Tinos - A backpackers guide

Don`t make the mistake we made in arriving on the August 15th festival. Due to the shrine of the Panagia Evangelistrias which is proported to have healing powers, the island is fantastically busy with greeks at this time. In fact even after this period there is a distinct impression you have trespassed on to Greek holiday making turf. The islanders can seem to be more than a little dour but this is counteracted in part by noticeably cheaper taverna prices than on some of the more tourist orientated neighbouring islands.

We were met at the quay (be careful on depart` - there are 3) by Manthos of Boussetil rooms (10,000drs 08/00). A pretty stacked building just off the main road out of town towards Porto. As always, clean rooms with the added bonus of a T.V and more importantly - a ceiling fan, making sleep at night a little easier. The harbour seems relaxed during the day but spectacularly transforms itself into an incredible bustle at night. We imagine as a result of the villagers from around the mountain Exobourgo coming down to dine out. This is not necessarily a bad thing since they tend to populate the harbour front tavernas which you wouldn`t want to eat in anyway, all pretty average.

For dining and entertainment we frequented the two tavernas literally around the corner from the small boat harbour towards the new ferry quay. Just look for an intelligent not to mention amusing pelican named Marco outside the fishmongers. As for beaches around town - There is a small pebble beach just to the north of the new quay but the much longer stretch to the south of town is far better. Pebble for the first Km or so turning to sand from the helipad on. The resort of Kionia 3Km to the north is good if you want a couple of tavernas with not a bad stretch of beach but there are some better coves a little further on. Just follow the dirt track between the beach and the Tinos Beach Hotel. 45 mins walk ( or for the less energetic - 20 min` bus ride ) to the east of Tinos lies the dual villages of Porto & Agios Sostis. Both have tavernas and rooms to let and both have good beaches although no good when the Meltemi is up - they are fine sand.

If walking is your bag then the arduous but highly rewarding walk up Exobourgo should not be missed. Keep left of the Evangelistrias and follow the ancient paved path. About half way on your journey to the mountain you can take a detour to Ktikardos which has a few tavernas with good views down the valley to Kionia and across the water to Syros. Or just keep going to the junction on the main road where you pick up the walkers symbol to guide you for the rest of the treck. Just below the summit are a couple of interesting churches and the remains of the Kastro but make sure you keep enough exposures for the great views over Andros, Mykonos, Delos, Syros and weather permitting Naxos & Paros ( just ). All in all we think Tinos will give the visitor a good taste of the Greeks Greece without the patronisation of the more package deal orientated destinations. Need to ask a question ? We will try and answer -



You may also be interested in:

The Photo Book of Tinos

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