In Tinos, the history of the Church of the Annunciation and the cultural programme in Chora meet a range of other museums and routes across the island of Tinos.
Culture and history in Chora
The programme of the Virtual Museum of Tinos in Chora includes talks, cultural trails, exhibitions, music events and educational programmes. If you plan to attend a particular event, check its date separately.
The Church of the Annunciation is located in the centre of the modern town. It was built over the Church of the Finding, to plans by Efstratios Kalonaris “Smyrnaios”, an architect from Tinos, and has been a protected historic monument since 1962. The church celebrates its feast days on 30 January, 25 March, 23 July and 15 August.
The history of the Evangelistria complex is also linked to a specific date. The complex was built around the spot where the icon of Megalochari was found in January 1823, after the 70-year-old nun Pelagia of Kechrovouni Monastery had a vision. The shrine of Panagia Evaggelistria on the island of Tinos is one of Greece’s most important Orthodox pilgrimage sites.
On the island of Tinos: marble and museums
Tinian marble craftsmanship connects local culture with a wider heritage: in 2013, it was added to the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece, and in 2015 to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Museum of Marble Crafts in Pyrgos focuses on the technology of marble processing. The museum also explores pre-industrial and proto-industrial Tinos, considered the most important centre of marble craftsmanship in modern Greece.
The Yannoulis Halepas Museum in Pyrgos offers another perspective on sculpture. It is housed in the sculptor’s former home, a building designated as a historic protected structure. The Archaeological Museum of Tinos houses finds from Chora, Xompourgo and Kardiani, as well as from the Sanctuary of Poseidon in Kionia. They date from the Mycenaean period to Roman times.
Island routes and landscapes
Tinos Trails is the official hiking network of Tinos. It was created, is maintained and is promoted by the Municipality of Tinos. The route descriptions offer different points of reference for planning: T1 starts in Chora and passes through Xobourgo, described as the medieval capital of Tinos. T1A connects Chora to Kionia via the coastal road, then climbs towards Ktikado and Kyra-Xeni.
Route M4 is a circular trail through the Lower Villages. It starts in Volax and passes through granite formations and old cultivated fields. Those interested in the marble landscape can find old quarries and views of green marble quarries along Route E4. Route M3 ends on the coast at Livada, where its description mentions a small wetland habitat. These details distinguish the routes by their course and landscape without specifying a walking time.
The protected areas are also part of the island’s character: the Natura 2000 site GR4220019 lies on the northeastern edge of Tinos and is classified as a Site of Community Importance. GR220031 is a Special Protection Area for birds; Kolymbithra is protected as a wetland.
Planning your island trip: getting there, getting around and local products
Tinos is served by ferry connections from Piraeus and Rafina. Check the timetable when planning your journey. To get around the island, you can use your own or a hire vehicle, the KTEL bus network or taxis; services and timetables may change.
The local products for which Tinos is known include artichokes, garlic, herbs, capers and sun-dried tomatoes. Seasonal availability may vary. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on Chora’s cultural sites or also explore the island’s museums, routes and landscapes described here.
Discover more destinations: Agios Sostis, Arnados, Panormos, Agios Romanos, Agios Fokas, Isternia, Volakas, Ormos Panormou.
Back to the main travel overview: Tinos.
