Where to Stay in Tinos

Greece › Where to Stay on Tinos
By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Tinos Hotels
Luxury: Infinity View
Budget: Vincenzo
Couples: Under the Sun
Families: Fratelli
Beach (Families): Golden Beach
Beach (Couples): Cavos
Tinos Town: Infinity View

See Also
• Best Beaches on Tinos

Tinos is one of the most traditional islands in the Cyclades, with its character and heritage having remained largely unchanged over time. The island’s charming capital, Tinos Town (or Chora), is located on the waterfront, with a wonderful seaside promenade passing by colorful sailboats. The town’s heart is a maze of narrow marble streets and alleyways brimming with tavernas, small shops, and seaside cafes. If you’re looking for a boutique hotel with a central location in Tinos Town try the Eleana Hotel, or along the town’s harborfront the Avra Hotel offers modest and comfortable rooms.

There are many beautiful beaches strung along the periphery of Tinos’ hilly and terraced landscape. Agios Fokas Beach is the closest beach to Tinos Town, as well as the largest on the island with the best selection of beach bars. The island’s beach resort area, a ten-minute drive from Tinos Town, is in the southeast corner of the island and is home to Agios Ioannis Beach and Agios Sostis Beach. This area has a selection of small hotels, some with tavernas, and a few nearby eateries, though there is not an abundance to choose from. Kolympithra Beach on the north coast is the island’s most famous beach and a popular surfing destination in Greece.

Kolympithra Beach

Tinos is perhaps best known as the home to its famous pilgrimage church, the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, also referred to as Our Lady of Tinos. The church sits on a hill above Tinos Town, built two centuries ago in the place where an a sacred icon of Mary was found. Today it is the most popular pilgrimage in Greece, receiving thousands of visitors yearly – many traveling some of the distance on their knees.

Church of Panagia Evangelistria/Our Lady of Tinos

There are tiny traditional villages scattered across Tinos, and a trip to the island would not be complete with seeing some of the best: the pretty village of Pyrgos, the traditional fishing village of Panormos, and Volax, with its extraordinary landscape blanketed in massive boulders.

View from Tinos Habitart in the village of Triantaros, one of our favorite hotels on Tinos for families.

Getting To and Around Tinos

Tinos is only accessible by boat, and is about 2¼ hours by ferry from Rafina port in Athens. The ferry port on Tinos is in Tinos Town/Chora, the capital and hub of the island. There is no airport on Tinos; the closest international airport is in Mykonos, a 30-minute ferry ride away.

Tinos is easy to navigate by car, as there are only a few main roads/highways on the island and these are paved and in good condition. (There are many secondary roads that are unpaved, ranging from fair to good condition.) There are many rental agencies located in Tinos Town, and rental cars can be booked in advance.

There is frequent daily bus service from Tinos Town to many villages across the island, including the four most popular; Pyrgos, Panormos, Kardiani, and Volax. Bus service to the beaches runs throughout the day from mid-June to early September to the following: Agios Ioannis Porto Beach (hourly); Kiona Beach (hourly); Agios Fokas Beach (every 30 mins); and Kolympithra Beach (three to four times a day).

Shops selling handicrafts in the pretty and traditional village of Pyrgos.

Best Time to Visit Tinos

Early June through early August is the best time to visit Tinos for ideal weather and beach experience. August is very busy on Tinos, in particular the first two weeks of August, as there is an influx of visitors for the annual religious celebrations which take place on August 15 and the two weeks preceding. It can be a challenge to find accommodation during this time period.

From May to mid-June is the best time to visit for walking or hiking on Tinos, when the flowers are in bloom and before the heat of summer. There are many established hiking trails and footpaths that crisscross the island, including a popular route from Tinos Town up to the top of Mount Exomvourgo.

Best Places to Stay on Tinos

The beautiful Aqua Suite at Vincenzo Family Rooms, an excellent midrange hotel in Tinos Town

• Best Luxury Hotels on Tinos
  Infinity View Hotel (Tinos Town) • Under the Sun Cycladic Village (Kardiani).
• Best Hotels for Families on Tinos
  Tinos Habitart (Triantaros) • Fratelli Rooms (Tinos Town) • Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments (Agios Fokas Beach) • Vincenzo Family Rooms (Tinos Town)
• Best Boutique Hotels on Tinos
  Eleana Hotel (Tinos Town) • Under the Sun Cycladic Village (Kardiani/Isternia)
• Best Hotels for Couples or Honeymooners
  Infinity View Hotel (Tinos Town) • Orion Suites (Tinos Town)
• Best Beach Hotels on Tinos
  Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments (Agios Fokas Beach) • Cavos Hotel & Suites (Agios Sostis Beach) • Porto Apergis Hotel (Agios Ioannis Beach) • Akti Aegeou (Laouti Beach)
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels on Tinos
  Avra Hotel (Tinos Town) • Vincenzo Family Rooms (Tinos Town) • Virginia Hotel (Tinos Town)

