Sightseeing in Tinos Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Tinos Island is located in the northern part of the Cyclades, travelers know it as a popular beach destination. In addition to the great beaches, the island has a wide choice of decent historic monuments. Tinos, like many other Greek islands, is famous for its religious attractions. If foreign visitors come to the island primarily for beach holidays, the Greeks arrive here not because of sunbathing.

Tinos can boast one of the main shrines of Greece, Panayia Evanyelistria Cathedral. The history of its occurrence is very interesting. In 1822, monks have found the image of the Virgin on the site, where the religious sanctuary is located. Many impressive stories and legends are associated with this artifact; thousands of people came to believe in its miraculous power. Immediately after the momentous event the church was laid on the island. The shrine has become a permanent storehouse for the miraculous image and the center of attraction for thousands of pilgrims.

It should be noted that the church is interesting not only for its religious artifacts, as it’s the most beautiful architectural monument of the island. The church is located in the center of the capital city of Tinos, on a high hill. You can climb to the top of the hill using the marble staircase, which is also considered an important landmark. Here, on the stairs, pilgrims leave a huge amount of jewelry, icons and lamps. Part of the donations of parishioners is stored in a small museum, which is located next to the church. At the foot of the hill there is a crypt, in which the image was found, as well as a necropolis reminding guests of the island about tragic events of 1940. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

This lovely church is not the only attraction of the capital, as the city can boast a great number of luxury villas. The bulk of them can be found in the medieval district of Tinos, next to the Archeological Museum. The later houses a rich collection of archaeological finds discovered during the exploration of the island, one of the most valuable exhibits is the Roman sundial.

Fans of ancient history should definitely visit the coastal region of Kionia ; here scientists have discovered the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite and Sanctuary of Poseidon. The complex of buildings was restored as accurate as possible; in addition to the foundation of the temple you can see ancient thermae, fountains and even the surviving part of the building, where pilgrims have lived. Ktikados is popular among hikers; you can reach it via mountain path originating at the main religious attraction of Tinos. The picturesque mountain village is surrounded by beautiful vineyards, this place is the best fit for admiring scenery.

One of the best places to explore the traditions of the locals isVolax. This village is one of the most secluded on the island. For many years, this picturesque place has being the center of the cultural life of the island; this is where the most experienced craftsmen live. You can see the fruits of their labor in the local folklore museum without admission fee. The main cultural center is the open Theatre Fontaine, which is a permanent venue for the annual theater festival. Equally important craft center of the island is the village of Pirgos . Local craftsmen make incredibly beautiful products of marble. The best works of the masters, as well as many other priceless works of art are represented in the local art museum.

The most popular and picturesque beach of the region, Agios Fokas, is located not far from the capital. This beach is covered with soft and light sand. Agios Fokas is safely protected from wind, so strong waves are very rare in this coastal area and water is always calm and clean. It is a comfortable place to relax with children. There are many interesting places suitable for a walk not far from the beach.

Agios Sostis is a no less attractive and charming beach. It is distinguished by a calmer atmosphere, and there are usually not many vacationers there. Kolymbithres Beach is located in the lagoon with the same name. It is a charming place, the name of which can be translated from Greek as a “swimming pool”. The lagoon, indeed, resembles a large naturally formed swimming pool. Even people who cannot swim will find it comfortable to relax there. Water is incredibly clean, so fans of snorkeling love relaxing on this beach. There are several diving centers on the island. Divers will be pleased with numerous interesting sites that are incredibly exciting to explore.