OUR LADY OF TINOS (EVANGELISTRIA). An emblem of Tinos, the Church of Evangelistria has shaped the island’s identity for centuries. After the miraculous appearance of an icon of the Virgin Mary above the original Zoodochos Pigi church, work began on today’s Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistia in 1823. It was officially inaugurated just two years later, in 1825, becoming one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Greece. The church complex includes the chapel, the main church—adorned with countless offerings — and the Church of the Zoodochos Pigi and the Discovery. There are three baptisteries which have served generations of pilgrims, and the small mausoleum to those who lost their lives in WWII when the Greek warship The Elli was torpedoed off Tinos. At the heart of the courtyard, is the Phiali (fountain) where the Epiphany blessing is given. More than a landmark, Evangelistria is the spiritual soul of Tinos, drawing pilgrims from all over Greece.
TINOS TOWN. In the past, the only thing most people knew about the town was Evangelistria Church. However, Tinos Town is now a vibrant hub that reflects the island’s renaissance. Today, it blends Cycladic charm with cosmopolitan flair, offering stylish boutiques, modern, stylish cafés with exceptional restaurants etc. The most picturesque part of the town is hidden in the alleys behind the Pallada area. From here, a pedestrian street lined with beautiful old houses leads to the side of the Evangelistria. Those who explore further will come across other “hidden gems” such as the neighborhoods of Malamatenia, Ai Nikolas tou Katholikon and Trion Iarchon. A visit to the Archaeological Museum offers a glimpse into Tinos’ past, while the Cultural Foundation of Tinos, located on the waterfront, is a must-see for art lovers. This is a very active centre which hosts temporary exhibitions and a permanent exhibition of the work of Yannoulis Chalepas, one of Greece’s most renowned sculptors.
EXOMBOURGO. At 540 meters above sea level, these steep and naturally fortified rocks, were once the site of the strongest castle in the Aegean. The area was also the capital of the island during several historical periods. At the base of the rock, two Orthodox chapels—Agios Minas and Agia Eleousa—offer a moment of reflection. Nearby, you can see the impressive Catholic pilgrimage site of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which was founded by Jesuit monks and rebuilt in 1893.
THE DOVECOTS. Tinos is famous for its beautifully decorative dovecots which are scattered among the island’s dry stone walls and streams. They are masterpieces of folk craftsmanship with their elaborate geometric patterns, and have come to characterize Tinos. According to researchers, there are up to 1000 of them on the island.
THE VILLAGES. Unlike other Aegean islands, Tinos is home to many villages—34 in total—each with its own distinct charm, yet all united by the island’s signature Cycladic architecture and its famous marble craftsmanship. Make sure to visit Pyrgos and Panormos, Kardiani, Ysternia, Triantaros, Berdemiaros, Loutra, Tripotamos, Ktikado, Xynara, and Falatados. The inland villages of Dyo Choria, Arnados, Myrsini, Karya, Koumaros, Potamia, and Tarambados are also beautiful.
VOLAX AND THE ROUND GRANITE ROCKS. Volax is famous for the thousands of spherical granite rocks, both large and small, which lie scattered across a 23-square-kilometer triangular plateau as if they had been flung there by a giant. Geologists say these rocks are examples of ‘granite with spherical, honeycomb and alveolar weathering.’ In amongst these granite formations lies the small village of Volax. The nearby village of Falatados, known for its vineyards and two wineries, is the start of the route through Kakovolo, as the area with the rocks is known. This is one of most remarkable landscapes in the Cyclades—an amazing open-air geological museum. In between the rocks, you’ll find threshing floors, small chapels, and stone enclosures for livestock.
MUSEUMS
Cultural Foundation Of Tinos. This is a charming venue which hosts a permanent exhibition of works by Giannoulis Chalepas, a famous Greek sculptor, as well as temporary exhibitions, important conferences and various other events. It also has a café.
The Evangelistria complex includes an art gallery with works by artists such as Lyras, Gyzis, Doukas, Ioannidis, etc. It also houses the The Tinian Artists Museum with important works by L. Sochos, D. Filippotis, N. Lytras, the Fytalis brothers and G. Vitalis. There is an exhibition room with works by Antonis Sochos, as well as a room with icons and other artifacts. Additionally, there is a small mausoleum dedicated to those who lost their lives when the Greek ship The Elli was torpedoed off Tinos during WWII. If you are interested in archaeology, head for the town’s Archaeological Museum where you can see finds from the ancient temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite in Kionia.
If you are visiting Pyrgos, check out the informative Marble Crafts Museum, the Museum of Tinian Artists and Giannoulis Chalepas’ House, a traditional home which has been turned into a small museum giving visitors a good idea of life in Tinos during the sculptor’s lifetime. In Loutra you will see the Ursuline School, parts of which have been transformed into a museum.