Tinos Maps

Tinos is an island in the northern Cyclades, located near Mykonos and Syros. The island covers 75 square miles and has a population of approximately 8,600 residents. Tinos Town (Chora), the capital and main port, is located on the south coast and is dominated by the Church of Panagia Evangelistria (Our Lady of Tinos), Greece's most important pilgrimage church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The church was built after a miraculous icon of the Annunciation was discovered in 1823 following visions by a nun. The icon is believed to have healing powers, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims, particularly on the feast days of the Annunciation (March 25) and Dormition (August 15), when many crawl on their knees up the marble-paved road from the harbor to the church. The church complex includes museums displaying religious artifacts and gifts offered by pilgrims.

Tinos has over 40 villages, many perched on hillsides with distinctive Cycladic architecture. The island is famous for its marble-working tradition, producing sculptures and ornate marble decorations. Villages like Pyrgos in the north are known for marble craftsmanship and house the Museum of Marble Crafts and the home museum of sculptor Yannoulis Chalepas. The island features over 1,000 dovecotes (peristeriones), elaborately decorated structures unique to Tinos, scattered across the landscape.

Unlike neighboring Mykonos, Tinos has a more traditional, religious character. The island has numerous beaches, with Kolymbithra Bay on the north coast being particularly scenic with two sandy beaches separated by a small peninsula. Tinos produces distinctive artichokes, capers, and local cheeses. The Catholic minority, descendants of Venetian settlers, inhabits several northern villages including Falatados and Steni. Exombourgo, a massive granite rock formation in the island's center, is topped by a Venetian fortress and offers panoramic views across the Cyclades.

The Facts:
Region: South Aegean.
Capital: Tinos.
Towns and villages: Tinos, Kampos, Komi, Panormos, Volax, Xinara.
Population: ~ 8,600.
Area: 75 sq mi (195 sq km).