Island Of Tinos, Greece: Things To Do & Complete Travel Guide
Will you be traveling to the beautiful island of Tinos, Greece? If so, you’re in the right place.
The island of Tinos, Greece is a hidden gem and one that you should absolutely put on your Greek itinerary. We turned to Michelle Schomp, from Passport Explorers, who has been traveling around the world full time with her kids for over seven years, to weigh in on the island of Tinos, Greece.
Island Of Tinos Travel Guide
Welcome to the island of Tinos travel guide! Tinos is a Greek Cycladic island located near the islands of Mykonos, Andros and Syros. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food, Tinos island has something for everyone.
From the famous Church of Panagia Evangelistria to the stunning beaches, hiking trails or cute villages to stroll through, there is no shortage of attractions to explore.
In this guide, you can find everything you need to plan your trip to Tinos island!
Best Things To Do In Tinos, Greece
Tinos island is a beautiful destination with a range of activities for you to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Tinos:
✅ Visit the Church of Panagia Evangelistria
This is the most famous landmark on the island. The church is said to have healing powers. You will notice a long pathway leading from the port up to the church. Many times you will see people making the pilgrimage, crawling up the hill on their knees up to reach the church.
✅ Explore Tinos Harbour
If you arrive by ferry, you will be right at the Harbor and can walk along the waterfront to the many shops and restaurants while admiring the many boats and yachts in port.
✅ Learn to Cook Local Dishes
If organic farms and eating delicious food is your thing, make sure you book Tinos Farm to Table cooking experience. This was a highlight of our trip to Tinos.
Strolling through the farm, you’ll taste fruit and veggies straight from the gardens, collecting a few ingredients to cook a delicious meal in a gorgeous outdoor kitchen overlooking the farm.
✅ Relax on the Beaches
Tinos island has a range of beautiful beaches, from secluded coves to long stretches of sand. For calmer beaches, check out Agios Fokas, Kionia, and Agios Sostis, whereas if you like bigger surf, go to Kolymbithra Beach.
✅ Rent a Car and Drive Around
Renting a car and driving around the island of Tino is easy. It also makes for a convenient way to explore all the island has to offer. Plus, you can stop off to enjoy the picturesque views or grab a local treat at one of the cafes or stands along the side of the road.
The benefit of renting a car in Tinos is stopping and enjoying these views throughout the island.
✅ Hiking
Tinos island has a network of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the island’s rugged interior. Some of the best hikes include the path to Exomvourgo Castle and the trail from Volax to the beach of Agios Petros.
✅ Visit the Marble Museum
Visit the town of Pyrgos to learn about Tino’s marble history. Here you will find the Marble Museum, as well as marble statues and beautiful gift shops. Plus, Pyrgos is a cute village and worth meandering through the whitewashed architecture and cobblestone streets.
✅ Attend a Festival
Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch one of Tinos’ lively festivals, food, music, and cultural events, including the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in August.
Where To Stay In Tinos, Greece
Tinos island offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from traditional guesthouses and boutique hotels to luxury villas and apartments.
To help decide where to stay, first determine what type of experience you are looking for (quiet retreat, walkable to cafes, views of the sea, hotel amenities or self-catering villas). Then, choose one of the many villages where you prefer to stay.
Here are some of our top places to stay in Tinos, Greece:
📍 Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort
Located near Tinos Town, the main port town on the island and a great place to stay if you want to be close to the action and be able to walk around easily.
📍 Under the Sun Cycladic Village
Away from all the hustle and bustle is this gem of a hotel. Located between the villages of Kardiani and Isternia, this secluded unique boutique hotel with gorgeous views goes on my list of favorite hotels we have ever stayed in!
The architecture of the entire place is gorgeous with stunning views of the Aegean Sea, a private plunge pool, a beautiful common pool and a yummy simple breakfast delivered to your door with local products.
📍 Skaris Homes
Located in Pyrgos Village, Skaris Homes offers a really convenient location to not only explore Pyrgos’ charming town, but also be close to Tinos’ northern beaches. These self-catered guesthouses are spacious and tastefully decorated!
NOTE: What is sometimes confusing with looking up Pyrgos is that it is also referred to as Panormos on Google Maps.
📍 White Tinos Luxury Suites
For exploring the moon-like area of Volex, check out White Tinos Luxury Suites in the town of Steni. These gorgeous villas can also accommodate larger families and is the perfect spot to access hiking in the area.
Food In Tinos
Like many Greek islands, Tinos has a rich culinary tradition with many must-try specialties of the island. Make sure to check out Tinos cheese, Kolokithopita (pie with zucchini and herbs), and louza (cured meat).
Here are a few restaurants to check out while exploring the island of Tinos:
- Upscale Restaurant: Check out To Thalassaki, which serves creative dishes and uses many ingredients from the chef’s garden.
- Pyrgos: As we’ve mentioned this charming village multiple times, it’s worth checking out Kapheneio, a cafe in the center of the village known for the Sycamore Tree that stands in the square in the middle of the cafe. Kapheneio is one of the last traditional kafenio (coffeehouses) on the island.
