Guide of Tinos

Tinos is a surprisingly lush island with green valleys and fresh water. It is the windiest of the Cyclades and has a special climate because of the 'Meltemi' winds that blow across the Cyclades, regulating the temperatures considerably. The island is far from a mass tourist destination and still enjoys pleasant tranquillity even if it is very close to famous Mykonos. Despite being quiet, Tinos has everything you need to have a lovely holiday. In August, the island is a popular destination for Greek tourists because members of the Orthodox church visit the island on a pilgrimage to a sanctuary dedicated to Panaghia Evanghelistria, to kiss the icon of the Virgin Mary.

History

According to Greek mythology, the original name of the island was Ofioussa, which means 'the island of the snakes' and the story goes that Poseidon drove them all away one day, so Poseidon is celebrated on the island. Populations from Asia Minor inhabited Tinos since 2000 AC. Like the rest of the Cyclades islands, Tinos was the object of repeated invasions due to its geographical position by the Macedonians, the Roman Persians and then the Venetians and the Turks, who dominated it for a long time. There are many Orthodox and Christian monasteries and churches on the island in many shapes and colours, built by the Venetians.

Beaches

Tinos has wonderful mountains, fishing villages and traditional stone houses built on top of one another, decorated with many colors, in the classic Cycladic style. But above all, the island has wonderful coasts and clear seas to rival any of the more famous islands. There are also many caves and incredible coves, there are both sandy and stony beaches. Agios Kiriaki and Agios Sostis are two of the most famous beaches. There is also Ysternion that has a gray sand beach that contrasts with the blue sea.