DISCOVERING GREECE: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE SECRET ISLAND TINOS

Have you ever heard of the beautiful Greek island Tinos before?
Me neither but I glad I “discovered” it on Google Maps! Located just a 30min ferry drive from Mykonos it is the perfect holiday spot if you’d like to escape the crowds and discover a truly magical island which is not yet fully taken over by tourism. You can also reach Tinos via ferry from Athens, (around 4h30), I always just check the schedule on ferryscanner and book the tickets there directly.

Actually, Tinos is very well known in Greece as it is the most important Marian pilgrimage. That’s why Tinos town is the busiest on weekends and during religious festivals such as around August 15. We went early September but still saw some people crawling (yes really on all fours, we didn’t know in the beginning why there were some people crawling and were really confused) up to the church. There is even a carpet on the main street so the pilgrims have a bit more comfortable way up (must still be painful though).

Apart from this religious hotspot in Tinos town the island is the perfect destination of all greek island lovers. Combining beautiful beaches, empty villages with typical greek architecture, breathtaking coastlines and amazing places for drinks and food.

As the island is bigger than e.g. Mykonos you are well-advised to either rent out a motorbike or car. When you arrive at the port it seems like Vidalis almost has a monopoly in Tinos’ rental cars. We got a really good deal at Jason rent a car and also did not reserve in advance.

You can find truly beautiful accommodations around the island with way lower prices than in Mykonos. We lived next to Paralia Agios Romanos as we wanted to be close to the beach but also Tinos town. We really enjoyed as there was also a nice beach bar (see below for detailed description).

To sum it up if you are looking for a relaxed Greek island with authentic restaurants and villages Tinos is the best choice for you!

Make sure to check out my other blog post for the beautiful Greek islands here:

• Five days in Mykonos

• One week in Paros

• Day trip to Antiparos

• Guide for Naxos

• One week in Milos

Lots of love,
Magda
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Tips for your perfect time in Tinos

Cities we visited:

• Tinos town

  The main town is packed with nice coffee spots, brunch places and cute small alleys. You can just walk around the village and I bet you will sit down in not only one coffee shop.

• Isternia 

  We actually stopped here by coincidence but were amazed the second we entered the village. Every corner was just like straight out of a Greek tourist prospect! We just walked around a bit but there were also some cute coffee spots (many pictures below where taking in Isternia).

• Panormos 
  The small town was almost empty when we went there for an early dinner but especially the main square was really cute with many coffee shops and restaurants. If you go there I would recommend a quick stop at Panormos Bay and if you have time to the Rochari beach bar (it looked so relaxed and nice!)

Beaches:

• Paralia Giannaki

  As the area around the cave was so packed and there was an entrance to see the grotto (where you were not allowed to swim) we decided to not enter and drove a bit more south 

• Kolimvithra

  Relaxed beach with a nice beach bar which is also a surfer paradise if there is stronger wind

• Paralia Agios Romanos

  We loved the beach close to our accommodation, especially with the cool Leuko Beach Bar. They did not only rent out sunchair but also beds and cute tents. Super affordable especially when you compare it to the prices in Mykonos

• Paralia Giannaki

  Nice beach with an even nicer beach bar called Dear John,. You can get delicious smoothie, coffee, food and rent our a sunchair for the day

Photospots

• ΑΓΙΟΣ ΜΑΡΚΟΣ

  This cute tiny church next to the beach is especially nice right before sunset. Next to it, you can walk downstairs (see picture below) to a tiny beach

• Sunset Tinos Bar
  A must when visiting Tinos as the view over the island is just amazing! You can get nice cocktails and watch the sun go down in the sea

• Isternia 
  As mentioned above the village is just picturesque with you ending up to take a picture at every corner haha

Restaurants, Coffee Spots and Bars 

• Svoura Tinos
  We had the best dinner at this Greek-style tapas restaurant. The owner was so considered as he noticed that we do not eat meat and recommended us other plant-based dishes. We really enjoyed, for example, the fava bean dip (which inspired me for preparing a similar one at home), an eggplant salad and fried courgette with a dip. Also, the square in this tiny town was so lively and packed with people, which you would not assume when you drive through nowhere to get there

• Κροκ Μεσιέ / Krok Monsieur
  The place was like straight out of a boho dream with a beautiful interior and a chilled vibe. You can not only get great coffee but also delicious food and just stay a bit. Definitely a must when travelling around the island

• Like salt
  We wanted to enjoy our dinner with a sea view and found this place by coincidence. We were not disappointed as we enjoyed typical Greek dishes and were only surrounded by locals

• Prickly Bear
  A really cool place with great vegan options for brunch! We enjoyed a vegan sandwich with avocado, vegan cheese etc. and a delicious bowl which was served with a homemade cake with peanut butter and carob spread - vegan heaven I would say!

• Myrtilo
  The corner where this place is located is packed with cute coffee shops and bars. We had a late brunch/ lunch and enjoyed a delicious bowl and the coconut cappuccino

• Antilalos
  This was the first place we visited when we arrived super hungry in the port. We were amazed by the cute coffee shops and enjoyed a snack we never had like this before: a bread with tahini, honey and bananas - we then, of course, made that also at home, I love the combination of tahini and banana since then

• Dear John,
  Really cool beach bar and cafe for a relaxed day at the beach. You can rent out beach chairs or simply grab a nice juice, smoothie, coffee or some homemade snacks.

• Lefko Beach Bar
  Nice beach bar with cute tents and beach chairs for a small amount of money. There are also some food and drink options available.

• Sunset Tinos Bar
  Watch the beautiful sunset and enjoy really good cocktails above the island. We were one of the only guests, but apparently in high season the bar can get pretty crowded so reserve!