This Tiny Under-the-radar Island in Greece Is the Perfect Quiet Escape — and It’s Just 20 Minutes From Mykonos

It’s not even 6:30 a.m. and already the sun is beaming through the windows like it has something to prove. It’s only magnified by the gleaming white-stone beach and aquamarine water outside. Before my eyes fully open, I think to myself, “This is the only alarm clock I ever want ever again.” And it’s exactly the morning you can expect when visiting the undoubtedly charming island of Tinos, Greece. 

Tinos huddles close to its much more popular cousin, Mykonos, which lies a short, 20-minute ferry ride away. But really, these two islands are more like second, third, or even fourth cousins. Here on Tinos, the party scene is light, and the relaxation vibes are strong. 

“I love Tinos because it is full of small, picture-perfect villages,” Carol Papaletsos, a Greek travel expert and founder of Be My Guest, shared with Travel + Leisure. “The food is amazing — everywhere and everything we ate was amazing. The people are warm and welcoming as well.” 

Tinos is also an island where spirituality abounds, with more than 700 churches and chapels to explore, including the famed Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an important pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians. Beyond its religious significance, the island is home to picturesque villages punctuated by marble sculptures, pristine beaches, and a culinary scene that celebrates local produce and traditional cuisine.

Tinos feels like a secret, so when you’re ready for a quieter Greek island getaway, here’s how to plan a trip to the most special island in the Cyclades.

Where to Stay

The Thinking Traveller Villa

All that glorious light came streaming into my rental home, Agnes, which I found through The Thinking Traveller platform. The home, simply put, is exquisite. Here, you’ll find three bedrooms, making it large enough for six guests, with plenty of space for everyone to stretch out. Its back patio extends to a lovely lap pool, but you can also take the small path down to a private beach. The best part about a stay here is the access it offers to The Thinking Traveller’s local experts, who are not only readily available for advice on what to see and do, but can also set up exclusive experiences like private chef events at the home, a wine delivery, and boat rentals. 

Odera Tinos

Odera Tinos is the island’s first five-star hotel, and while it’s without question a luxury experience, it’s far from stuffy. The resort’s monochrome, minimalist villas are inspired by the white and blue Cycladic design aesthetic. Each villa is also equipped with either a private pool or a terrace, providing both solitude and panoramic sea views. Guests can indulge in the spa, which comes with a comprehensive menu of treatments, or head right to the beach just steps away. Even better, almost everything you see or eat in the hotel is locally sourced, ensuring the surrounding community stays supported.

Infinity View Hotel

Just a short walk from Tinos town, travelers can check into the Infinity View Hotel. Each suite at this contemporary hotel comes with spacious balconies and a modern, clean-lined design. The highlight, however, is the infinity pool, which is ideal for a relaxing afternoon. Guests can also easily explore the surrounding area, including Kionia Beach, also located just a quick walk away. 

What to Do

See the marble in Pyrgos.

Tinos is home to a number of charming villages, each with its own character. Pyrgos, namely — known as the island’s marble capital — should not be missed. Here, travelers can explore the streets lined with artisan workshops and visit the Museum of Marble Crafts, which honors the island’s rich sculpting heritage. 

Visit the church of Panagia Evangelistria.

It’s almost impossible to visit Tinos without stopping at the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in town. Visitors are welcome to tour the church that houses what many believe is a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Though you will likely see believers every day, on Aug. 15, thousands of people make their way to the church, crawling on their hands and knees as a sign of their devotion to ask the Virgin Mary for help. But even if you have no requests for the Virgin Mary, the church’s impressive architecture is well worth the visit. 

Go for a hike.

Tinos is a prime place to visit if you love to hike. The island has an extensive network of well-marked hiking trails that go on for nearly 100 miles. Routes take visitors through massive rock formations, valleys, and traditional villages, so you can see and do it all. 

Explore the Sanctuary of Poseidon.

Sneak in a little time with the Greek gods at the Sanctuary of Poseidon. This temple, which dates back to the fourth century B.C., was dedicated to the god of the sea. Today, only the foundation exists, but travelers can walk through it and feel the history all around. 

Sip centuries-old wine.

Speaking of gods, if you want to sip a little wine with them, head straight up the hill to T-Oinos, a vineyard sitting on land that has grown grapes for 6,000 years. As the vineyard’s lore explains, the massive boulders sprinkled around the property are remnants of the “battleground of the gods.”

Where to Eat

Prickly Bear

For stellar coffee, make your way to Prickly Bear, a third-wave coffee shop in the heart of town. Area 51 coffee, a specialty brand from Athens, is served here and can be enjoyed on its own or as a latte, flat white, or cortado. Grab a sandwich or pastry while you’re at it and take them both outside to enjoy in the sunny alleyway.

To Thalassaki

Visitors to Tinos can’t stop raving about To Thalassaki, a restaurant located in the seaside village of Ysternia. Best known for its fresh seafood and gorgeous sunset views, the restaurant also serves other Greek favorites like ouzo-steamed mussels and squid-ink taramosalata, alongside plates of locally sourced vegetables. 

Kalopsia Restaurant

For a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, snag a table at Kalopsia Restaurant, near Tinos town. The restaurant, by award-winning chef George Stylianoudakis, also uses plenty of local products from Tinos and the Cyclades. Expect dishes like braised octopus with fava and cuttlefish tagliatelle with crab wraps, capers, herbs, graviera cheese, and anchovy sauce.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tinos is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October). This shoulder season allows travelers to still experience the gorgeous weather, with temperatures hovering between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, but with far fewer crowds. Of course, the summer is lovely, too, with temperatures soaring to the high 80s. There’s the Feast of the Assumption celebration on Aug. 15, which draws in thousands of travelers who make their pilgrimage to the church and to enjoy the island in the days surrounding it. 

How to Get Here

By Ferry

The easiest way to reach Tinos is by ferry. There is a regular ferry service from both Rafina and Piraeus on the mainland. From Rafina, the trip takes approximately two hours by high-speed ferry and four hours by conventional ferry. Just make sure to book tickets in advance during the high season, especially if you’re traveling around major religious holidays. 

By Plane and Ferry

If you’re flying from an international destination, the nearest airport is on the island of Mykonos. From there, you can take one of the frequent ferries that connect Mykonos to Tinos; it’s a quick 20- to 30-minute ride. This route is convenient in the peak season, as Mykonos receives direct flights from major European cities. 

How to Get Around

Rental Car

The best way to see Tinos is with a rental car. The island is larger than you think, and it has some rather rugged terrain. Travelers can get a car at one of the many rental agencies in Tinos town, including both compact cars and SUVs.

Public Transit

There’s a robust bus system on Tinos, the KTEL, with routes connecting Tinos town to various villages and beaches. The main bus station is in town, and schedules are posted online. It’s an affordable option to consider, but just remember that service can be limited during the off-season. 

Scooter

If you want the full Greek experience, you can rent a scooter from all the vendors in Tinos town. This breezy mode of transportation makes it easy to explore the tiny streets and will get you to remote beaches. Again, be cautious, as some roads in Tinos can be treacherous.