Tinos Is a Quieter Different to Mykonos — Easy methods to Go to the Greek Island

It is not even 6:30 a.m. and already the solar is beaming by way of the home windows prefer it has one thing to show. It is solely magnified by the gleaming white-stone seashore 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 count on when visiting the undoubtedly charming island of Tinos, Greece. 

Tinos huddles near its rather more in style cousin, Mykonos, which lies a brief, 20-minute ferry experience away. However actually, these two islands are extra like second, third, and even fourth cousins. Right here on Tinos, the get together scene is gentle, and the comfort vibes are robust. 

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

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 seems like a secret, so if you’re prepared for a quieter Greek island getaway, this is how one can plan a visit to essentially 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 way of The Considering Traveller platform. The house, merely put, is beautiful. Right here, you will discover three bedrooms, making it giant sufficient for six friends, with loads of house for everybody to stretch out. Its again patio extends to a beautiful lap pool, however you can too take the small path right down to a non-public seashore. The very best half a couple of keep right here is the entry it presents to The Considering Traveller’s native specialists, who are usually not solely available for recommendation on what to see and do, however may arrange unique experiences like non-public 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 geared up with both a non-public pool or a terrace, offering each solitude and panoramic sea views. Friends can indulge within the spa, which comes with a complete menu of therapies, or head proper to the seashore simply steps away. Even higher, virtually the whole lot you see or eat within the resort is domestically sourced, guaranteeing the encircling group stays supported.

Infinity View Resort

Only a quick 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 good for a calming afternoon. Friends 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 numerous charming villages, every with its personal character. Pyrgos, specifically — often called 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 virtually not possible 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 doubtless see believers every single day, on Aug. 15, hundreds of individuals make their option to the church, crawling on their palms and knees as an indication of their devotion to ask the Virgin Mary for assist. However even in case you have no requests for the Virgin Mary, the church’s spectacular structure is effectively definitely worth the go to. 

Go for a hike.

Tinos is a primary place to go to if you happen to like to hike. The island has an intensive community of well-marked mountain climbing trails that go on for almost 100 miles. Routes take guests by way of huge rock formations, valleys, and conventional villages, so you may see and do all of it. 

Discover the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Sneak in a bit of 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. Right now, solely the inspiration exists, however vacationers can stroll by way of it and really feel the historical past throughout. 

Sip centuries-old wine.

Talking of gods, if you wish to sip a bit of 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 large boulders sprinkled across the property are remnants of the “battleground of the gods.”

The place to Eat

Prickly Bear

For stellar espresso, make your option 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 might 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 take pleasure in within the sunny alleyway.

To Thalassaki

Guests to Tinos cannot cease raving about To Thalassaki, a restaurant situated within the seaside village of Ysternia. Greatest identified for its contemporary seafood and beautiful 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.

Greatest Time to Go to

The very best 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 beautiful climate, with temperatures hovering between 68 and 77 levels Fahrenheit, however with far fewer crowds. In fact, the summer season is gorgeous, too, with temperatures hovering to the excessive 80s. There’s the Feast of the Assumption celebration on Aug. 15, which attracts in hundreds of vacationers who make their pilgrimage to the church and to benefit from the island within the days surrounding it. 

Easy methods to Get Right here

By Ferry

The simplest option 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 ensure to e-book tickets prematurely through the excessive season, particularly if you happen to’re touring round main non secular holidays. 

By Airplane and Ferry

If you happen to’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 experience. This route is handy within the peak season, as Mykonos receives direct flights from main European cities. 

Easy methods to Get Round

Rental Automotive

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

Public Transit

There is a sturdy bus system on Tinos, the KTEL, with routes connecting Tinos city to varied villages and seashores. The principle bus station is on the town, and schedules are posted on-line. It is an inexpensive choice to think about, however simply keep in mind that service might be restricted through the low season. 

Scooter

If you need 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 might be treacherous.