Tinos is located with the Cyclades Island complex in Greece. The island is most famous for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, which holds a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. As Our Lady's feast day on 15 August approaches, the church and the town of Tinos become crammed with people, and religious services take place next to the commercial fair being held in the surrounding streets. Tinos is an island for those who appreciate the old ways and lifestyle of the islanders, the authentic picturesque villages that one hopes to find on a Greek island.
Tinos, capital of the island and its port, is where most of the population lives. A broad pave street leads from the harbour to the low hill on which stands the magnificent church of Our Lady. Built in marble from Paros and Tinos itself, the church stands overlooking the town on the site where a miraculous icon of Our Lady was discovered.
Pyrgos is one of the largest, most beautiful villages of Tinos and also one of the most picturesque villages of the Cyclades. It is the village of marble sculpture with a great number marble and wood carving work shops and a School of Fine Arts.
The whitewashed narrow alleys, houses and churches as well as the colourful flowers decorating the houses’ facades and balconies are beautifully matching with the white aristocracy of the marble, giving to the village a superb decor.
It is built amphitheatrically on the side of the steep hill, and has a magnificent variety of just about every tree that is grown in the Cycladic region. This extraordinary village features beautiful traditional architecture, natural springs, and an outstanding view overlooking the countryside spreading down to the sea.
This tiny village is located in the interior of the island, set on a plateau surrounded by rocks and enormous boulders. It is one of the most interesting villages to explore, as its architecture is unique on the island. Many of its houses are actually built on top of the boulders.
There are a number of working winepresses and raki-stills in the village, and the village plays host to a number of festivals during the raki-making season in September. The November “pig slaughter” is another local custom. There is also a folklore museum in the village.
Even the big beach in Kionia right next to Chora, meaning 3km away towards the west is a good place to have a quick swim. The beach is sandy and there is also a shadow from the big trees that surround it. If you live in Agios Ioannis Porto though, or in the area around it, practically outside your hotel you will find a big clean beach with the same name or right next to it Agia Kiriaki and Agios Sostis, a quite popular sandy beach. If you take a swim in Agios Sostis you will have a view of Mykonos while you sit below the shadow of the trees. There is also a pier from where you can dive. Moving on a bit to the north of Komi you will reach the cosmopolitan Kolibithra. The beach isn't very big but the scenery is quite beautiful and there are tavernas all around it offering good food and a splendid view.A secret well hidden that I am about to betray for your sake is the calm beautiful beach of Agia Thalassa. Only a few - if not at all - people, tranquility and crystal clear waters. To get there follow the dirt road left to the port of Panormos only for a few minutes.
Holidays in the Greek islands : all the information to plan your trip
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