CYCLADES CONFIDENTIAL

Tinos still remains one of the most pristine of the Cycladic islands. Aside from its reputation as a religious destination, it promises forty preserved villages to explore, rugged hills punctuated by ornate dovecotes - a legacy of the Venetian influence – and a wide variety of beautiful beaches, as well as amazing gastronomy.

UP-AND-COMING, YET UNSPOILT

Location: Cyclades

Capital: Tinos

Size: 194,5 Km²

Accessibility: By ferry from Piraeus or Rafina port

Chora, the pleasantly animated main town, has a cluster of Catholic and Orthodox churches, fine delicatessens for local products, shops and dining options.The Venetian fortress of Exomvourgo crowns the rocky hills, a guiding pinnacle through the isle, reachable via footpath from the villages below. Though mostly famous for the church of Panagia Evangelistria, Tinos is now very popular among adventurous youth, who flock to the island to surf and sip cocktails in hip local institutions. It is hard to choose the villages that stand out, but when time is of the essence, three are not to be missed: Pyrgos, birthplace of Greek sculptor Yannoulis Halepas, Kardiani, a wonder hanging from the mountain and Volax, which is surrounded by smooth round rocks that radiate an otherwordly atmosphere.

ESSENTIALS

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WE LOVE

A fresh Tiniaki salad with grilled sardines at a tavern near Agios Fokas beach. A galaktobouriko (custard pie) under the sycamore tree on the main square of Pyrgos. Tsoklis museum, an impressive minimalist space erected in a former elementary school in the village of Kambos.

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LOCAL TIPS

Don’t miss having a sunset cocktail at one of the cafés of Isternia. Fill your fridge and pantry with local watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, kritamos, artichokes and capers from the daily farmer’s market in Chora. Watch the sunset from an abandoned marble quarry. A four-wheel drive is needed! Beware of the strong Cycladic winds called Meltemi in August and go surfing at Kolimbithra beach.

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