Visit Tinos, Greece

Wild and rugged, Tinos has somehow remained relatively unvisited by visitors outside of Greece. For Greeks, it's been a popular destination throughout history and was once a starting point for traders heading to Delos, who left their weapons and changed into their white before making the crossing during ancient times.

Today, the island is one of the few in the Cycladic islands that has a sizable Catholic population and today locals are a mix of Catholic and Greek Orthodox. For those who are Greek Orthodox, Tinos is an important destination with many making the pilgrimage to the principal Church of Panagia Evangelistria to see its shrine to the Virgin Mary and ask for healing.

Aside from its many churches of both faiths, Tinos is home to over 40 villages that are scattered over the island, some of which are nestled in the hillsides, while others cling to cliffsides like balconies overlooking the sea, or are located down by the sea itself. Each village has its own character and those who spend their time on the island should go out and explore the villages.

The island is also well-known for its marble production and the best examples of this can be found in the village of Pyrgos, one of the largest villages on the island. Here, you’ll find shops and homes adorned with intricately carved marble and a small, but lovely museum dedicated to the craft.