Tinos Is a Quieter Various to Mykonos — Go to the Greek Island

It is not even 6:30 a.m. and already the solar is beaming by means of the home windows prefer it has one thing to show. It is solely magnified by the gleaming white-stone seaside and aquamarine water exterior. Earlier than my eyes totally open, I feel to myself, “That is the one alarm clock I ever need ever once more.” And it is precisely the morning you may anticipate when visiting the undoubtedly charming island of Tinos, Greece. 

Tinos huddles near its way more well-liked cousin, Mykonos, which lies a brief, 20-minute ferry journey away. However actually, these two islands are extra like second, third, and even fourth cousins. Right here on Tinos, the occasion scene is gentle, and the relief vibes are sturdy. 

“I really like Tinos as a result of it is filled with small, picture-perfect villages,” Carol Papaletsos, a Greek journey skilled and founding father of Be My Visitor, shared with Journey + Leisure. “The meals is superb — in every single place and all the pieces we ate was superb. The persons are heat and welcoming as properly.” 

Tinos can be an island the place spirituality abounds, with greater than 700 church buildings and chapels to discover, together with the famed Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an essential pilgrimage website for Orthodox Christians. Past its non secular significance, the island is house to picturesque villages punctuated by marble sculptures, pristine seashores, and a culinary scene that celebrates native produce and conventional delicacies.

Tinos looks like a secret, so once you’re prepared for a quieter Greek island getaway, this is methods to plan a visit to probably the most particular island within the Cyclades.

The place to Keep

The Considering Traveller Villa

All that superb gentle got here streaming into my rental house, Agnes, which I discovered by means of The Considering Traveller platform. The house, merely put, is beautiful. Right here, you will discover three bedrooms, making it massive sufficient for six visitors, with loads of area for everybody to stretch out. Its again patio extends to a beautiful lap pool, however you can even take the small path right down to a non-public seaside. The most effective half a few keep right here is the entry it provides to The Considering Traveller’s native consultants, who aren’t solely available for recommendation on what to see and do, however may arrange unique experiences like personal chef occasions on the house, a wine supply, and boat leases. 

Odera Tinos

Odera Tinos is the island’s first five-star resort, and whereas it is with out query a luxurious expertise, it’s miles from stuffy. The resort’s monochrome, minimalist villas are impressed by the white and blue Cycladic design aesthetic. Every villa can be outfitted with both a non-public pool or a terrace, offering each solitude and panoramic sea views. Visitors can indulge within the spa, which comes with a complete menu of therapies, or head proper to the seaside simply steps away. Even higher, nearly all the pieces you see or eat within the resort is domestically sourced, making certain the encircling neighborhood stays supported.

Infinity View Resort

Only a brief stroll from Tinos city, vacationers can test into the Infinity View Resort. Every suite at this modern resort comes with spacious balconies and a contemporary, clean-lined design. The spotlight, nevertheless, is the infinity pool, which is right for a calming afternoon. Visitors may simply discover the encircling space, together with Kionia Seashore, additionally situated only a fast stroll away. 

What to Do

See the marble in Pyrgos.

Tinos is house to quite a lot of charming villages, every with its personal character. Pyrgos, specifically — generally known as the island’s marble capital — shouldn’t be missed. Right here, vacationers can discover the streets lined with artisan workshops and go to the Museum of Marble Crafts, which honors the island’s wealthy sculpting heritage. 

Go to the church of Panagia Evangelistria.

It is nearly inconceivable to go to Tinos with out stopping on the Church of Panagia Evangelistria on the town. Guests are welcome to tour the church that homes what many imagine is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Although you’ll seemingly see believers daily, on Aug. 15, 1000’s of individuals make their solution to the church, crawling on their palms and knees as an indication of their devotion to ask the Virgin Mary for assist. However even if in case you have no requests for the Virgin Mary, the church’s spectacular structure is properly definitely worth the go to. 

