Tinos: the island of the church, marble villages and dovecotes
Tinos sits next to Mykonos but is a different world: a church that draws pilgrims from all over Greece, marble villages and a landscape of giant boulders. Here is what to know.
- Tinos lies in the middle of the Cyclades, between Andros and Mykonos, with about 8,900 residents.
- Panagia Evangelistria is a major pilgrimage site, and around 15 August the island is full.
- From Rafina the crossing takes from 1h30 to about 4 hours; from Mykonos about 35 minutes.
Tinos suits a quieter, more authentic holiday than neighbouring Mykonos, or a day or two within a Cyclades route. If you come in August, book ferries and rooms early.
Where is Tinos?
Tinos is an island in the Cyclades, near the centre of the group. Its neighbours are Andros, Delos and Mykonos. It covers about 194.5 km², and the 2021 census counted 8,934 residents. The main town is also called Tinos, and the port is there.
Panagia Evangelistria and the pilgrimage
The island's symbol is the church of Panagia Evangelistria, which holds a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. Every year on 15 August a pilgrimage marks the Dormition of the Virgin. Some pilgrims crawl the roughly 800 m from the ferry wharf to the church. The island fills up at this time, so book ferries and rooms well ahead.
What else to see
- Pyrgos: a mountain village in an area with green marble. Tinos is known for the marble villages in its hills.
- Volax: a surreal landscape of huge boulders, some the size of multi-storey buildings.
- Dovecotes: about 1,000 decorated dovecotes are scattered across the island, one of its best-known sights.
- Food: Tinos is known for good food, so try the village tavernas.
Getting to Tinos
Tinos has no airport, so you arrive by ferry. Boats run from Piraeus and Rafina, with links to Andros, Syros and Mykonos.
| From | Crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rafina | 1h30 to about 3h50 | over 10 sailings a day in summer, from about €24.50 (Ferryhopper, October 2026) |
| Mykonos | about 35 minutes | easy to combine on a Cyclades trip |
| Piraeus | — | sailings available; times vary by company |
Rafina is about half an hour by car from Athens airport. Full details in ferry from Rafina to Andros and Tinos. In summer the meltemi blows, and high-speed boats are the first to be cancelled on windy days.
Fitting Tinos into a route
Combine Tinos with Andros, also reached from Rafina, or hop over to Mykonos. A possible route: Rafina, Andros, Tinos, then Mykonos or back to Rafina. More ideas in islands near Athens.
FAQ
How do I get to Tinos from Israel? Fly to Athens, go to Rafina port (about half an hour from the airport) and take the ferry. You can also come via Mykonos.
When should I avoid Tinos? Around 15 August the island is very busy because of the pilgrimage. If you come then, book ahead.
How long is the ferry from Mykonos to Tinos? About 35 minutes.
How is Tinos different from Mykonos? Tinos is quieter, with an important church, marble villages and dovecotes, and much less nightlife.