Best Places on Tinos for…

• Where to Stay on Tinos as First-Timers: Tinos Town
  Tinos Town (Chora) is the best choice for first-timer visitors to Tinos because it’s the hub of the island with the best selection of hotels, tavernas, cafes, and variety of things to see and do. It is home to one of the most famous pilgrimage churches in Greece, Our Lady of Tinos. Some of the best museums are in Tinos Town, as well: the Cultural Foundation of Tinos with two galleries — one dedicated to a Greek sculptor from Tinos and the other hosting rotating exhibitions, and the Tinos Archaeological Museum which houses a collection of local artifacts (some from three millennia ago).
• Where to Stay on Tinos as a Couple or Honeymooners: Tinos Town
  Charming Tinos Town has numerous romantic tavernas and a harborfront promenade that’s prefect for a cozy evening stroll. It is also close to several beaches, including Agios Fokas Beach with its great selection of seaside amenities, and the quieter Kionia Beach. The most romantic hotel in Tinos Town is the Infinity View Hotel, with a dreamy waterfront location and infinity pool.

The gorgeous pool deck at Infinity View Hotel

• Where to Stay on Tinos without a Car: Tinos Town
  With few stairs and a compact town center, Tinos Town/Chora is easy to explore on foot. Bus service to the major beach areas and numerous villages is available and frequent, with additional routes over the summer.
• Where to Stay on Tinos for Families: At the beach
  Agios Ioannis Beach is ideal for families, with beautiful sand and clear shallow waters. The closest hotel to this beach is the clean and comfortable Porto Apergis. Located 6 km east of the island’s capital, bus service from Agios Ioannis Beach to Tinos Town is very frequent (hourly) throughout the day and evening in high season.

  If being closer to Tinos Town is important, Agios Fokas Beach is another good choice for families. Try the Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments, offering large-sized family suites and almost touching the Agios Fokas sand. The walk time to Tinos Town is 20-25 minutes (1.5 km east of Tinos Town) and the road alongside the beach is paved, making it easier for parents with strollers. In Tinos Town, the main thoroughfare and some sidewalks are partially paved, but many are cobblestoned.

• Where to Stay on Tinos for Beaches:
  Porto Apergis Hotel is steps to Agios Ioannis Beach’s golden sand, soft sea bottom, and two popular beach bars. There are a few good restaurants nearby (1-2 minute walk), such as the Breeze Restaurant. Three other beaches are just around the corner and easily walkable: Agios Kiriaki Beach; Akti Aegeou is a beachfront hotel with restaurant at Laouti Beach; and Cavos Hotel & Suites is steps from Agios Sostis Beach.
• Where to Stay on Tinos for Water Activities: Kolympithra Beach
  The best beach for surfing on Tinos is Kolympithra, which also offers the best selection of water sports rentals including surfboards, body boards, water cycles, kayaks, and canoes. The closest hotel to Kolympithra Beach is Ursa Major Suites in the village of Komi.
• Where to Stay on Tinos for Nightlife: Tinos Town
  Tinos is not known for its nightlife, and there are no nightclubs on the island. There are however a few lounge bars in Chora that typically close around midnight.

All rooms at Orion Suites in Tinos Town have unobstructed sea views and private pools or hot tubs.

Eleana is a wonderful boutique hotel in Tinos Town near the bus stop, Archaeological Museum, and plenty of cafes and tavernas.

Pool deck at Cavos Hotel & Suites, just steps from steps from Agios Sostis Beach.

The 5 Best Villages on Tinos for Tourists

1. Tinos Town

Tinos Town (or Chora) is the island’s capital, set in a large bay with a ferry port at one end of town. Chora is the busiest town on the island, and the terrain is mainly flat, aside from a few small hills. There is a wide selection of tavernas, cafes, and shops along its narrow and charming cobble-stoned streets and alleyways.

Uphill from the town center is the Church of Panagia Evangelistria (commonly referred to as Our Lady of Tinos), with its wide marble steps adorned with red carpet. The church is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Greece, which brings thousands of visitors to Tinos every year. Surrounding the church are seven museums and a few galleries, including a sculpture museum. Other museums in Tinos Town are the Archaeological Museum of Tinos and the waterfront Cultural Foundation of Tinos, featuring art collections and musical events during the summer.

Tinos Town is the hub for all bus routes to the many villages that run year-round, as well as seasonal routes to four of the island’s best beaches which run from June to September. There are two bus stops in Tinos Town; the main bus stop is located on the promenade in the town center at the roundabout, the second bus stop is at the ferry port.

