Kag's guide to Tinos Island 🐍

Volax

“Stones, lots of round stones. Volāx (or Vōlax or Volakas, depending on who you ask) is a beautiful village built among these surreal, giant, round boulders. It’s absolutely worth a visit. You’ll find little poems written on the walls and plenty of lovely local products to pick up while you’re there."”

Kardiani

“Amazing views, a stunningly beautiful village, and one of the best festivals during Easter and in August. The Catholic church there is also seriously cool.”

Isternia

“Ystērnia, perched on the hillside, and the bay of Ysternia down by the sea are both fantastic. The village itself has incredible views and some great cafés where you can just relax and take it all in. I’ve listed the spots further down in the guide, but my personal favorites are Mayou and Exo Meria.”

Pyrgos

“This is home turf for me. When I say I’m from Marlás, it goes without saying that I’m also from Pyrgos and Panormos. Around here, the local treasures are marble and art. Pyrgos has a beautiful square where you can enjoy some of the best galaktoboureko and orange pie under a huge plane tree. There’s a fine arts school, a museum of marble craftsmanship, the house of renowned sculptor Giannoulis Halepas (now a museum), and lots of charming little shops. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful village on the island. Don’t skip the village cemetery either; the marble tombs are true masterpieces of sculpture.”

Triantaros

“Triantāros is full-on cool. It’s got just a few spots for coffee and food, but they’re all great. The views are incredible, and the stairs.. uniquely exhausting. My grandma Antonia grew up there.”

Tripotamos

“Tripōtamos is a lovely village, it's where my grandfather Giorgos is from. In the summer, they also throw a wine festival, which is always a good time.”

Livada

“The most beautiful beach in the whole world. You just have to catch a warm, wind-free day, which is rare on the island, but if you do and head down to Livada, you’ll be blown away. On the left, there are these amazingly smooth rocks with stunning colors, perfect for chilling out and diving in. If you’re a serious (at least decent, not super serious) swimmer, try swimming across to the beach beyond the black rocks. ⚠️ There’s no phone signal at all and very little shade, but it’s absolutely worth it.”

Kavalourko Beach

“Along the coast heading toward Planitis (Planet 🪐) the little islet opposite Panormos Bay with the lighthouse, you’ll find the beaches of Agia Thalassa and Kavalourko. Both are great spots to check out when you’re on the northern side of the island. At Kavalourko, someone even carved a figure of Aeolus into a rock.”

Pachia Ammos beach

“A seriously cool beach with a sand dune where kids (or you, an adult) can climb, roll around, and get sunburned on the hot sand, just like we did when we were little.”

Lichnaftia Beach

“Nice, big pebbles and a cool beach. It’s not a top must-see imo, but if you have some extra days, it’s definitely worth a visit.”

Rochari Beach Bar

“Hear me out. The sea here isn’t the best, mainly because it’s on the northwest side of the island, facing north. Since the north wind usually blows in the Aegean during summer, you might spot some bits of trash that have probably travelled there from far far away. BUT the overall vibe is fantastic. There’s volleyball, some basic spots, some comfy poufs, good music, and the people working there are always cool. It feels more like a community than just a beach. Definitely worth checking out, and since it’s close to Pānormos (and Pýrgos), you can easily combine it with a visit to Kavalourko.”

Κολυμπήθρα Surf Lessons

“Okay, you’ve all seen photos from there. It’s really nice, though it has the same issue as Rōhari, but sometimes you get waves for surfing. They’ve kind of overdone it with the prices on the ‘mushrooms’ (that’s what they call those umbrella spots without sunbeds) but other than that, the drinks are great, the energy is super chill and cool, the music’s always on point, and they throw some fun parties too.”

Dear John,

“I haven’t been myself (I usually go next door to Ntinos restaurant) but I’ve heard people have a great time there. Figured I should include a slightly more upscale option in the guide, so I added it.”

Lefko Beach Bar

“A solid, low-key choice if you want something easy and organized. It wouldn’t be my top pick, but I’m putting it here just to have it on the list.”

Petrino cafe

“No idea how I forgot about this place when writing this guide. Perfect brunch, lovely people ”

Mayou all day bar

“THE orange pie and THE view 🍊”

Triantaraki

“Perfect for breakfast, though I’m not crazy about the food.”

Κροκ Μεσιέ | All day Bistrot ️ Πρωινό & Brunch στο χωριό

“Depends on the day, used to be better. I’ll leave it here as an honorable mention.”

