Tinos resembles the simplicity, the serenity and the beauty of Cyclades. Tinos attracts Greek pilgrims travelling there twice a year, on March 25 and August 15, to visit the church of Panagia Megalochari (the Blessed Virgin Mary). From all over the country, people come here to fulfill their vows and to seek comfort. Tinos is the most important Orthodox centre of worship in Greece but, in the same time, an important Catholic centre too; this so rare in Greece mix of religious traditions gives to the island a particular character.
The island stands out for its hills, its enduring villages and friendly villagers, its wealth of natural beauty, its game between shadows and light, its artistic wealth of painters, sculptors and their works. Tinos is the ideal place for nature lovers, architecture, art and tradition, and the perfect answer to the relative expectations. In the island there are several small villages that are really worth to visit. Volax, is a tiny village, located in the interior of the island, almost hidden in the middle of rounded, giant granite blocks, with houses that are built onto the rocks. It is one of the most interesting villages to explore, as its architecture is unique on the island. Many of its houses are built on top of the boulders! Although tiny in size, the village has two tavernas, a gift shop, a folklore museum, a small stone open-air theater and a few remaining basket weavers still making their sturdy artifacts. Pýrgos is one of the largest villages of the island and the centre of the marble art of Tinos. The fountain dedicated to the Greek Revolution of 1821, the marble work on the churches, the houses and the two museums make obvious that sculpture enjoys a long tradition in Pyrgos. If you’re looking for a breathtaking panorama, you should visit Arnados village. Don’t leave the area before visiting the monastery of Kechrovouni (10th century) a big edifice looking like a fortified village. There you can see the cell of nun Pelagia, and a museum where several remarkable icons from the18th and 19th centuries, as well as other important heirlooms, are kept.
Don’t leave the island before you visit Kolympithra beach! Kolymbithra is a beautiful bay located 15 km from Tinos town. It consists of two beaches, equally beautiful and well protected from the strong winds. The large beach is ideal for those who want to enjoy a peaceful swimming away from the noisy crowds. Both beaches have a unique environment, suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
Gay life of Tinos is unorganized and there aren’t any gay venues but the few bars, clubs and restaurants on the island feature a friendly atmosphere. Cape Gastria and Platia Ammos are two nudist beaches that do not attract families, so they are the perfect option for gay travelers.
