General Information

Tinos is the island of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Most Greeks visit Tinos at least once in their life to venerate the miraculous icon of the virgin here by lighting a candle. Often much of the island is overlooked in these short pilgrimages.

Tinos has so many more mysteries and delights to reveal to visitors. Learn its secrets by visiting it for yourself.

Let’s start with a little history. Tinos is named after its first settler, Tinos. In ancient times the island was called Ydroysa or Ofiousa because of the abundant water and consequent snakes from which Poseidon, who was considered its protector, escaped.


The first inhabitants were Ionians from Karia in Asia Minor. During the Byzantine Empire it belonged to “Greece County" and experienced the fury of the Saracen pirates. It was under Venetian and Turkish domination until the Revolution of 1821.

On January 30th of 1823 the image of the Virgin Mary was unrepentantly found, considered to be a blessing from the Lord for the rebellious nation. In 1940 the torpedoing of "Elli" submarine in the port of Tinos, marked the beginnings of Greek-Italian conflict, putting Tinos back on the historical map in light of its unfortunate circumstance.


Tinos consists of 40 residential villages scattered throughout the island with many seaside, holiday hamlets that open in the high season. In its countryside, the scenery changes dramatically. Fertile plains overcome barren rocks and wildlife. Just around the bend in the road and always without expectation, small beautiful beaches emerge. Traveling north, reach the valley of Tarambados.

Most of the island’s dovecotes stand in this valley, entertaining with amazing views. Here wonderful monuments of folk architecture, built of stone and slate, breathe as living proof of artistic expression on Tinos.


In the center of the island rises the imposing peak of Exomvourgo, where the ancient acropolis of the island was once built. Reaching the northern tip of the island find beautiful Panormos, a unique community of the island, with only a few similar civilizations remaining like it in all of Greece.

Knowing and experiencing these hidden secrets, its easy to understand why the Virgin Mary chose this island for her home.