Tinos

Tinos is also a religious destination and the Panagia Evangelistria Church is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. Be sure to wear appropriate dress when visiting this sacred shrine.

Koumaros and Agápi are also must-see villages with unusual arched passageways while Tarambados is rather magical with a number of beautifully ornate dovecotes which look like mini fortresses. Dovecotes are a special feature of Tinos and a legacy of the Venetians; they are scattered across the island and were originally used for pigeons which provided meat and fertiliser.

For walkers, the interior offers superb trails, including hikes to Xóbourgo plateau with its old fortress and Kechrovoúni monastery near the village of Steni with fine views over the island. A three-hour hike from Myrsini to Livada beach follows a tree-shaded ancient footpath shaded by trees past waterfalls and pools.

Food lovers will also be more than satisfied on Tinos where there is so much seasonal produce such as wild artichokes and mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, capers and chickpeas. With many visitors from Greece the restaurant menus are truly authentic. Look out, too, for locally produced honey to take home the taste of Tinos!