Accommodation in Tinos Town ranges from quaint budget hotels like Fratelli Rooms to three-star boutique hotels. Infinity View Hotel offers luxurious rooms with fantastic sea views.

The Superior Sea View Suite at Infinity View Hotel in Tinos Town also features a private sea-view plunge pool.

• Best Hotels in Tinos Town
  Infinity View Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 694 653 3629
  Eleana Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 694 633 8131
  Fratelli Rooms • Hotel phone: +30 697 982 0036
  Orion Suites • Hotel Phone: +30 2283 022016
• Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
  Avra Hotel • Hotel phone: +30 2283 022242
  Vincenzo Family Rooms • Hotel phone: +30 2283 025888

2. Pyrgos

The prettiest village on Tinos, Pyrgos features gorgeous flowers and blooming oleander trailing over white-washed houses. The village square is vibrant and colorful and is surrounded by coffee shops and cafes amid large leafy trees. Visitors stroll the charming alleyways and browse the numerous boutique shops, enjoying the village’s relaxed vibe.

The island of Tinos is known for its marble, and it is everywhere in Pyrgos; from sculptures and fountains, to churches and cobbled streets – even the village bus stop. Learn all about it at the excellent Museum of Marble Crafts and Tinian Artists Museum. Additionally, there are several art galleries, art studios, and a School of Fine Arts offering marble workshops over the summer.

Frequent daily bus service is available from Tinos Town to Pyrgos, three to four times a day.

• There are no hotels in Pyrgos

3. Panormos

A sleepy fishing village lined with colorful fishing boats, Panormos is also a popular moorage spot for yachts both large and small. Traditional fish tavernas line its picturesque waterfront and serve some of the best seafood on the island. Adjacent to the harbor, large Panormos Beach has fine golden sand, but can be windy due to its exposure to the north Meltemi (strong, north, summer winds). As such, it’s a popular hangout for windsurfing enthusiasts. Panormos has nice views of Panormos Bay and a tiny island facing the village called Planitis (the Planet). Panormos is located 3 km north of Pyrgos, and bus service runs three to four times a day from Tinos Town, 27 km away.

• There are no hotels in Panormos

4. Volax

Volax is a small village, high in the mountains in the center of the island, with tiny churches and herds of goats roaming its unique landscape; massive granite boulders believed to be from either a meteorite or a volcanic explosion give the area surrounding the village an extraordinary, other-worldly appearance. The village of Volax has two tavernas and a Folklore Museum, as well as an open-air amphitheater that hosts events throughout the summer. Volax is also a popular bouldering destination (where visitors climb the boulders without ropes or harnesses). Bus service from Tinos Town (11 km away) is twice daily during the summer season.

• There are no hotels in Volax

5. Kardiani

Kardiani is a small and sleepy traditional village perched on the side of a mountain, with fantastic views of the Aegean Sea. With several springs and one creek, it is also the island’s greenest village. Though Kardiani has just two tavernas, there is a Multi-Cultural Center here with a Folklore Museum, and a beautiful five-story marble bell tower. The village has great views over the valley, coastline, and to the island of Syros. Bus service from Tinos Town is four times a day in high season.

The shared sea-view pool terrace at Under the Sun Cycladic Village in Kardiani.

• Best Hotel in Kardiani
  Under the Sun Cycladic Village • Hotel phone: +30 698 168 6102

13 Best Hotels on Tinos

1. Infinity View Hotel – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 694 653 3629

Upscale waterfront accommodations with fantastic sea views and luxurious guest rooms. Suites and rooms are elegant and airy, with personalized touches like pillow selection and room-service breakfast. Some rooms have their own plunge pools; all have a private and luxuriously furnished sea-facing terrace. Watch the waves roll in while you soak in their infinity pool (non-heated), or relax by the seaside on their lower sun deck near a small pebble-stoned beach. Their breakfast buffet, baked onsite daily, is outstanding, and features lots of local products. Massage/spa services are onsite. Adjoining rooms are available. 24-hour reception. A wheelchair-friendly guest room is available with a wider door and passage space, but no further handicap aids within the room. Located a 10-minute walk to the ferry port and a 15-minute walk to Pantanassi Square (the roundabout) in Chora town center, with several tavernas and a wine bistro very close by.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Infinity View Hotel

2. Cavos Hotel & Suites – Agios Sostis Beach

Hotel Phone: +30 22830 24224

A spotlessly clean property just a few steps from Agios Sostis Beach. The hotel’s all-white Cycladic architecture and minimalist design complements its stylish outdoor pool and onsite Restaurant – open for Breakfast and Lunch. Its two room types, studios and suites, both have kitchenettes. Suites have one bedroom and a living room, and can accommodate four guests. All hotel mattresses are premium Coco-mat brand, in a twin-size, but can be joined to have a king-size bed. Some Suites boast a private pool, complemented with relaxing sun loungers and the best sea views from their private terrace. Complimentary beach sun loungers and umbrellas for guests. Located at the end of a no-thru road in a quiet area, a ten-minute drive to Tinos Town. A car or bike rental is recommended.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Cavos Hotel& Suites

