Tinos

Day 1: Chora, pilgrimage heart and the south coast

Begin with the island’s spiritual core and then slow into the rhythm of village life and sea breezes. This day balances devotion, history and a gentle culinary introduction so you don’t rush the island’s pace.

• Morning: Arrive in Tinos Town and visit the church of Panagia Evangelistria early (around 7:30–9:00). Walk up Leoforos Megalocharis respectfully, observe the tamata and the faithful, and then duck into the old backstreets for coffee and a sweet from a local bakery; dress modestly in sacred spaces and avoid intrusive photography.
• Midday: Explore the harbour-side and the small chapels near the old port, then head to Kionia (5 mins’ drive) to see the site of the Sanctuary of Poseidon and Amphitrite. Lunch back in town at Mikro Karavi (courtyard calm, seasonal plates) or Kalopsia near Kionia (book in July–August).
• Afternoon: Swim or siesta at Agios Fokas beach; ask locals which cove is sheltered from the Meltemi that day. If winds are up, swap the beach for the Archaeological Museum or a slow amble through the alleys looking up for marble lintels above doorways.
• Evening: Sunset dinner at Marathia on Agios Fokas (reserve ahead; bring a light layer for the breeze). For a nightcap, try a local wine bar in Chora to sample Tinos labels (ask for Assyrtiko, Malagouzia or Mavrotragano from island wineries).

Day 2: Marble masters, west-balcony villages and a seaside table

Today is about Tinos’s artistic soul: marble craft, amphitheatrical villages and horizon-wide views. You’ll thread together Pyrgos and Panormos with the terraces of Kardiani and Ysternia.

• Morning: Drive to Pyrgos (40–45 mins). Visit the Museum of Marble Crafts, stroll the marble-paved square and cemetery, and peek into workshops (be discreet; this is living craft). Coffee and a spoon sweet in the plateia set the tone.
• Midday: Drop to Panormos for a harbour lunch straight from the boats. Alternatively, climb towards Kardiani and pause at a village spring for water and views; park on the outskirts and walk in as lanes are very narrow.
• Afternoon: Wander Kardiani and Ysternia, noting fountains, archways and carved details; the light is superb for photography after 16:00. If you prefer sand over steps, swim at nearby Kolimpithra (north) only if winds permit; otherwise choose a leeward cove on the west.
• Evening: Dine at Thalassaki on the pier at Ysternia Bay or O Ntinos at Kardiani Bay (book well in advance in high season). If you visit in shoulder season, linger after dinner to hear the sea and the chisels—Tinos is best unhurried.

Day 3: Stone, wind and the island’s quiet heartlands

Walk centuries-old paths, trace dovecotes in green valleys and climb the island’s medieval acropolis. End with a deeply traditional meal where recipes come from family memory.

• Morning: Park at Tarampados and follow the signed footpath through the dovecote valley; go early for soft light and shade. Continue to Volax for coffee among granite boulders and, if you find doors open, watch basket weavers at work.
• Midday: Head to Exomvourgo; hike up to the Venetian fortress ruins for 360° views and a tangible sense of why villages once clustered defensively (30–45 mins up, wear proper shoes). Picnic on local cheese and fruit, or drive to Komi for an artichoke-focused lunch (spring is peak).
• Afternoon: Wine tasting by appointment at a Falatados-area winery (T-Oinos, Domaine de Kalathas, or Volacus); call ahead as visits are small and weather-dependent. Non-wine alternative: visit Kechrovouni Monastery, moving quietly through its whitewashed alleys (modest dress essential).
• Evening: Traditional dinner at Marigo’s in Ktikados or a simple kafenio in Aetofolia; order mezedes to share, house wine by the carafe and a hearty fourtalia. If you’re here in summer, check posters for a village panigyri—arrive after 21:30 and join the line for communal stew and dancing.

Notes and tweaks:

• August (around 15th) brings immense pilgrimage crowds in Chora; flip Day 1 with Day 2 or 3 if you prefer quiet.
• May–June and September–October are ideal for hiking and photography; in May, look out for Tinos Food Paths and the artichoke festival in Komi.
• Always park outside traditional villages, carry water, and respect signed private land. The wind rules plans—ask locals each morning which beaches and paths are best that day.

By Air

• Tinos has no airport. The nearest gateways are:
  • Athens International Airport (ATH): then transfer to Rafina (about 30–60 min by car/taxi; 60–90+ min by bus) or Piraeus (45–75 min by car/taxi; 60–75 min by metro via Monastiraki; 60–90+ min by X96 bus) for ferries.
  • Mykonos (JMK): frequent summer flights from Europe/Athens; short ferry to Tinos (about 20–45 min).
  • Syros (JSY): domestic flights from Athens; ferry to Tinos (about 30–60 min).
• Practical: In peak winds (Meltemi) high‑speed ferries can be delayed/cancelled; conventional ferries are usually more reliable.

By Ferry

• From Rafina (closest Athens port): fastest and most frequent. High‑speed 1 hr 45–2 hr 20; conventional 3–4 hr (usually via Andros). Multiple daily sailings in summer; fewer in winter.
• From Piraeus (main Athens port): high‑speed about 3–4 hr; conventional 4.5–6 hr (often via Syros). Fewer choices than Rafina for Tinos.
• Inter‑island links: from Mykonos 20–60 min; from Syros 30–60 min; also services from Andros, Naxos (seasonal/variable).
• Operators commonly include Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, Golden Star Ferries and Seajets.
• Tips: Book well ahead for July–August and if taking a car. Arrive 45–60 min before departure (earlier with a vehicle). E‑tickets are widely used.

By Train

• No rail to Tinos. For port access:
  • National rail to Athens (Larissa Station), then Metro Line 2 to Omonia and Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus for ferries.
  • For Rafina, there is no train; use KTEL bus or taxi from central Athens or the airport.

By Bus

• To Rafina: KTEL Attikis coaches from central Athens (e.g., Pedion Areos/Mavrommateon area and Nomismatokopio Metro stop). About 45–75 min depending on traffic; frequent services.
• To Piraeus: 24/7 Airport Express X96 bus (about 60–90+ min). From central Athens, city buses and Metro Line 1 (Green) reach Piraeus.

By Car

• Drive to Rafina (about 30–60 min from ATH; 45–70 min from central Athens) or to Piraeus (about 25–45 min from central Athens; 45–75 min from ATH), then take a ferry.
• Taking a vehicle on board requires advance booking in summer and arrival 60–90 min before departure. Port‑side parking is limited; consider nearby private lots.