Tinos: the island of Panagia (Virgin Mary), of Aiolos, of marble carving, painting, gastronomy, the rubble walls, unique villages, of springs and activities. Tinos, an island of the Cyclades, east of Syros and between Andros and Mykonos, known since ancient times. After all the great development of the nearby Dilos, directly affected trade on the island. Tinos is famous for Panagia Evangelistria, with the miraculous icon being a religious pilgrimage for Christian believers. In the days of 15th of August thousands of people are visiting the island offering valuable offerings and large candles.
But Tinos beyond religious destination is an island rich in natural beauty, offering visitors authentic Cycladic atmosphere with large doses of cultural beauty. The big marble mines of the island gave generously raw material to sculptors, to create wonderful works, while decorating their villages. Villages like Kardiani, Isternia and the famous Pyrgos impress with the marble in their churches, bell towers, their squares, the streets and the lintels of their homes. Even the bus stop in Pyrgos is a marble masterpiece. From Tinos originate some of the most renowned sculptors and painters of Greece, as Giannoulis Halepas-his home is now visited as museum in Pyrgos- Antonis Sochos, Lazarus Sochos, Dimitris Filippotis, Nikiforos Litras, Nicholaos Gizis and many others.
One of the special features of Tinos are the numerous villages. 40 whitewashed villages are scattered throughout the island, each with its own history, its own festivals and customs. In the island harmoniously coexist Orthodox and Catholic community with believers celebrating the Saints in the same way, with traditional feasts. It is worth to make the "tour" of the island and visit as many villages as possible. All neat, whitewashed, while some of them conceal some very pleasant surprises such as springs, plane trees large squares, sea views and of course small traditional cafes.
Tinos has nothing to envy in terms of gastronomy since its local products are many and of excellent quality. The animal husbandry offers every day fresh milk to the residents and visitors with superb, unspoilt flavor (you should necessarily try!), Dairy products are delicious, as well as the traditional cold cuts, louza and sausages. Here you will also find pickled artichokes but also the classic capers of the islands.
The island is also ideal for activity lovers. Thus can content those interested in surf, windsurf, trekking, climbing, bouldering (has the largest bouldering area in Europe), mountain bike, diving, fishing and running races.
Tinos is the kind of travel destination where if you come once and discover its beauties, you will want to come back again and again!