Tinos is not only the top – by far – destination of religious tourism, national or not. Nor, of course, the island of the well known one-day pilgrimage, which is – undoubtedly – the most popular of its kind ! The “greatness” of the place, admittedly, is pervasive throughout the island.
But I wonder how many of us managed to combine its Chora with the hinterland of this wonderful island in time ? Just a few kilometers outside its capital town and Tinos is revealed… and it charms ! Absolutely & completely !
To be precise, this is an island full of surprises – with wonderful mountain villages, a very high gastronomic level & authentic raw materials, easily accessible beaches (ideal for families with small children), countless chapels & those so special white towers with their geometric brown shapes & holes from where pigeons are jumping in and out !
Tinos has nothing to envy from her more cosmopolitan “neighbors” Mykonos & Syros, maybe only their own Chora (capital cities).. on that I will agree, maybe that’s why it still remains a bit “misunderstood”. It is true that Tinos is so much more than just its “first glimpse”. The road to the Church of Megalochari & the excessive commercialization of each pilgrim’s sacred “vow”, so full of shops selling candles, icons, rosaries & colorful bottles of all sizes to carry some “holy water”, almost blurs the path to the deep sanctity. Unique moments of religious introspection to its full essence, are the kneeling pilgrims who climb all the road until the temple, right after their disembarkation from the ship that brought them to the island. An image so strong, catalytic and deeply respectful !
Let’s not stick, however, only to what is obvious.. Tinos is wonderful and it is worth discovering it ! The beautiful alleys of Pyrgos with the marble, carved fronts on each door, the eerie landscape of Volakas, the magnificent view from Ano Ysternia, the seaside ouzo taverns of Kato Ysternia, the wonderful wineries in Falatados, the brewery in Agios Ioannis which produces the best – by far – beer in the Cyclades, the wonderful scenery at Kolymbithres beach – where one of the best beach bars in Europe runs, with.. but, wait a minute, how many more reasons do you still need to read in order to book your ticket ?
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