There is no airport on the island, the closest one is in Mykonos and from there you can take a 30 minute ferry ride to the island of Tinos. Ferries to Tinos can be found at the ports of Rafina and Piraeus.

When visiting Tinos, there are a number of attractions you should be sure to visit.

The Dovecotes of Tinos

The Dovecotes of Tinos is a group of monuments that are found in the hinterland of the island. They are stone buildings that have two floors. The upper floors were used as dwellings of the doves and the lower as storage. These dovecotes are mostly found on the mountain slopes, which helped to facilitate the takeoffs and landings of doves. It is estimated there are more than 600 dovecotes that are decorated with geometric patterns, which are believed to be why doves are attracted to them. The oldest dovecotes are thought be from the 18th and 19th century. You will find many of the dovecotes near Krokos Village, Komi, Kardiani Village, and Tatbados Valley.

Tinian Artists Museum

Founded in 1930, the Tinian Artists is located next to the church of Panagia Evangelistria. The museum showcases work of the island’s celebrated artists. Many of these artists studied thanks to financial aid provided by the Holy Foundation of Evangelistria. Much of the artwork was donated by the artists as thanks for the scholarships. Aside from the beautiful artwork that is showcased, there is a room that houses a small ecclesiastical collection and a library, which houses rare books. The museum also has two cafés as well as a snack bar in the courtyard. If you want a bigger meal, you will find a tavern not far.

Sanctuaries of Amphitrite and Poseidon

These sanctuaries were one of the most important places of worship in Ancient Greece. During the 5th century BC, the island of Tinos was the center of worship of Poseidon. The temple would be expanded during the 3rd century BC to worship Poseidon’s wife Amphitrite, the deity of feminine fertility. Today, you can see remnants of the foundation of both sanctuaries as well as relics of the bath and guesthouse.

Tinos Brewery

Just a short distance from Chora, you will find the Tinos Brewery. This micro-brewery was founded in 2012 close to Vagia. Anyone with an interest in beer will enjoy taking a tour of this micro-brewery. Learn about the beer making process and sample the products as well! One of the beers made at the brewery is called Nisos, a non-pasteurized, free pilsner with a rich flavor.

Attractions around the island of Tinos are definitely varied. Whatever you are in the mood for during your visit, you are sure to find and enjoy.

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Agios Iaonnis Porto

If you have a limited amount of time to spend on this island, you should strongly consider making this beach a priority. Located about 7 kilometers from Tinos Town (Chora), which is the main port, it is an easy beach to get to by taxi, bus, or rental car. What sets this beach apart is that not only is it incredibly beautiful, but it is also a beach with plenty of services to enjoy. There are cafes and tavernas near the beach, as well as plenty of sun beds and umbrellas to rent. You can easily spend the whole day here!

Kolympithra Beach

If you want to get away from Tinos Town (Chora) but don’t want to trek too far, consider visiting Kolympithra Bay, which is actually only fifteen kilometers away from the main town. Here, you will find two beaches, both of which are completely worth a visit. Many of the beaches on Tinos tend to be plagued by strong winds. If you want to escape the wind, the beaches here are a good choice. The bay is flanked by hills, which offer protection from the winds. There is a taverna and cafe nearby for refreshment, but the main draw here is that this is a relatively quiet beach that is away from the bustle that tends to collect near the main port.

Agios Sostis Beach

Although this beach doesn’t have as many services as Agios Iaonnis Porto Beach, it is still a worthwhile choice to spend the day at. The sand here is soft, and the water is a gorgeous crystal blue. Although there aren’t facilities located directly on this beach, there are some tavernas that you can get to on foot when you need something to eat or need a break from sitting in the sun. Agios Sostis Beach is only five kilometers from Tinos Town (Chora) and is very easy to reach by car, bus, or tax.

Panormos Beach

Are you looking for a great place on the island to truly get away from it all? If so, then Panormous Beach is the ideal spot for you! This area of the island doesn’t see as many visitors as Tinos Town and the beach alone is worth a visit. This beach is somewhat rocky, which gives it a beautiful appearance. This is on of those places, however, where the wind is strong. Consider taking up windsurfing to make the most of it!

While on the island of Tinos, you should consider visiting at least one of these gorgeous beaches!

