Tinos

Tinos, also known as the "handmade island", is famous for the art of marble and its more than 1,000 dovecotes, which are real works of art. In Tinos, the variety of landscapes will surprise you, as there are many things to be discovered on this Cycladic island that still maintains its authentic charm.

On Ferryhopper, you will find useful information about the beaches, the sights, the villages, the places to be, and the local delicacies of the island. Check out all the available routes to Tinos and book your ferry tickets with just a few clicks!

Vacation in Tinos

Tinos is a beautiful island in the Northern Cyclades, between Andros and Mykonos. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, then you should definitely add Tinos to your travel bucket list! In the past, it was known mainly for the Holy Church of Panagia and its pilgrimage, but in recent years, Tinos has become a popular destination for younger visitors as well, thanks to its cultural sites, traditions, picturesque villages, and beautiful landscapes.

The island is also known for its marble craftsmanship, as it has a long tradition in sculpture, with the most important representative being Giannoulis Chalepas. In the villages of Tinos, you will have the chance to admire the impressive creations of Tinian artists. Tinos’ entertainment offers a variety of options, while during the summer months, cultural festivals and several panigiria (big feasts) are held in the villages of Tinos.

Traditional white church in Tinos

How to get to Tinos

The easiest way to reach Tinos is by ferry. There are direct routes from all 3 ports of Athens (Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion) with frequent daily connections all year long.

Alternatively, you can travel by plane to the nearest Mykonos airport and then get a ferry to Tinos. The duration of the trip is approximately 35 minutes. If you are already on a Cycladic island, you can also find regular crossings to Tinos to “hop” easily.

What to do in Tinos

The island is known for its rich history and long tradition of marble crafting and sculpture, which were Tinos' trademarks. The main attraction of Tinos is also its quaint villages, where you will be mesmerized by their tranquility. The beaches of the island are truly stunning, while on the beach of Kolymbithra you can find one of the first surf schools in Greece!

Beaches in Tinos

Tinos is an island with numerous beautiful beaches that enchant visitors with their crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Many of them are more popular and cosmopolitan with amenities, such as umbrellas, sunbeds, tavernas, and beach bars. There are also some smaller and relatively secluded beaches for travelers who seek relaxing and quiet moments by the sea.

Some of the best beaches in Tinos are:

• Agios Romanos: this large sandy beach has emerald waters, natural shade from trees and a beautiful view of Syros.
• Agios Sostis: within 10 minutes from Chora, this beach with shallow waters is ideal for the whole family. The pier at the edge of the beach is suitable for diving.
• Kolymbithra: it is considered one of the most popular beaches on the island. Actually, these are 3 sandy beaches with turquoise waters. The long beach is ideal for water sports and surfing, the small one is ideal for families with kids as it offers many amenities; and you can visit Apothikes if you are looking for moments of tranquility away from the crowds.
• Kalivia: an exotic beach that is ideal for families with kids due to its shallow, clear waters, sand, and amenities. 
• Kionia: it is located near Chora and is a cosmopolitan beach with umbrellas, sun lounges, cafés, and tavernas. It is mainly preferred for the windy days on the island.
• Livada: it is a secluded beach of wild beauty, with dark sand and deep, blue waters. Its trademark is the impressive rock formations reminiscent of sculptures. It is accessible by dirt road and can be exposed to strong winds.
• Pachia Ammos: a quiet and pristine beach with beautiful scenery. The golden dunes and the clear blue waters compose an impressive setting.
• Apigania: a beach with unique waters near Agios Romanos. You will need to follow a small path to reach this secluded beach, but the tranquility of the landscape will reward you.
• Rohari: very close to the port of Panormos, Rohari beach is an ideal choice after your visit to the village of Pyrgos. The beach bar with its ethnic music and boho atmosphere will offer you moments of relaxation.
• Agia Thalassa: very close to Panormos, this beach impresses with its wild beauty. To get there, you have to follow a dirt road, so you better have the right car.

Pachia Ammos beach with its golden sand dune

Sightseeing in Tinos

Tinos has a rich history and many traditions that are worth discovering. The most famous monument is, of course, the church of Evangelistria or Panagia of Tinos, with thousands of people visiting the island for pilgrimage every year and especially during the Great Feasts on March 25 (the Annunciation) and August 15 (the Dormition of Virgin Mary).

The most famous attractions in Tinos are:

• Tinos Archaeological Museum
• Museum Giannoulis Halepa
• Cultural Foundation of Tinos Island
• Museum of Tinian Artists
• Museum of Panagia Evangelistria
• Ursoulines Monastery
• Museum of Marble Crafts
• Museum Costas Tsoclis
• Kionia archaeological site

The Museum of Tinian Artists in Pyrgos, next to the house of Giannoulis Chalepas

Nightlife in Tinos

The nightlife of Tinos has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years. Apart from the bars in Chora, which attract many young people in their narrow alleys, you can now find quite an interesting nightlife in other parts of the island as well. You can enjoy a beach party by the sea in many of the beach bars of Tinos, while you can also enjoy your cocktail in one of its picturesque villages.