- Tinos Town: For a great seafood restaurant in the port town, go to Tarsanas. Beautiful harbourside waterfront dining with a variety of seafood and meat options. Just note that at times, it can be windy for outside seating.
- Tinos Farm to Table: While not technically a restaurant, it is a food experience not to be missed in Tinos with fresh local organic ingredients. The owner can also be booked as a private chef to make an incredible meal taking all your dietary needs into consideration.
How To Get To Tinos Island
Tinos island is most easily accessible via ferry, as Tinos does not have an airport.
Getting to Tinos by Ferry
The port in Tinos is bustling with activity. You will find many ferries in and out of Tinos. There are regular ferries from Athens, as well as from other nearby islands in the Cyclades, such as a direct ferry from Syros.
The ferry ride from Athens (Piraeus port) to Tinos takes about 3-5 hours, depending on the type of ferry you take. You can also take a high-speed ferry, which takes about 2-3 hours.
Ferries from other islands in the Cyclades, such as Mykonos, Syros, and Andros, take between 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the distance, and many direct routes are offered throughout the year.
Getting to Tinos by Plane
Although there is no airport on the island of Tinos, you can fly into the nearby island of Mykonos, take a taxi to the port and then take a quick 30-minute ferry to Tinos.
Getting to Tinos by Private Boat
Another option is to hire a private boat from a nearby island to travel to Tinos. You can do this as a one-way private boat transfer or as part of a chartered catamaran or sailing island hopping trip.
Where is the Greek Island of Tinos Located?
The Greek island of Tinos is located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Cyclades Island group. It is situated close to the Island of Syros and approximately halfway between the islands of Andros and Mykonos.
Best Time To Visit Tinos & The Cyclades
The best time to visit Tinos and the islands in the Cyclades depends a bit on what you are looking to do and the experience you desire.
While July and August are the warmest beach months, they are also flooded with domestic and international tourists wanting to take advantage of the hot sunny weather and little rain. This can mean crowded restaurants and beaches, as well as higher prices.
During this time, the temperature averages around 25-30°C (77-86°F), and there is very little rainfall.
If you prefer to get away from the crowds, visit Tinos in June or September, the shoulder season months. These months you’ll find temperatures are still warm and the sea is pleasant for swimming. Typically, shoulder season means prices are lower, too.
For hikers and nature lovers, spring and fall can be perfect for visiting the Cyclades. In months like March in Greece, the breezes are cooler, but the sun is still plentiful. The islands tend to be quieter, prices lower and you can really enjoy local life on the island.
TIP: Many restaurants, hotels, and tourist facilities close during part of the year in Tinos, as well as many of the islands in the Cyclades. Make sure to check ahead if you plan to visit outside of the summer season.
Also, check out other islands in the Cyclades, such as Syros, which have a more steady year-round local population and therefore have more amenities open in the off-season.
Is Tinos Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Tinos is worth visiting. In fact, this lesser-known island is a true gem in the Cyclades. The island of Tinos offers a unique charm and a range of activities. You can be active on numerous hikes and water sports, or relax on the beaches and meander through the villages.
The main waterfront harbor of Tinos is bustling with cafes and shops, while each of the villages holds its own unique charm. The island is easily accessible with a car to explore the many beautiful beaches, stop to admire views out into the blue Aegean Sea and explore the dozens of villages along the way.
Of course, you can’t go to Tinos without indulging in the delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to local Tinos Cheese, traditional meat dishes, and of course the local wine.
Overall, Tinos is a hidden gem in the Cyclades and a great choice for anyone looking for an authentic Greek island experience.
What Is Tinos Island Famous For?
Tinos Island is famous for several things:
- The Church of Panagia Evangelistria: This is the most iconic religious site on the island and a major pilgrimage destination for Orthodox Christians.
While there are major pilgrimages that take place a few times a year here, most days, you will likely catch a glimpse of people making the pilgrimage from the port to the church, up the hill, crawling on their knees.
- Marble art: Tinos has a long history of marble art and is home to many skilled sculptors and craftsmen.
Visitors can see examples of their work throughout the island, including statues, monuments, and decorative elements on buildings. The Museum of Marble can be found in the village of Pyrgos.
- Traditional villages: The island of Tinos has many picturesque villages that have preserved their traditional architecture and way of life. Pyrgos is one of the most well-known, with its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and artisan shops selling handmade ceramics and other crafts.
The mountain village of Volex, another traditional village, is surrounded by huge boulders and has an otherworldly feeling of being on the moon. There are dozens of villages to explore.
- Local wine: Of course, the island of Tinos is known for its delicious local food, but did you know that it is also known for its local wine? Make sure to check out the white wines, in particular, which are known in the region.
- Beaches: It’s hard to go to any Greek island and not talk about the beaches; Tinos is no exception. Dozens of gorgeous beaches fill the coastline of Tinos, ranging from secluded coves to long stretches of golden sand.
Wrap Up: Island Of Tinos
In conclusion, the island of Tinos is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Greece and wanting to experience a lesser-known Greek island with all the charm. With its beautiful beaches, stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious local cuisine, Tinos island has something to offer for every traveler.
Put Tinos on your Greek travel itinerary, as the island is sure to captivate and inspire you!
