Tinos, Cyclades Islands

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Serifos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Serifos is an island gem with numerous sandy beaches and a beautiful capital perched on the top of a steep hill. The rocky coastline is deeply indented with an alteration of coves and bays. The island has a unique atmosphere and attracts an increasing number of visitors.

General Information
Bare, undulating hills interspersed with small, fertile valleys cover this picturesque island. The rocky coastline is deeply indented with a succession of coves and bays.
According to mythology, Serifos was the home to the hero Perseus who cut off the head of the mermaid (gorgon) Medusa - the only mortal of the three mermaid sisters who had living snakes for hair and glance which turned men to stone. Curious rock formations resemble human figures that call this myth to the mind -the prehistoric inhabitants of the island that had been turned to stone.

Ferries call at Livadi, the sheltered port on the eastern side of the island, where there is a long, horseshoe-shaped sandy beach.

Perched on the top of a steep hill, Hora or Serifos, the main town of the island, with its little cube-shaped houses and churches in the island style, with its Venetian castle above, looks like a fairytale town.
The fortress-like monastery of the Archangels (Moni Taxiarhon), near the village of Galani, which houses some fine wall-paintings and important books and manuscripts, is of special interest.
The village of Panagia (which takes its name – meaning “Our Lady” – from the dedication of a fine 10th century church) commands a panoramic view of the whole island.
However, it is a charm all of its own, something in the unique “atmosphere” of the island, which attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors from Greece and abroad.

Sightseeing
The capital, Ηora, has an ancient citadel, which has been used through history to protect the locals from pirates and foreign invaders. Here, there is also an archaeological museum and a church from the 18th century.
The monastery Taxiarchon is not open for the public, but is quite impressive even from outside. It dates back to the 16th century.

Beaches

Magnificent beaches such as Mega Livadi, Koutalas, Agios Sostis, Psili Amos, Agios Ioannis, Sikamia can be found all around the island.

Useful Information

(Area 73 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 70 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22810
Municipal Office: 51210
Police: 51300
Port Authority: 51470
Health Center: 51202

http://www.serifos.gr

Mykonos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Superb beaches, whitewashed cube houses, sophisticated nightlife, non-stop party can picture Mykonos. Mykonos has something for everyone. Busy beaches as well as quiet beaches, plain local tavernas as well as sophisticated international restaurants. Mykonos town is a picturesque Cycladic town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes and houses.

General Information
Mykonos is a top class, worldwide destination. It is no coincidence that this, the most cosmopolitan of all Greek islands, attracts so many visitors from all over the globe, including large numbers of artists and intellectuals.
Here, the steep mountains to be encountered in most of the Cyclades give way to low, rocky hills which combine with superb beaches to make up the landscape of the island.
 

The capital, Hora, with its colorful harbour in which little fishing-boats nestle happily side by side with luxury yachts, presents quite a different picture from the majority of Aegean island towns. While it is usual for island villages to be built on naturally amphitheatrical sites, Mykonos is spread out over a flat area and conveys an impression of solid aesthetic cohesion.
Along the whitewashed streets stand brilliant white box-shaped houses with stepped walls for sitting on, wooden doors and windows and brightly coloured balconies. These are interspersed with small but impressive churches, pretty little tavernas and shops selling souvenirs and other goods, and the overall sense is of being inside a film set.
 

On the low Kastro hill is the complex of churches known collectively as Our Lady “Paraportiani”, a superb arrangement of whitewashed masses created over the centuries, and now recognized as a national cultural monument.
Of particular historical and aesthetic interest are the medieval houses in this district of the town, which stand like a wall above the sea protecting the west side of Hora.

The countryside of Mykonos is a mixture of grey-green rocks ringed by prickly pear plants and little fertile areas carpeted with wild flowers. Here and there are tiny white-washed chapels and windmills.
Ano Mera is, after Hora, the most important of the older villages on the island. Standing 8 km. to the east of the town, Ano Mera has the interesting monastery of Our Lady Tourliani, ornamented with fine woodcarvings. The church has a collection of valuable ecclesiastical vessels, vestments and embroideries. The courtyard contains an interesting bell-tower and a marble, fountain.
Mykonos is a busy island with all the amenities of a modern resort and with plenty to do – by day or night – for those who want to have a lively time. Yet visitors fond of more peaceful holidays will still find quiet corners to relax.

Sightseeing
The town Hora is a place you should really explore. Walk around, go to the windmills, have a drink in Little Venice (the western little harbour) while watching a seashore sunset and visit the Paraportiani church. And of course, go shopping. 

The village Ano Mera is worth a visit: small, pretty and quiet. Visit the monastery and the little church museum from the 15th century.

There are also museums that worth a visit. The Archeological Museum of Hora contains finds from tombs on the nearby island of Rhenia, sculptures, vases and figurines. The Folklore Museum brings together a number of collections of furniture, icons, pieces of sculpture and folk musical instruments. Mykonos is also the home of the Nautical Museum of the Aegean, which has interest all of its own. 

There are daily excursion to Delos, a small island that used to be the holiest island in ancient Greece. Leto gave birth to Apollo and Artemis here, holding on to a palm tree. You cannot spend the night on this island, but a daytrip is definitely a must: the island is cluttered with archaeological remains. 

Beaches
Most beaches are quite popular covering all tastes from families to youngsters and are fully equipped with beach bars, tavernas, lounge chairs & parasols. In the southern coast you may find the most crowded ones such as Psarou, Platys Gialos, Paranga, Paradise, Super Paradise, Elia, Agia Anna, Agrari. In the eastern side you will find less crowded beaches such as Kalafati, Kalo Livadi & Lia and the smaller ones Draoumia & Tafarnis. In the northern side of the island you may find Fokos, Ftelia, Panormos & Agios Sostis beaches which are less crowded because of their northern winds. The western coast of Mykonos, near Hora has also some options for swimming such as Agios Stefanos, Tourlos, Megali Ammos, Ornos and Agios Ioannis. 

Things to taste & buy
Jewellery
Fashionable Clothing
Salted white cheese "kopanisti"
Almond confectionery "amygdalota"
Fermented almond cordial "soumada"

Useful Information

(Area 85 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 94 nautical miles)

How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways, Athens: +30 210 9666666
By sea from Piraeus & Rafina
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22890
Municipal Office: 23990
Police: 22235
Port Authority: 22218
Olympic Airways, Mykonos: 22490 (ticket office), 22327 (airport)
Health Center: 23998, 23994 
Archeological Museum: 22325
Folklore Museum: 25591
Aegean Maritime Museum: 22700

http://www.mykonos.gr