CYCLADES ISLANDS

Tinos is a beautiful island in the Cyclades, known for its traditional villages, serene beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Less touristy than nearby islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Paros, it offers a more authentic glimpse into Greek island life. With its whitewashed houses, scenic landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere, Tinos is the perfect place to slow down and soak in the charm of the Aegean.

Unfortunately, due to a ferry cancellation, we arrived a day later than planned and had just 24 hours to explore. Still, we made the most of our short stay and thoroughly enjoyed our time on the island. The whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, and lively waterfront cafés gave Tinos a distinctly authentic feel.

HOW TO GET TO THE ISLAND

Tinos is an island, so getting there can require a bit of planning. Unlike some of its neighboring islands, you can't fly directly to Tinos, as it doesn't have an airport. This means the only way to reach the island is by ferry.

When planning our trip, I used Ferryhopper, which I found to be a fantastic tool for organising and booking ferry travel. The website/app lets you compare different ferry operators, departure times, and prices, making it easy to find the option that best fits your schedule. You can book directly through the app, and your tickets are saved to your phone for convenience.

When you arrive on the island of Tinos, the port is located just outside the main town. From the port, turn right and follow the waterfront - a short walk will bring you into Chora, the island’s central town. Most accommodations in Chora are within easy walking distance. If you're staying elsewhere on the island, the main bus station is conveniently located near the port, with regular routes to popular villages like Pyrgos, or, Volax, as well as to several beaches. Taxis are also available just outside the port for direct transport to your destination.

WHERE TO STAY

We chose to stay at an Airbnb just a few meters from the port and the city centre, and the location couldn’t have been more convenient. It was less than a two-minute walk to the port, and just as close to both the main bus terminal and the heart of town. The main selling point of this apartment was the private outdoor space, a peaceful courtyard with lemon trees and a cosy seating area. It gave us a quiet retreat right in the middle of town, which was perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Other popular areas to stay while visiting Tinos include:

Pyrgos - Known for its rich artistic heritage, marble-crafted beauty, and vibrant yet tranquil village atmosphere at the heart of Tinos.

Panormos – Its peaceful harbour setting, authentic village charm, and easy access to pristine beaches make this a popular destination to stay.

Kionia - If you’re looking for convenient access to both Tinos Town and the island’s western coast, then Kionia is a popular choice for its beachfront relaxation, and ancient temple ruins.

Arnados - Stay here for its hilltop views, traditional Cycladic charm, and peaceful atmosphere just a short drive from Tinos Town and sacred sites like Panagia Evangelistria.

Triantaros - Known for its stunning hillside vistas, charming stone houses, and easy access to both Tinos Town and a network of scenic walking trails through the heart of the island.

FOOD AND DRINK

The Roosters - Breakfast here is a must! The Biscoff cinnamon bun pastry and oat-milk iced latte were a solid 10/10. Nestled on the edge of the bay just outside the main town, the café offers a tranquil setting with stunning views of the sea and passing boats. It was the perfect, peaceful way to start the day, away from the bustle of Chora but still close enough to easily continue exploring afterwards.

Tinos Psisou - I had my favourite gyros of the whole trip from this local spot. The Mastelo cheese with mustard mayo and oregano fries was delicious. The casual, welcoming atmosphere made it a great spot to relax and enjoy authentic island cuisine. It’s an independent restaurant run by a local we had the chance to meet – you can truly see the passion he has for his food and his place.

Tenok - Head here just before sunset to grab the best table. The shrimp tacos were a personal fave - we ordered multiple plates while watching the sunset over the sea. With its relaxed vibe, delicious food, and stunning sunset backdrop, Tenok offers an unforgettable dining experience on Tinos.

THINGS TO DO / DAY TRIPS

Chora - The main town of Tinos, features narrow alleys, traditional Cycladic architecture, and vibrant local life. Its picturesque waterfront is lined with colourful fishing boats, lively cafés, and tavernas where locals and tourists gather to enjoy local food and stunning sea views. The bustling harbour perfectly blends authentic island life with welcoming restaurants to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistria – Tinos’ most famous landmark, the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistria is celebrated for its striking marble architecture and its significance as a major pilgrimage site in Greece. Just a short 10-minute walk from the town center, the church enjoys a peaceful location overlooking the sea, which adds to its serene atmosphere.

We were lucky to have the place to ourselves during our visit, and it offered beautiful, uninterrupted views over the town.

Agali Beach - A tranquil, pebbly beach located about 1 km from Tinos’ port. With no amenities on the beach itself, it remains quiet and peaceful. The crystal-clear waters, popular for snorkelling, allowed us to see the reef below, adding to the natural beauty of the spot. Nearby restaurants were still quiet during our visit in May 2025, though we imagine they get busier in the peak season.

Pyrgos - The largest village in Tinos, known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and marble craftsmanship. Its narrow streets are home to artisan workshops, cozy cafés, and lovely views of the countryside.

Panormos - A charming coastal village in Tinos, known for its beautiful sandy beach and relaxed atmosphere. The village features traditional whitewashed houses, seaside tavernas, and a peaceful harbour perfect for unwinding.

Kardiani - A quaint village in Tinos, known for its traditional architecture and friendly local atmosphere. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, it offers a peaceful retreat with cosy cafes and nearby hiking trails.

Volax - A unique village in Tinos, famous for its stunning rocky landscape filled with massive, smooth boulders. Known for its traditional basket weaving, narrow stone-paved streets, and beautiful views, Volax offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and local culture.

GETTING AROUND

If you’re staying in Chora, you’re conveniently close to the main bus station, the port, and taxi ranks. Chora is very walkable, but if you want to explore other villages like Pyrgos, Volax, or Panormos, you’ll need to rent a car, scooter, or use the island’s public buses.

Due to the short length of our trip, we didn’t have time to explore the other villages. We managed to explore Chora, the waterfront, local beaches, and the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistria on foot, which was easy and convenient.

If you wish to travel to the outer villages, public buses operate regularly from the main bus station near the port. Routes connect Chora with popular villages like Pyrgos, Volax, and Panormos. Bus tickets typically cost around €2 to €4 per trip, making it an affordable way to see more of the island. Although some buses accept contactless card payment, it’s advised to carry cash to pay for your fare just in case.