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Eat the Local Cuisine

Like many Greek islands, Tinos has a cuisine all its own. Many of the dishes here do have their own unique flavor. However, the locals put their own spin on it. The standout ingredients in the food are the wild artichokes, handmade sausages made with fresh ingredients, and garden-ripe tomatoes. Since it is an island, it is particularly known for its seafood. There is also a delicious specialty called Marathokefedes, which is made from locally grown fennel. Ask at your hotel for advice on where to find the best restaurants. The Cyclades Microbrewery is also located here and although beer isn’t native to Greece, it has become a big part of the culture in recent years.

Visit One of the Beaches

The beaches on Tinos are amongst the best in Greece. They are most known for their soft sand, warm waters, and great scenery. Some of the beaches do have a combination of sandy and pebbled spots, however. If you get the chance, you’ll want to make sure to visit Livada Beach, Santa Margarita Beach,  Rochari Beach, and Agios Fokas. You can easily spend the day at any one of these taking in the gorgeous view, soaking up the sun, and lounging by the water. You also might want to consider going snorkeling or scuba diving to see the beach in a different perspective. Consider visiting the Tinos Dive Center if you are interested in either of those sports.

Browse Through a Museum

If you love history and culture, you should consider visiting one of the many museums on the island. Your choices include the religious museum at the Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral, the Museum of Marble Crafts, which celebrates one of the major folk arts on the island, and the Chalepas Museum, which celebrates the life and works of the famous sculptor, Chalepas, from the 18th Century.

No matter what you do while on Tinos, you really can’t go wrong. Whether visiting the main port of Hora, meandering through some of the other villages, or even doing one of the activities listed here, you will find that this is one of the most enchanting islands in Greece. It’s a bit tucked away though, so it will take some effort to get here. However, it’s worth it so that you can give this place a chance.

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When visiting Tinos, Greece you can’t miss the abundance of monasteries and churches that call the island home. Here are some of the monasteries you can visit while here:

Monastery of Ursulines

Located in the village of Loutra, the Monastery of Ursulines is a Catholic monastery that was founded in 1862 by Marie Anne Leaves of Constantinople. The monastery used to be an important female education center for the children of Greece from 1862 – 1993. Many girls from wealthy families graduated from the school. It was also used as a boarding school, a university, and an orphanage. Today, the Monastery of Ursulines functions as a folklore museum and during the summer months exhibitions and events take place there.

Monastery of Kehrovouni

The Monastery of Kehrovouni was founded in the 12th century by the women of a wealthy family of Tinos. The monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary. The Monastery of Kehrovouni is known for its beautiful architecture as it combines elements from both the Venetians and the island of Tinos itself. The monastery’s complex has a number of buildings that include the main church, small chapels, and cells of the monks. Inside the Monastery of Kehrovouni you can see icons dating to the 18th century.

Monastery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Monastery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is an important pilgrimage center of Catholics in Greece. It was founded in 1724 by Jesuit monks who lived in the village of Kastro. When pilgrims visit, there are rooms for them to meditate in. Inside the monastery you can view a war memorial for Greek Catholics who died during the wars. There is also a cave that is dedicated to Panagia Lourdi. The Monastery of the Sacred Heart of Jesus offers rooms to pilgrims who want to meditate during their visit. During one week in July, a large traditional celebration takes place at the monastery.

Monastery of Saint Francisco

The Monastery of Saint Francisco was built on the island of Tinos in 1700 in Pentostato, close to the village of Mesi, by order of the Franciscans who had settled on the island at the time. The monastery was destroyed by the Ottomans, but would be restored until 1923 with the financial help of the Monastery of Constantinople. Today, the Monastery of Saint Francisco belongs to the Catholic Archdiocese of Naxos and Tinos. In 1747, the Franciscans founded another monastery at the island’s new capital.

The monasteries and churches of Tinos, Greece are great in number. If you are visiting the island of Tinos, it will be worth your time to explore the monasteries that hold history and spirituality.

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The climate of Tinos, Greece is classified as Mediterranean. The summers are typically hot and dry and the winters are mild and wet. The island also experiences meltemi winds which are strong, dry north winds. These winds are usually strongest during the afternoon hours.

