Tinos is a picturesque Greek island in the Cyclades archipelago. Known as an authentic cultural and spiritual hub, it features traditional stone villages, famous marble craftsmanship, thriving local gastronomy, and scenic beaches largely free of heavy mass tourism. Tinos and the surrounding islands are known for being very windy, though by October it is usually calmer. This means there aren't many mozzies, but the evening can be cooler so bring a light jacket.

You can hire a car for the entirety of your visit (if your accommodation has parking, though usually street parking and car parks are free), just a day, or not at all - and have a great time whatever you decide to do. As it's the end of the season we recommend pre-booking but you'll definitely be able to walk up and get a car too.

Car rental options include:

Dimitris is right outside the part and will bring the car down to meet you off the ferry, though prices are higher.

Dellatolas is next door to our hotel and are happy to give lots of advice about where to go. Mid-range prices.

Koulis is the rental we used last time, they are no-frills but also no drama. They have some of the best rates in town. he dropped us to the port when we returned the car.

What to do

- If you're lucky, catch dancing in the main square near Epineio restaurant

- Have a quick stop at the beautiful chapel on the seafront with a secret beach: Ιερός Ναός Τιμίου Σταυρού

- See pilgrims crawling up the hill to the Cathedral

- Visit cute mountain villages and towns , such as Pyrgos, which has a unique marble-paved square with a centuries-old plane tree and monumental marble fountain, the Marble Craft Museum, and the Museum of Tinian Artists.

- See the "lunar" landscape at Volax

- Travel to village of Kampos and the neighbouring Taram pados Valley are home to most of the island's dove cotes.

- Marble Sculpture or Cyanotype workshops hosted by Atelier Figges - Participants carve their own unique piece from a raw block of marble. Email or WhatsApp to book: ateliersfigges@hotmail.com / +30 6942087223

- Visit Messeria winery

- Buy cute gifts at Manifactura

Beaches

The south eastern corner of the island has the most sandy and easily accessible beaches. There are also many good ones accessible just walking from the main town. Agios Fokas, one of the largest and most beautiful on the island is only a few minutes from Chora and has a beach bar with water sports, restaurants, cafes, rental rooms, umbrellas and sunbeds. 2.5 km from Chora is the village of Kionia with its award-winning beach with a magnificent view of the sea and neighbouring Syros.

If you want to range further, Kolimbythra on the back side of the island is a beautiful bay with a really big beach. It's also the island's 'surf spot' which tells you what you need to know about the wind.

Panormos is also gorgeous, it's just a little harbour with restaurants scattered around it, and there is a beach just around the cove called Rohari which is a secret favourite. If you want a little walk to see some cool carvings cut into the rock, walk from Panormos to Kavalourko Beach.

Where to eat and drink:

- Antilalos - lovely book store cafe serving homemade cakes, local beers and cheeses.

- Fatto a Mano - Cam-approved gelato

- Santiago - late night nightlife with music and dj

- Homa - mostly vegan cafe

- Thalassaki - you'll need a car to visit this one, but it was recommended by our Tinian friend - dine right on the shore

- Κατώι στο Σμαρδάκιτο - idyllic village square taverna with fantastic food, but likely to be closed for the season