After a 45 min boat trip we arrive at the port of Tinos Island, the gorgeous neighbour of Mykonos, where the bus waits for us. We drive over the big pilgrim avenue to the most famous church of Greece the “Evangellistria” with its holy icon, which is believed to do wondrous deeds.

After these overwhelming impressions, we leave Tinos town and the bus takes us over winding roads past typical villages and picturesque landscapes to the monastery of “Kechrovouni” situated 500 m. high. Here the nun “Pelagia” used to live and here she had the vision to go to Tinos Town and find the holy icon early 19th century. We explore the monastery of the 16th century where 80 nuns live and beside visiting the cell of Pelagia, have the chance to see many pretty points of whitewashed buildings and churches, full of beautiful flowers.

Our bus tour continues to the important historic mountain of “Exobourgo” where the great Venetian castle was situated which in the past was the strongest force of the whole of Greece against the Turkish invaders. Here we have a photo stop. Afterwards we drive to the other side of Exobourgo where the Catholic villages of the island are located. We stop in the old traditional village of “Volax” which is famous for its basket making. Here we also have the chance for a coffee break before exploring the village and visiting the local basket makers.

Our tour continues to the fertile downs of Komi where we pass through the agricultural areas of the island and stop to see the lemon groves before driving over the panorama road with breathtaking views to the sea and the other islands to the fishing village “Panormos”. Here we have lunch in a traditional taverna by the sea which offers a very tasty variety of local dishes as well as excellent fresh fish from the charcoal grill. There is also the possibility to go for a swim.

Our next stop is in the village “Pirgos”, the center of the marble arts and of the marble region of the island. We visit the local artists and can see them at their work before exploring the village which is completely made from marble. Further impressive sites are the church Agios Nikolaos and the grave yard at its rear both also full of marble art. At the old and peaceful village square we have time for a coffee break.

After Pirgos the bus goes back on the panorama road towards Tinos town and our last stop before that is at the valley of the pigeon houses. We walk through the village of “Tarambados” and can enjoy the beautiful site of the pretty setting of the old Venetian pigeon houses. Afterwards we drive back to Tinos town where we have free time before meeting at the port and returning to Mykonos.

Highlights