This weather forecast in Tinos, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Tinos, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 53.4° F (11.9° C) – 56.8° F (13.8° C)
• Precipitation: 53 mm
• Climate: 14.9 days of rain on average, 9.9 hours of daylight per day, 5.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C)
• Humidity: 71%

February 

• Temperature: 54.5° F (12.5° C) – 57.9° F (14.4° C)
• Precipitation: 38 mm
• Climate: 12.5 days of rain on average, 10.8 hours of daylight per day, 6.5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 60.3° F (15.7° C)
• Humidity: 72%

March

• Temperature: 55.8° F (13.2° C) – 59.2° F (15.1° C)
• Precipitation: 28 mm
• Climate: 10.8 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 8.3 hours of sunshine on average, UV-index 5, water temperature 60.3° F (15.7° C)
• Humidity: 72%

April

• Temperature: 58.8° F (14.9° C) – 61.9° F (16.6° C)
• Precipitation: 17 mm
• Climate: 7.1 days of rain on average, 13.2 hours of daylight per day, 10.6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 61.2° F (16.2° C)
• Humidity: 73%

May

• Temperature: 65.5° F (18.6° C) – 68.4° F (20.2° C)
• Precipitation: 13 mm
• Climate: 6.9 days of rain on average, 14.2 hours of daylight per day, 11.5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 65.1° F (18.4° C), beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 75%

June

• Temperature: 71.4° F (21.9° C) – 74.3° F (23.5° C)
• Precipitation: 8 mm
• Climate: 4.1 days of rain on average, 14.7 hours of daylight per day, 12.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 71.4° F (21.9° C), slightly muggy, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 75%

July

• Temperature: 75° F (23.9° C) – 77.9° F (25.5° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 0.9 days of rain on average, 14.5 hours of daylight per day, 12.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 76.3° F (24.6° C), 35% muggy, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 75%

August

• Temperature: 75.9° F (24.4° C) – 79° F (26.1° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 0.8 days of rain on average, 13.6 hours of daylight per day, 12.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 77.4° F (25.2° C), 42% muggy, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 76%

September

• Temperature: 73° F (22.8° C) – 75.6° F (24.2° C)
• Precipitation: 9 mm
• Climate: 4.4 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 10.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 74.7° F (23.7° C), 30% muggy, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 73%

October 

• Temperature: 67.1° F (19.5° C) – 69.8° F (21° C)
• Precipitation: 19 mm
• Climate: 7.2 days of rain on average, 11.2 hours of daylight per day, 7.3 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 70.3° F (21.3° C), slightly muggy, beach/pool score 5
• Humidity: 73%

November 

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 65.1° F (18.4° C)
• Precipitation: 27 mm
• Climate: 9.5 days of rain on average, 10.2 hours of daylight per day, 6.7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 64.9° F (18.3° C)
• Humidity: 74%

December

• Temperature: 56.3° F (13.5° C) – 59.9° F (15.5° C)
• Precipitation: 41 mm
• Climate: 13.9 days of rain on average, 9.6 hours of daylight per day, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 62.1° F (16.7° C)
• Humidity: 71%

The Mediterranean climate of Tinos, Greece offers summers that are hot and dry. For those who don’t mind rain, winters are a good time to visit as the temperatures are mild.

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Getting To Tinos from Mykonos

There is no airport on Tinos Island. The closest airports are Mykonos Island Airport or Athens International Airport. Chances are your trip to Tinos Island will start at Mykonos Island.

From here, the only way to get to Tinos is by ferry. There are daily boat and ferry trips to Tinos. The website FantasticGreece.com is a great resource for researching and booking boat tickets. Some of the leading boat companies include Blue Star ferries, SeaJets, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways.

The trip takes about 30 minutes, and you will arrive at the port of Tinos at Tinos Town. Tinos Town, also called Chora, is the capital of the island.

About Tinos Greek Island

The island of Tinos is located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea between Andros and Mykonos. It’s also known as the Lourdes of Greece. The island has a long, tumultuous history. Andrea Ghisi and his heirs owned it until the late 14th century when it was bequeathed to Venice. Early in the 18th century, it was captured by the Ottoman Empire and regained independence about a century later. Tinos has a distinct, laid-back feeling. The island has a varied landscape that offers stunning views from numerous beaches to rounded and jagged mountains.

