In the Chora of Tinos is the Archaeological Museum of Tinos.
Built in the 60s, the Archaeological Museum of Tinos houses the findings brought to light by archaeologists throughout the island.
In the museum, visitors can admire among others:
A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Tinos may turn out to be extremely interesting, especially if you combine it with tours to the archaeological sites of the island.
More information about the Archaeological Museum of Tinos can be found in the number 22830 29063.
Tinos hosts several notable theatrical performances mainly during the summer. Your holidays in Tinos will give you the opportunity to watch remarkable artists, interesting concerts and music events in Loutra, the Koumaros Theater and many other places on the island.
More information on theater on the island can be found in the Municipality of Tinos and the number 22833 60100.
Visual arts go hand in hand with Tinos island. You can find speckles of art everywhere; from embossed details in homes to pigeonniers and of course the many art galleries. Vacationing on the island you will have many interesting things to see.
First of all, the Cultural Foundation of Tinos (www.itip.grand telephone 22830 24742) in Chora, hosts many notable exhibitions of visual arts (painting, sculpture, etc.) along with the permanent exhibition dedicated to Giannoulis Halepas.
Adding to that, at the Lady of Tinos - Evaggelistrias Temple ( Panagia tis Tinou) you will find the Gallery, with paintings of remarkable Greek and foreign artists and the Museum of Tinian Artists, with Lytras' and Gaitis' paintings and Giannoulis Halepas', Filippotis' and other important artists' sculptures.
Do not forget to visit the Museum of Panormos Artists and the Giannoulis Halepas Museum to admire exquisite sculptures that will make your jaw drop, as well as the newest museum Tsokli in Kampos village that also features an art library and creative programs for children and adults.
Art exhibitions take place at several points on the island, as Tinos truly is an open air museum with scattered artifacts waiting to be discovered.
More information on exhibitions and art on the island can be found in the Municipality of Tinos and the number 22833 60100.
Many concerts, parties and music events s are organized in Tinos, especially during summer months. Your holidays in Tinos will give you the opportunity to watch remarkable artists, interesting concerts and music events in Loutra and many other places on the island.
More information on music events and concerts on the island can be found in the Municipality of Tinos and the number 22833 60100.
Exombourgo or Xompourgo is in the south part of Tinos island.
It is also known as Kastro and it is upon a rock with a height of 640 meters. It seems that this point was considered to be very safe, so since ancient times people chose to live there protected.
When in 1207 Tinos was occupied by the Venetians, the Gkizi brothers took advantage of the fortified position and built the castle of Saint Helena, a fortress which took its name from the church that was already there. It is no surprise that gradually a small town developed around the fortress.
The Venetians realizing the strategic importance both of Tinos and the specific point, sought and managed to build an almost impenetrable fortress that withstood several pirate and other attacks. The castle lasted until 1715 when Tinos became part of the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish conquerors destroyed the castle almost entirely.
Today you can visit the Exovourgo and see for yourself the ruins of the castle and the walls or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the area.
Almost everywhere in Tinos you will see Pigeonniers.
A Pigeonnier is a special building used for housing and breeding pigeons, but the Peristeriones of Tinos are something more. They often have two or three floors, the upper is used for the pigeons while the lower as storage space. Peristeriones- Pigeonniers have small openings (so that only the pigeons can fit inside) facing west and east, but never to the north to be protect from the wind. In the old days pigeons were bred for their meat and people made use of their droppings as fertilizer in the fields.
The pigeonniers show Tinian craftsmanship at its best. Made primarily from shale and decorated ornately, these unique attractions will immediately draw your attention.
It is probably the Henets that established in Tinos the breeding of pigeons and the pigeonniers. Indeed, initially only the feudal lords were entitled to have a pigeonnier so it became a symbol of economic and class superiority. When the Henets left, the inhabitants of Tinos were finally free to acquire their own peristeriona and thus created unique architectural masterpieces with excellent decorations to distinguish themselves (and irritate their neighbors).
