Tinos

Tinos is part of the Cyclades Islands archipelago and is located between Andros and Mykonos.

An island little frequented by mass tourism but very important for the Greek people as a place of faith that attracts thousands of pilgrims every year. It can be compared to Lourdes just to give you an idea, but in addition to the mysticism it is also a wonderful, lush part of Greece with many things to see and do.

Its territory extends for 196 square kilometers with an elongated shape. It features gentle hills with the highest peak reaching more or less 700 meters, steep coasts that give life to small bays and inlets that hide wonderful sandy or pebble beaches bathed by clean and crystalline waters with a blue Aegean sea . It is a very windy island, on some days even quite strong so much so that some legends say that Tinos was the island where Aeolus, the God of the wind, lived. Tinos is also famous for the extraction of its famous green marble which was used for works such as the Louvre or Buchkingham Palace as well as for some monuments found in Athens and also for its dovecotes inherited from the Venetian domination where the symbolic doves were kept of the island.

According to Greek mythology, after the feat of the Argonauts who set off on the epic journey to conquer the Golden Fleece, an object that had the power to heal every wound stopped on the coasts of Tinos and the two sons of Borias, the personification of the wind of North they took refuge on the mountain. Borias with his winds strangled Yla, the precious and beloved friend of Hercules who, in revenge, killed the children of the north wind who, when he learned of the death of his offspring, unleashed the wrath of the winds by throwing them against his enemies and is This is why Tinos is constantly lashed by currents. Another myth concerns the origin of its name. In ancient times it was called Oifussa (Ophis in ancient Greek means snake) as it was populated by many reptiles. Poseidon, God of the Sea and protector of the Island, after the request of the inhabitants who were extremely devoted to the God and exasperated by the dangerous snakes that swarmed everywhere, chased away the animals forever, thus making life safe for the population.

History of Tinos

The first inhabitants were the Phoenicians and the Ionians in 1000 BC and then it was occupied by the Mycenaeans as evidenced by two tombs found in the Kira Xeri area. In the 6th century BC, the ancient city of the island of Evia or Euboea was conquered by Eretria but after the battle of Marathon, Tinos regained its freedom but its independence did not last long as it fell under the authority of Philip the Macedonian. In the 2nd century BC it was incorporated like all the Greek islands into the Roman Empire and during the Byzantine era the population moved from the sea to the hinterland to save themselves from the constant attacks of pirates who in that period were a real scourge for the islands . In 1207 the Venetians made their appearance and remained for a long time and together with the islanders always managed to defend themselves from the continuous attacks of the Turks. This period greatly benefited Tinos, it prospered in agriculture, industry and art. Although the Turks later managed to conquer the island, they managed to maintain special privileges and the Turkish fleet was forbidden to approach Tinos and the only Saracens present were the governor and the judge. Even under the Ottomans it grew considerably by increasing commercial and naval activities and until 1821 it was the economic capital of the entire archipelago of the Cyclades Islands. It contributed to the uprising against the Turkish occupation and in 1830 it became part of the state of Greece, becoming an important religious center.

Curiosity: did you know that sports competitions called Tinia were organized in Tinos in 1895, which were the preamble to the modern Olympic Games? After many centuries of abolition of the Olympics, the athletic competitions were reinstated and lasted for three days during the August holiday period, combining them with religious celebrations as happened in ancient times.

You choose to take a holiday in Tinos for tranquility and relaxation, the nightlife is almost non-existent or at least very soft and sophisticated, no Hollywood parties or noise, for the sea, for its culture, for its authenticity, for the cuisine and because Tinos is considered a sort of miniature of the whole of Greece where the peculiarities of all the islands can be found.

Symbol of religiosity, you cannot fail to visit the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary the Evangelist also called Megalochari (she who grants graces) in the city of Tinos Town, the capital considered the protector of the entire Hellenic land. It is located on the Chora hill built above a proto-Byzantine church which was previously an ancient temple dedicated to the God Dionysus. On the ground floor where the Chapel of the Apocalypse is located, the sacred icon was found. The myth tells that in a dream a local nun met the Virgin who told her to find a certain place to build her home and when the woman went to dig in the spot that had been indicated to her she found the miraculous icon of the Byzantine period, it was on 30 January 1823. Considered magical above all for the graces regarding health and fertility, every year on 30 January, 25 March and 15 August thousands of pilgrims face a very bumpy journey on their knees from the port to the church as a sign of devotion and sacrifice. Even just participating in the ceremony without making the journey gives indescribable emotions.

The capital Chora is a commercial and tourist center. It has two ports, a new one where you land by ferry and the old one where fishermen's boats and visitors' boats park. The Pallada neighborhood reflects the imagery of the classic Cycladic village with narrow alleys, typical taverns, places to hang out late and the square with the Cathedral of the Archangels with its imposing marble bell tower from 1803. Continuing towards the north of Pallada you reach a point wonderful panoramic view with the churches of Agios Eleftherios and Agios Nikolas around it as well as ancient buildings and the ancient tap, before arriving at the Malamatenias district where you can stop to eat in one of its delicious taverns.

Tinos is home to many villages that have the classic retro flavor where you can breathe a typically Greek air. Kionia for example with its sandy beaches, Karyani and Isternia in a green part with sources of healing water, Pyrogs capital of marble and sculpture, Panormos a typical seaside village with its fresh fish restaurants and where you can admire a dream sunset. And again Tarambados where you can find the famous Venetian dovecotes, Voulax with its round rock formations and where the tradition of weaving wicker baskets is maintained and finally Agapi (which in Greek means love) where time is an opinion.

In conclusion, an island with a thousand faces where everything is still genuine, respected and authentic where you can spend wonderful holidays and forget the daily frenzy.