What to See On Tinos

There are a lot of things to see and do while on Tinos, and it can be hard to choose the activities you really want to do. After all, taking a day trip doesn’t leave you with a lot of time to explore. It’s best to plan ahead so that you can spend your time wisely. Here are some ideas:

• Church of Panagia Evangelistria. This traditional church is worth visiting and is a popular pilgrimage spot for locals and tourists alike.
• Dormition of the Virgin Mary Festival. This takes place on August 15th so if you have the chance to visit the island on that day, this festival is worth checking out!
• Sanctuary of Poseidon. This dates back to the 4th Century BC and there is evidence that it served as a hospital in Ancient Greece.
• Holy Monastery of Kechrovouniou. Located in Steni village, this monastery exudes traditional architecture and was founded sometime in the tenth or eleventh century.
• Museums. The museums you can visit include the Museum of Folk Art, the Antonios Sochos Museum, and the Archaeological museum.
• Beaches. Tinos has many beaches that are worth visiting, including Agios Sostis Beach, Kionia Beach, and Panormos Beach.

The Island of Tinos shares the beauty of the Cycladic islands while retaining the traditional Greek way of life. If you want to enjoy quiet, idyllic beaches and rural, inner lands, then this is the place for you!

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Getting to Tinos Island

Tinos is an island in the Cyclades that is tucked a bit out of the way. In fact, there is no airport here which means that visitors and inhabitants alike have no choice but to arrive here by ferry. The extra step, however, is worth the effort. Tinos is a hidden gem and once you’re here you’ll enjoy everything the island has to offer. Consider taking a flight into the Mykonos Airport to cut down on your time in the ferry, and from Mykonos, you can take a ferry to Tinos. Otherwise, you’ll need to check the ferry schedules from wherever you originate in Greece.

Why Visit the Church of the Virgin Mary

There are a few reasons why you’ll want to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary on Tinos. First, it is a fine example of a typical Greek Orthodox Church. When visiting, be sure to observe the customs and dress properly for being in church. Ask at your hotel or resort for more details as to the proper way to dress. This church is also the home to a famous icon and people often pilgrimage to Tinos for the sole purpose of glimpsing the icon. The church itself was built in 1823 by a Greek architect who came from Smyrna, and the church itself was built using some of the best marble that could be found on Tinos, Delos, and other Greek islands. This only adds to the splendor of the church and gives the building a fresh feeling.

Pay Respects to the Famous Icon

As mentioned above, once you arrive at the church, you’ll want to make sure to visit the famous icon. The Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary and its story is directly tied to the construction of the church. In 1822, before construction began, a nun who came from Pelagia believed that she was divinely inspired to encourage people to dig in a certain spot to build the church. The icon was found while the people were digging. The icon itself is still on display and visitors can pay their respects after waiting in a line. Depending on the time of year you visit the church, the line can get rather long.

While visiting the Greek island of Tinos, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Church of the Virgin Mary and also pay respects to the Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary.

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Visit the Church of the Panagia Evangelistria

Translated as “Church of Our Lady of Good Tidings”, this is the major attraction on the beautiful island of Tinos. Home of a popular icon of the Panagia, Jesus’s mother, people from all over the world flock here each year to pray at the holy icon. This isn’t a popular place to visit an icon, though. The church is also a sought-after destination for baptisms and weddings. For those who live on the island, though, the church is a part of everyday life. To get the full experience, make the trek up to the church on foot so that you can really absorb the beauty of the place.

Take in the Its Unspoiled Charm

One thing that people love about this island is that it hasn’t been commercialized. While some ports in Greece have a bustling, commercialized feel, the port on Tinos is relatively quiet. However, once you disembark and begin exploring, you’ll realize that there is a lot more to the place than meets the eye. While your first impression is that there won’t be much to do here, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are certainly plenty of things to do here, it’s just that the island is much quieter than some of the other tourist destinations in Greece.

Enjoy the Local Culture

Besides the fact that the island is beautiful, with plenty of sprawling coastline to make any beach-goer happy, the main thing that sets this island apart is the local culture – and the people are more than eager to share it with its visitors. Be sure to visit some of the many cafes and tavernas to sample the local cuisine. While it is very similar to food that is found in other parts of Greece, there are some differences. The cuisine on Tinos is dependent on what the islanders can obtain themselves, whether it’s freshly grown tomatoes or seafood that was plucked right from the ocean that morning. Wash the whole meal down with some local Greek wine and you’ll have the perfect cultural experience. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a taverna with some traditional music to further set the tone.

