Tinos

Tinos is an island in Cyclades.

From the Greek mainland ferries and highspeed catamaran services run daily from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.

Many travelers probably don’t even consider Rafina a possible departure port if they are heading to one of the Cyclades, but if you are arriving at the airport of Athens you are often better off taking a ferry from Rafina to Tinos than traveling to Athens and get a ferry from Piraeus.

Tinos is also reachable by a short ferry ride from Mykonos. Tickets are booked through any of the travel agencies that have offices in Chora (Mykonos) and at the new port in Tourlos.

• Tinian dovecotes. Hundreds of ornate pigeon houses, many dating from the Venetian period, are scattered across the island’s valleys and hillsides. The most impressive concentrations are around Tarampados and nearby villages, where elaborate geometric façades turn agricultural buildings into a distinctive form of local folk art. (updated Jul 2026)

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• 37.542625.16271 Panagia Evangelistria Church. Panagia Evangelistria Church is the most important pilgrimage church in Greece, renowned for its icon of the Virgin Mary, which is said to be miraculous. It dominates the town of Tinos and attracts thousands of pilgrims, especially on 15 August each year.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 37.5636225.181972 Monastery of Kechrovouni. High above Tinos Town, this women’s monastery is associated with Saint Pelagia, whose vision led to the discovery of the icon at Panagia Evangelistria in 1823. Its whitewashed cells, chapels and mountain views make it a peaceful pilgrimage stop; modest dress is required.  (updated Jul 2026)
• For visiting the church and monastery there are strict clothing rules: sleeveless shirts and shorts are not permitted. Men must wear long trousers that go below the ankle.
• 37.6400625.04123 Pyrgos. Tinos’ principal marble village is a maze of marble-paved lanes, carved fountains, workshops and shaded squares. Visit the Museum of Marble Crafts, the Tinian Artists Museum and the house-museum of sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas, then continue down to Panormos for a swim or seafood meal.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 37.59222225.1777784 Volax (Volakas). A small traditional village set in an extraordinary landscape of rounded granite boulders. Known for basket makers and its distinctive geology, Volax is best explored slowly on foot and combines well with nearby Falatados and the old paths through the Kakovolo landscape.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 37.57722225.16755 Exomvourgo. The dramatic granite hill above the central villages was once the site of a major Venetian fortress. Its ruined walls, Catholic heritage and sweeping views make it one of the island’s best short hikes; take water and avoid the midday heat.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 37.55180125.142166 Temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite at Kionia. The remains of an ancient sanctuary lie just behind Kionia Beach, west of Tinos Town. Though modest, the site is significant: in antiquity, pilgrims came here for purification before travelling onward to sacred Delos.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 37.53774325.161067 Chora (Tinos Town). Beyond the pilgrimage church, the island’s capital rewards a walk through narrow lanes, neoclassical buildings, small museums and the busy harbourfront. Look for the Cultural Foundation of Tinos and the island’s strong maritime and religious character.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 37.63944425.0402788 Panormos Bay. A peaceful fishing bay below Pyrgos, with small beaches, boats and waterfront tavernas. It is a natural place to end a day spent exploring the marble villages of northern Tinos.  (updated Jul 2026)

There are a large number of beaches on Tinos, each with a different character. All of them have warm, crystal clear water. Some have bars/restaurants, changing rooms, showers and windsurfing boards for rent. Others are isolated, a bit of sand in a small bay at the end of a tortuous dirt road. Some examples:

37.5292825.182471 Agios Fokas Beach. The longest beach close to Tinos Town, stretching east along a sandy-pebbly shore with trees, cafés and beach facilities in places. An easy choice without a car, but exposed sections can be windy.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.5350725.219722 Agios Ioannis Porto Beach. A sheltered, shallow bay about 6 km from Tinos Town, with accommodation, tavernas and a family-friendly atmosphere. It is one of the island’s most convenient beaches for a relaxed day by the sea.  (updated Jul 2026)

Agia Kyriaki Beach. A small, attractive beach on the southeast coast, with sand, pebbles and a quiet bay. It is a good alternative when the more famous beaches are busy, but has limited services. (updated Jul 2026)

Agios Romanos Beach. A sandy beach in a sheltered west-coast bay, popular with families and visitors staying near Kionia. It offers calmer conditions than many north-facing beaches, though facilities vary by season. (updated Jul 2026)

37.5294625.197953 Agios Sostis Beach. A long, sandy beach east of Porto, with clear shallow water and a less built-up feel. Facilities are limited compared with Porto, so bring water and sun protection if choosing a quieter section.  (updated Jul 2026)

Kalivia Beach. A beautiful, relatively secluded beach near Kolymbithra, backed by tamarisk trees and reached by a winding dirt road. It has a more natural feel than the main resort beaches and is a good choice for visitors with a car. (updated Jul 2026)

37.5525725.138534 Kionia Beach. A sandy-pebbly beach west of Tinos Town, with tavernas and views towards Syros. Its proximity to the Temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite makes it a convenient combined sightseeing-and-swimming stop.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.6298325.143675 Kolymbithra Beach. Two sandy beaches in a natural northern bay: one more organised and popular with surfers and windsurfers, the other quieter and more open to the sea. Conditions change quickly with the wind, so choose the appropriate side of the bay.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.6101325.237166 Livada Beach. A wild northeast-coast beach known for large granite boulders, powerful waves and a rugged landscape. Better for scenery, walking and experienced water-sports visitors than for calm swimming; currents and rocky seabed can be hazardous.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.554925.22917 Lychnaftia Beach. A pebbly east-coast cove reached by a rural road, with clear water and an undeveloped setting. It suits independent visitors seeking a quieter swim and is best avoided in strong northerly winds.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.5423325.229018 Pachia Ammos Beach. A striking south-coast beach with golden sand, dunes and clear water, often considered one of Tinos’ finest. Its exposed setting can be windy, and there is little natural shade, so bring supplies.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.6536725.050049 Panormos and Rohari Beaches. The beaches around Panormos offer a gentler alternative to Tinos’ exposed northern coves, with small bays, clear water and tavernas nearby. Rohari is especially pleasant for a late-afternoon swim before dinner in the fishing village.  (updated Jul 2026)

37.5640725.2344110 Santa Margarita Beach. A remote north-coast beach with sand, clear water and a rugged Cycladic backdrop. The approach is rough and facilities are minimal, so it is best for prepared visitors with suitable transport.  (updated Jul 2026)

• Rakí (the Greek version of Grappa) and Tsikoudia

Move on by boat to Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios or Santorini.

Nearby Syros can be used as a transport hub to further Greek Islands.