Tinos is a wonderful island in Kyklades. For years it was known only as the island of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and probably the most famous pilgrimage site for Her Celebration every August. The pilgrims came and left from the island but never visited anything beyond the famous church of Panagia. This fact helped the villages and the inland of the island to keep their authentic identity. In the last 20 years the visitors have begun to visit Tinos not only for Panagia but to discover the unspoiled nature of its villages and the beauty of its beaches.
In this article, we are going to suggest six villages and one monastery, which reveal the true identity of Tinos.
Kardiani
Thisis one of the most beautiful and well-known villages of Tinos. The buildings of Kardiani have exceptional traditional architecture and extended use of marble. A small river runs through the houses and there are many fountains. The view is breathtaking, especially during sunset. This is the birthplace of Agia Pelagia (St Pelagia), the nun who discovered the Holy Icon of Panagia. After a visit to the village head down to Ormos Giannaki, the small harbour and beach of Kardiani. This is where the very good tavern O Ntinos is located.
Pyrgos
On the island, Pyrgos is the biggest village. Pyrgos reached its economic acme during the 18th and 19th centuries, due to the growth of commercial shipping and the excavation of marble. The excavation of marble had, as a result, the development of marble sculpture in the area. The marble sculptors of Pyrgos were famous not only to Greece but also to a big part of Europe. Some of the most famous Greek sculptors, like Dimitrios Filippotis and the legendary Yiannoulis Chalepas came from this village.
Nowadays apart from the excellent Museum of Tinian Artists and the House-Museum of Giannoulis Chalepas, the whole village is an open museum of marble sculpture. The streets, the doors, the houses, the fountains, the churches and the cemetery are all decorated with magnificent marble sculptures. Every walk in the village ends at the central square for a cup of coffee and a big piece of galaktoboureko under the huge plane tree.
Volax
Volax sits on a mountain plateau in the centre of the island, and people have lived there for 2,000 years. Big, round rocky formations scatter across the area. Locals call these rocks “volakes,” and they gave the village its name. Many theories attempt to explain the origin of the rocks, but no one has proved any of them. The area also stands out for its traditional basket-weaving workshops, which you can still find in the village. Craftsmen have restored most of the houses, and you can enjoy an amazing walk through the narrow alleys. As you explore the village, you will also notice a surprising detail: the villagers have covered the doors and windows of the abandoned houses with poems.
Steni
Steni lies at the foothills of Mount Tsiknias and stands as the most populated village on Tinos island. The village feels lively and authentic, as Orthodox and Catholic residents have coexisted peacefully here for many decades. Each community maintains its own church, reflecting the village’s unique religious harmony and deep cultural traditions. Although tourism has not heavily developed here, every summer hundreds of visitors wander its charming streets. They search for the now famous tavern Platanos, also called Ntouar, named after its Catholic owner Edward. Old Ntouar sits outside his beloved tavern every evening and warmly welcomes guests with a sincere smile. He feels proud and satisfied as he witnesses the remarkable success of his traditional tavern. Visit Steni for a truly genuine experience and perhaps the finest grilled meat on the island.
Triantaros
Triantaros is close to Chora and the harbour. The white houses are actually ” hanging” from the cliff and the village offers spectacular views to the Aegean Sea, Mykonos island and Chora. Its is no wonder it is called “Aegean Balcony”. The narrow streets and alleys, with many stairs and arcades, offer an interesting peaceful walk with hidden surprises. In the previous years many of the traditional houses were abandoned. However, in the last decade many of the houses have been bought and restored by foreigners from other European countries and artists. In this way, the village is gaining its life back. Also, a strong community of people interested in preserving its authentic identity has been formed. Sit at a table at the tavern Lefkes on the main street, have lunch or just a cup of coffee and enjoy the magnificent view.
Smardakito
Smardakito is a small village at the center of the island but also one of the most picturesque. The houses are very well preserved and the small central square of the village with the fountain and the church is really wonderful. The village and the surrounding area have many natural springs and therefore the location has unusually many trees and vegetation for an island as dry as Tinos. Tinians consider it probably their most beautiful village. At the centre of the village you will come across the best tavern on the island (in our opinion). The tavern Katoi is a destination all by itself. You could taste authentic traditional cuisine in unique scenery. One of the best dishes is froutalia, a local omelette with sausage and cheese, which you will remember for a long time.
Kechrovouniou Monastery
This is probably one of the most significant Greek monasteries. Kechrovouniou Monastery was built during the 10th and 11th centuries. The monastery has great cultural and religious importance, because the nun Agia Pelagia, who lived here. She was the one who discovered the Holy Icon of Panagia, which is now housed in the Church of Panagia in Chora. The monastery is built as a fortified village with many buildings, streets, alleys and arcades. Apart from the main church and the cell of Agia Pelagia, in the monastery, you could visit an excellent ecclesiastical museum and a library with over 2000 rare editions. Come here, feel the calmness of the place and learn its history. For the inhabitants of the island is their most sacred place.
Visit Tinos without prejudice and try to discover its true nature and spirit. It is really a blessed place.
