.gr
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