Go for a hike.

Tinos is a major place to go to if you happen to like to hike. The island has an in depth community of well-marked climbing trails that go on for practically 100 miles. Routes take guests by means of large rock formations, valleys, and conventional villages, so you may see and do all of it. 

Discover the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Sneak in a little bit time with the Greek gods on the Sanctuary of Poseidon. This temple, which dates again to the fourth century B.C., was devoted to the god of the ocean. Immediately, solely the inspiration exists, however vacationers can stroll by means of it and really feel the historical past throughout. 

Sip centuries-old wine.

Talking of gods, if you wish to sip a little bit wine with them, head straight up the hill to T-Oinos, a winery sitting on land that has grown grapes for six,000 years. Because the winery’s lore explains, the huge boulders sprinkled across the property are remnants of the “battleground of the gods.”

The place to Eat

Prickly Bear

For stellar espresso, make your solution to Prickly Bear, a third-wave espresso store within the coronary heart of city. Space 51 espresso, a specialty model from Athens, is served right here and will be loved by itself or as a latte, flat white, or cortado. Seize a sandwich or pastry whilst you’re at it and take them each exterior to get pleasure from within the sunny alleyway.

To Thalassaki

Guests to Tinos cannot cease raving about To Thalassaki, a restaurant situated within the seaside village of Ysternia. Finest recognized for its contemporary seafood and lovely sundown views, the restaurant additionally serves different Greek favorites like ouzo-steamed mussels and squid-ink taramosalata, alongside plates of domestically sourced greens. 

Kalopsia Restaurant

For a contemporary tackle Mediterranean delicacies, snag a desk at Kalopsia Restaurant, close to Tinos city. The restaurant, by award-winning chef George Stylianoudakis, additionally makes use of loads of native merchandise from Tinos and the Cyclades. Count on dishes like braised octopus with fava and cuttlefish tagliatelle with crab wraps, capers, herbs, graviera cheese, and anchovy sauce.

Finest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to Tinos is throughout late spring (Might to June) and early autumn (September to October). This shoulder season permits vacationers to nonetheless expertise the attractive climate, with temperatures hovering between 68 and 77 levels Fahrenheit, however with far fewer crowds. After all, the summer time is gorgeous, too, with temperatures hovering to the excessive 80s. There’s the Feast of the Assumption celebration on Aug. 15, which pulls in 1000’s of vacationers who make their pilgrimage to the church and to benefit from the island within the days surrounding it. 

Get Right here

By Ferry

The simplest solution to attain Tinos is by ferry. There’s a common ferry service from each Rafina and Piraeus on the mainland. From Rafina, the journey takes roughly two hours by high-speed ferry and 4 hours by typical ferry. Simply be certain to e-book tickets upfront through the excessive season, particularly if you happen to’re touring round main non secular holidays. 

By Aircraft and Ferry

For those who’re flying from a world vacation spot, the closest airport is on the island of Mykonos. From there, you may take one of many frequent ferries that join Mykonos to Tinos; it is a fast 20- to 30-minute journey. This route is handy within the peak season, as Mykonos receives direct flights from main European cities. 

Get Round

Rental Automotive

The easiest way to see Tinos is with a rental automobile. The island is bigger than you suppose, and it has some reasonably rugged terrain. Vacationers can get a automobile at one of many many rental companies in Tinos city, together with each compact automobiles and SUVs.

Public Transit

There is a strong bus system on Tinos, the KTEL, with routes connecting Tinos city to numerous villages and seashores. The primary bus station is on the town, and schedules are posted on-line. It is an inexpensive choice to think about, however simply do not forget that service will be restricted through the low season. 

Scooter

If you would like the complete Greek expertise, you may lease a scooter from all of the distributors in Tinos city. This breezy mode of transportation makes it simple to discover the tiny streets and can get you to distant seashores. Once more, be cautious, as some roads in Tinos will be treacherous.