Tinos

Tinos is the real Greece in miniature. Though relatively unexplored by non-Greeks
it is rightly famous for its traditions, hospitable way of life, its numerous
village-based religious festivities (
Panagyria) and the church
of the
Panagia Megalohari (Blessed Virgin Mary) which attracts
pilgrims from all over Greece throughout the year. More secular celebrations
in the beautiful traditional villages include the artichoke festival at
Komi, the honey festival at Kambos and the Raki festival in Falatados. Tinos
is the Greece of the imagination.
Tinos Treasures

For
the walker, the treasures of Tinos also include its network of over 400
kms of ancient paths, which Walking Tinos has helped to map. Many are still
being discovered. With around 50 villages, more than 1200 small family churches
and, at the last count, 1135 uniquely designed centuries-old dovecotes,
Tinos is a rare find. Add in varied topography and serene ancient hillsides
covered in intricate terracing and Tinos becomes a paradise for walkers
and lovers of the traditional rural life which has all but disappeared on
many islands. The compact main town (
Hora) with its bustling, well-connected
ferry port, traditional tavernas, bakeries and shops, alongside a sprinkling
of chic restaurants and bars, caters for all your needs. No wonder that
Tinos has long been a firm favourite with discerning Greeks.
Tinos Sights

Our
walks take you through the cool narrow streets of whitewashed villages,
where traditional crafts can still be seen, through valleys full of dovecotes
and abandoned water mills. From the vibrant and beautiful village of Pyrgos,
famous for its marble, to the turtles near Livada, to farmers tending their
terraces using adzes, mattocks and mules, Tinos delights the senses. The
walker is certain to come across wild and domesticated goats roaming the
terraces and there is an abundance of doves, descendents of those bred by
the Venetians, occupiers of the island from 1204 - 1715. Many birds and
other native species of wildlife thrive on the island and for those with
an interest in botany many species of wild flowers can be seen especially
in spring. Daytime air and sea temperatures remain warm from early spring
until early December, whilst seasonal winds benefit the walker during the
hot summer months. Walk the historic paved Roman and Byzantine roads (
Kalderimia)
linking the main villages, or the narrow dry-stone walled paths (
Monopatia)
in Tinos’ more remote areas. The villages of Arnados, Dio Horia and Triandaros
provide a spectacular "balcony of the Aegean" giving unrivalled, far-reaching
views towards Kythnos to the north, Mykonos, Amorgos, Naxos, Paros and Ikaria
to the east, Syros and Sifnos to the west. Tinos has many, often secluded,
beaches lapped by the clear blue waters of the Aegean.