We suggest that you start with a drink at the legendary Koursaros or the tiki bar Argonautis in Chora and if you want dancing with a view until the early morning hours, then a stop at Kaktos is a must. Do not miss the parties at the beach bar Alochari, while if you want to combine surfing and dancing, the long beach of Kolymbithra should be included in your list.

Food in Tinos

It is certain that the Cycladic gastronomy of Tinos will amaze you! The island has many tavernas, restaurants and “kafeneia”, where you will have the opportunity to try exquisite flavors and traditional products.

We suggest the following local delicacies of Tinos:

• artichokes and artichoke pies
• local dairy products like kopanisti, kariki, volaki, graviera, petroma
• louza (local ham)
• local sausages with fennel
• froutalia (traditional omelet with potatoes and sausage of Tinos)
• tsimbita (small sweet pies with fresh cheese)
• local wine and beer
• amygdalota (traditional sweet treats with almonds)
• spoon sweets

Villages in Tinos

The Chora of Tinos is the commercial center of the island and is just 5 minutes from the port. Apart from Chora, it is worth discovering the almost 50 villages located in the amazing inland of Τinos. Their traditional architecture, the dovecotes and the warm hospitality of their people offer a unique experience.

The most famous villages of Tinos are:

• Agapi
• Aetofolia
• Volax
• Dyo Choria
• Kalloni
• Kardiani
• Ktikados
• Krokos
• Steni
• Komi
• Loutra
• Pyrgos

Traditional house in Tinos

Tips

Here are 3 tips that we hope will be helpful to you before your trip to Tinos:

1. Be sure to book your accommodation early in advance, as the island is very popular and busy during the summer. 
2. Keep in mind that the port can be crowded especially in the summer, as many ferries depart and arrive at the same time.
3. Strong winds are very common in Tinos, so we suggest asking the locals for the best beach to swim at depending on the direction of the wind.

Useful information for Tinos

Tinos is one of the largest islands in the Cyclades and has significant tourist development and services. In Chora, you will find all the basic amenities for your vacation, such as supermarkets, stores, pharmacies, and ATMs. There are also mini markets and gas stations all throughout the island.

Regarding accommodation, there is a wide variety of rooms and hotels on the island. Depending on your budget, you can find luxury options or affordable ones. As for health care, Tinos’ Health Center is located near the city center, very close to the port.

Useful phone numbers for your stay in Tinos

Here are some numbers that could prove useful during your holiday in Tinos:

• Tinos Port Authority: +302283022220
• Tinos Health Center: +302283360000
• Tinos citizen services (KEP): +302283360301 
• Tinos intercity buses (KTEL): +302283022440
• Tourist police: +302283023670

Transportation in Tinos

Consider bringing your own vehicle or rent one to explore every corner of Tinos! There is a good road network that connects most of the villages, the beaches and the sights of the island. There are also taxis and KTEL buses that serve the port, the town center and the villages throughout the year.

Port in Tinos

The main port of Tinos is located in Chora, on the south part of the island. Near the port there are many stores, cafes, restaurants, and banks, as well as the bus station. Parking spaces and car rentals are also in the nearby area.

Island hopping from Tinos

Tinos is located in the North Cyclades and is an ideal destination for island hopping, as it’s connected to many other islands in the Aegean with regular ferry crossings.

You can catch a ferry from Tinos and travel directly to:

• Andros
• Mykonos
• Paros
• Syros
• Santorini
• Naxos
• Ios
• Ikaria
• Samos

On the Ferryhopper Map of Ferries, you can find all available ferry routes between Tinos and other Greek destinations. Plan your next summer holidays easily and quickly!

Cycladic landscape in Tinos

Tinos ferry: schedules and tickets

The island of Tinos is mainly connected to Athens via the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. Occasionally, there are crossings from the port of Lavrion as well. Specifically:

• Rafina - Tinos: it is the fastest crossing to Tinos from the mainland. The route Rafina to Tinos runs many times per day and the trip duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours.
• Piraeus - Tinos: there is at least 1 daily sailing from the port of Piraeus to Tinos. The duration of the trip is approximately 4.5 hours.
• Lavrion - Tinos: this crossing is usually operated in the summer. You can find 1 scheduled departure per week and the ferry ride is around 4 hours.

Note: most vessels carry vehicles in their garage spaces. We suggest that you bring your own car or motorcycle to Tinos to further explore the island!

Where to book ferry tickets to Tinos online?

On Ferryhopper, you can find all connections to Tinos, compare prices, departure times and book ferry tickets to Tinos online at no additional cost!