Even though the main draw on the island of Tinos is the Church of Our Lady of Good Tidings, you can still have a full Greek cultural experience by exploring the whole island.

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About the Tinos Tsoklis Museum

Buried at the bottom of Kambos, a hillside village in Tinos is Kostas Tsoklis Museum, the old primary school turned fine art museum. Tinos is in the historically and culturally rich area known as the Cyclades, a group of around 200 small islands that form a rough circle in the southern Aegean between Greece and Turkey. The architectural beauty of the building pays homage to the aesthetics of the island and the local culture. Fully renovated to Cycladic standards, the color white and stone play a dominant role in the museum and island.

Catch a Glimpse of Some Fine Art

Welcoming you from the courtyard is the museum’s most famous piece, a sculpture of St. George slaying the dragon. This monumental piece connects classical and modern elements into a hybrid style that truly exemplifies the artist’s work. The artist envisioned this museum as his ultimate creative endeavor, striving to give back to the community in the grandest way he knew how. Inside the museum are various mediums, including painting and sculpture, all demonstrating classical elements with modern tendencies. The exhibits and central themes in the museum rotate every year, keeping the art fresh and visitors coming back.

How the Museum Gives Back to the Community

The Kostas Tsoklis Museum, dedicated to Tinos, gives back to the community in a myriad of ways. The museum organizes various events that relate to all forms of art. Lectures, seminars, performances in the theater of Koumaros, and screenings on the outdoor area of the museum are all frequent events held for locals and visitors alike. Every summer, the school’s old classrooms host various art exhibits with concurrent programs offered to the public, keeping adults and children informed and entertained. Above all, a special program for sightless children is hosted in cooperation with the Museum of Touch and Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece. Fundamentally, this program gives everyone access to art.

Open June through September and every day of the week except Tuesday, the primary school turned fine art museum is worthy of a stop if visiting the Greek island of Tinos. The community-focused museum challenges perceptions and celebrates modern art with a classical twist, lending to a hybrid style that is exemplified in the works of Kostas Tsoklis. Ever-changing, the exhibits inside the Kostas Tsoklis Museum will leave you with a sense of awe, not only for his artistic work but the work for the community as well.

While in Tinos, Greece you won’t want to miss the chance to pay this place a visit!

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One of the most distinct features of Tinos is its unique architecture. The Dovecotes are a unique architectural feature of the island and they also have an interesting history. Here’s more information about them and why you should pay them a visit while here:

History of the Dovecotes

If we’re looking for a starting point on the history of the building of the Tinos Dovecotes, we have to go back to the seventeenth century and the eighteenth century. It is believed that many of the oldest dovecotes in Tinos, Greece were built during that period. The creators of those dovecotes were none other than the Venetians. The Venetians used their skilled tradesmen to build sophisticated dovecotes primarily so that they can build on their ongoing implementation to breed piegons.

They were responsible for the original implementation of the systematic breeding of piegons. Back in the 15th century, the Venetians started to breed pigeons after discovering that their meat was very tasty. It was also due to the fact that they discovered that the pigeon’s droppings could result in some high-quality manure. At the time, the Venetians were in the midst of their long five-century reign over Tinos (1200-1715). Once the Venetian reign was over, the citizens of Tinos began to build their own dovecotes in greater numbers.

Architecture and Construction of Dovecotes

The Dovecotes are stone structures with multiple levels. They are built in such a way that it looks like fortresses. Additionally, dovecotes are made out of slate clay. Dovecotes are generally whitewashed. One will see that the Dovecotes are made with geometric patterns such as rhomboids and triangles.

Dovecotes also have patterns such as cypress trees and patterns that represent many variations of the sun. These patterns have been known to attract the doves to the structure. In general, the doves live on the second floor of the dovecotes. The first floor is used for storing utensils, tools and agricultural equipment.

Where to Find the Dovecotes

The Dovecotes in Tinos are strategically built in the countryside near cultivated areas. Generally, they are built on slopes at a strategic angle so that doves can take off and land with ease in the structure. Generally, it is built near a location where water is easily accessible. There are over 600 Dovecotes. Dovecotes can be generally found in the villages of Komi, Krokos Villages, Tarabados Valley and Kardiani Village.

It is easy to see why the Dovecotes are such beautiful trademarks of the city of Tinos! These well-preserved structures have stood the test of time as they are still prominent today. It is definitely a great option to visit while here.

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