Exo meria

“Also good for a drink 🥃 ”

Karya

“Seriously, this is my favorite food on the island; maybe in the whole world. When I’m feeling down in the winter, I really miss it. And the people there are so wonderful; I honestly love them. Everything’s amazing, but for me, their meatballs are the absolute standout.”

Drosia Taverna

“Perfect food, lovely people.”

Tsampiá

“Easy to get to, close to the town, with really great food. All their home-cooked dishes are worth trying.”

Duar

“I’ve been eating there since I was a kid. Great meat🤤 a proper χασαποταβέρνα”

VERANDA Tinos

“This used to be my favorite taverna when I was a kid, Konaki. I was genuinely upset when it closed and stayed in denial for years. I’m really glad, though, that the new restaurant that took its place is doing this holy spot justice with great food. To be honest, I’ve only been there for brunch (which was perfect), but I haven’t tried a proper meal yet. My parents have though (and I trust them); they say it’s really good.”

Teréza

“Alright, I haven’t been here myself because it’s practically impossible to get a reservation, but definitely give it a shot. Everyone in my family who’s been here says it’s amazing.”

O Ntinos

“I’m a hardcore fan of this place. First off, the view and location are absolutely fantastic. Second, the value for quality, portion size, and price is unmatched. Third, from the owners to the staff, everyone is incredibly kind and friendly, it’s no coincidence the same team works here every season. Fourth, I used to tell people to go straight for the red seafood pasta, but now I’m reconsidering because the white one has seriously leveled up too. Just a heads up, the portions are huge.”

Tarsanás

“A legendary spot with views of the harbor and town (Chōra). It changed ownership recently but still keeps its high standards. Liōkafto, Liōkafto, Liōkafto (sun-dried)”

Maḯstros

“A really great spot that always plays music I love, right in Panormos. Definitely worth a visit if you’re craving seafood and happen to be in the area.”

Marathia

“So, it’s more experimental cuisine these days. I personally loved it back when it was more of a classic fish taverna. That said, Marinos is a seriously dedicated restaurateur, he truly loves what he does, and it shows. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but fair for what it offers. If you’re in the mood for a bit of culinary exploration or a beautifully cooked fresh fish, you should absolutely go.”

Dough and Shaker

“Okay, listen up. This is definitely the best Italian spot on the island, but that doesn’t even do it justice. The food is amazing (make sure to order the little ravioli pockets filled with blue cheese and pear, they’re absolutely dreamy), and their cocktails? Some of the best I’ve ever had, even compared to top-notch bars anywhere. But here’s the thing: this place isn’t just an Italian restaurant. It has incredible energy and stunning style without ever feeling cringe or trying too hard. The team is always on point, and I honestly feel at home every time I’m there. They also have great T-Shirts you can buy and stickers”

Stella's Arnados

“Ok, this one’s also really good. Great pizzas and lovely carbonara 🤌 And the environment is beautiful, super chill and relaxing in the heart of the village”

Three Donkeys

“Some of the coolest and cleanest drinks I’ve ever had, with perfect cocktails to match. The music is like Berlin vibes, if Berlin were in the Cyclades. The crew is super cool and really knows their bar and drinks. Amazing aesthetic all around. Probably my all time favorite bar in the world 🌎 ”

Argonautis bar

“A historic spot in Tinos. The guy spins CDs, the décor is totally maximalist, but it works. On one wall, a projector plays surf videos or Kabamaru episodes. It’s not pretentious or awkward at all, you go there to dance like nobody’s watching.”

See You Soon

“Great vibe for a casual street drink in town (Chōra) outdoors. They even play some trashy tunes that I actually like.”

Santiago

“Great vibes 🥰”

Above The Clouds Tinos

“The RnB bar. It’s lovely 🥰”

Mama Sun

“Takeaway tap cocktails 🫨”

SAINTAK

“Cocktails & Streetfood 🤤 It’s a cool place, not gonna lie ”

Omma Tinos

“Good for an after-hours drink when self respect’s gone.”

VILLAGE CLUB TINOS

“GREEK TRASH MUSIC but NOT in the fun way. I’ve spent my teenage summer nights in there. It’s for young Greek roadmen/asi/κάγκουρες but I love it.”

Síbylla

“Ok this is hardcore. You have to leave your self respect at the door before entering. I’ve had fun in there but it’s not for everyone. It takes a very specific mentality; and under circumstances you can have fun in there. It’s not easy and it’s for everyone. ”

LABO.BAR

“Italian owned bar outside the main town (Chōra). Lovely for a super chill drink in the village.”