Today Tinos has hundreds peristeriones- pigeonniers that you can admire (some say they're over 700) but it is very hard to find two completely identical. They all have their own drawings and their own unique beauty. Chose Tinos for your vacations and discover them all (or as many as you can)!
In the Chora of Tinos, the Panagia of Tinos is the main attraction.
Its official name is "Holy Church of Panagia Evaggelistria of Tinos" and is also known as "Our Lady of Tinos"; the most worldwide famous pilgrimage across Greece. The church is built upon the site where the Icon of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary was found in 1823, after a vision of a nun called Pelagia. Finding the picture amid the Greek Revolution was a divine sign and the Greek predominance against the Turks was probably the first and certainly not the last of the thousands of miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary.
The Church of Panagia Evaggelistria is essentially the first major architectural work of modern Greece, funded entirely by believers' donations. It is a basilica with a dome created to glorify the Virgin Mary and to house the miraculous, according to Christian tradition, icon. Since the very first day of the church, faithful crowds comes to Tinos to venerate the icon and pray --especially for health.
In other areas of the building complex of the Evaggelistria Church, visitors can also admire:
Our Lady of Tinos is the most important attraction in the entire island. It is absolutely impossible to get to Tinos and ignore it.
The area of Kionia in Tinos is of great historical importance, as here lies the Sanctuary of Poseidon upon the ruins of an ancient temple.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon was Doric. Built in the 4th century BC, it is the only temple in Cyclades which was exclusively dedicated to the god of sea, Poseidon and his wife Amphitrite.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon soon gained nationwide fame and was an important station for pilgrims on their way to Delos island. Poseidon in ancient times was also worshiped as a doctor, while Amphitrite was thought to cure infertile women. So, among the sacred buildings there were some for the religious needs and others operating as hospitals.
During the island's prosperity, the Sanctuary of Poseidon was the main center of worship and a healing center with a great reputation. Also, the "Posidonia" were organized here. These were significant events, including theatrical performances.
The Sanctuary of Poseidon operated until the 3rd century AD. Christianity together with excessive raids, resulted in its abandonment. Astonishingly though, the last stroke was given by the conquerors and the locals who used its materials for the construction of buildings and walls.
Excavations began in the early 20th century, bringing to light the ruins of the sanctuary and other buildings, mosaics and many artifacts, such as statues and a sundial. Many of the findings are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Tinos, which is worth visiting before or after your visit to the archaeological site in the Sanctuary of Poseidon.
During your holidays in the Cyclades, sea will have a key role in your activities.
Tinos guarantees that you'll enjoy all the water sports you love. Great windsurfing spots are scattered all over the island, while in Kolimbithra beach you can surf or learn the basics by the Tinos Surf Lessons School. You will also find pedaloes, canoe kayaks, sup, jet ski, water ski, banana boats, tubes and anything else you wish for!
After the surface of the sea, it is time for the amazing seabed. Tinos has great places to scuba dive and carry out underwater explorations or even snorkeling. If you wish you can also contact the local diving schools!
Temporarily abandoning the sea,you have to discover the beauty of the land. The morphology of Tinos makes it an excellent destination for those who love hiking. Discover the wonderful natural beauties of the island through the specially marked trails. Take in the awesome views from the top, meet picturesque chapels, stone walls, marble creations and the famous peristeriones-pigeonniers, in unique trails that connect the villages of Tinos.
You can also use your bike if you want to reach more inaccessible places.
All these and many more that you will discover on your own, will enrich your holidays in Tinos, bringing you one step closer to nature and your true self.
In the northern part of the island lies Panormos beach.
This wonderful sandy beach is located right in front of the village of Panormos, which is also seaport of Pyrgos. Here was the old port of Tinos, while there still is a small quaint harbor where you will find excellent restaurants to eat fresh fish and delicacies after a dip in the azure waters. If you wish for more seclusion, go for the nearby beaches of Agia Thalassa and Kavalourko.