3. Under the Sun Cycladic Village – Kardiani/Isternia

Hotel Phone: +30 698 168 6102

An oasis of calm and peacefulness, this new boutique hotel has stunning views of the deep blue Aegean Sea. The hotel’s suites are built into the hillside and are very private, all featuring a sea-view terrace with comfy seating and a jetted plunge pool. The larger of the two suite types — the Signature Suite — includes a cozy living room space. Their shared outdoor pool and coffee shop/bar area is a perfect spot for sunset viewing. Complimentary breakfast is delivered to guests’ rooms, with vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Located between the charming villages of Kardiani and Isternia, a 25-minute drive northwest of Tinos Town. A rental car is recommended.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Under the Sun Cycladic Village

4. Orion Suites – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 022016

Excellent new beachfront hotel in western Tinos Town. All accommodations here have unobstructed sea views, Modern Cycladic decor, and private pools or hot tubs. Most sleep two guests, but Queen Suites can accommodate four. A wonderful, rich breakfast is provided. Great sea-facing location near restaurants and the port.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Orion Suites

5. Fratelli Rooms – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 697 982 0036

Super convenient to the ferry port, this attractive hotel is bathed in soft colors and exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. Rooms have either sea or city views with built-in furniture and alcoves; Deluxe rooms feature lofted beds. The property is well-maintained and spotless, located close to a supermarket and across the street from a playground with sea views, only a 5-minute walk to the ferry and steps to many tavernas and shops. It is great value in a central location, and having a car parking lot nearby is handy.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Fratelli Rooms

6. Eleana Hotel – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 694 633 8131

This boutique hotel is nestled on a narrow cobblestone street in the heart of Chora, walkable to everything in the center of town. A spiral marble staircase leads to the guest rooms, which are tastefully decorated with modern amenities, including a rainfall shower, vessel bathroom sink, and Nespresso coffee machine. Some rooms feature private furnished terraces. Great central location with the bus stop, Archaeological Museum of Tinos, and various cafes and tavernas nearby.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Eleana Hotel

7. Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments – Agios Fokas Beach

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 024579

Sitting across the road from the largest beach on Tinos, suites here can accommodate a family of five; all are bright, airy, and traditionally furnished, with private stone patios and kitchenettes. The best views are the rooms at the front of the hotel with sea views; others have a view of the attractive gardens with shrubs, pink bougainvillea, and palm trees. Breakfast is included in some room rates and served at their onsite Restaurant. The hotel’s beachside taverna, Golden Beach Deck, is open from lunch to midnight and is located just across the street on the shores of Agios Fokas Beach. 20-minute walk to Tinos Town.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments

8. Tinos Habitart – Triantaros

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 041675

Fully-equipped and fantastically charming stone villas sleeping 2-12 guests; all with sea views, most with private swimming pools. Their new Dovecote House boasts three floors and two bathrooms, and can sleep 7 guests. The villas have traditional décor with modern conveniences like air conditioning, dishwashers, and washing machines. Located high in the hills in the village of Triantaros, Tinos Habitart offers sweeping views of Tinos Town and the Aegean Sea. There are two traditional tavernas within a 5-minute walk, and the closest beaches are a 10-minute drive away.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Tinos Habitart

9. Vincenzo Family Rooms – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 025888

Spread across two traditional white and blue buildings, this hotel has fourteen guest rooms, a cozy outdoor seating area, and lovely gardens. Suites here comprise two interconnecting rooms and can sleep four; Family Rooms sleep up to five. The Aqua Suite features an indoor plunge pool and a garden view. A complimentary Breakfast is served in the courtyard, featuring products grown locally at the family farm, and their exceptional service includes transfers to and from the ferry port. Walkable to many tavernas, shopping, and the main bus station in Tinos Town, with a pastry shop and supermarket just two blocks south.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Vincenzo Family Rooms

10. Akti Aegeou – Laouti Beach

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 024248

Traditional Greek hotel with an excellent beachside location, a beachside pool, and many beautiful palm trees. Guest rooms and suites are simple but comfortable, and range from spacious studios to two-bedroom suites, all with a kitchenette and furnished balcony. It’s great for families, with a calm and shallow sandy beach, beach loungers and umbrellas, and a poolside bar. (But note: The pool is deep; there is no shallow end.) The onsite restaurant is modern and bright and next to Laouti Beach. Located 6 km from Tinos Town, with a mini-market 150 meters away.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Akti Aegeou

11. Porto Apergis Hotel – Agios Ioannis Beach

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 024542

Located in Tino’s beach resort area, this small complex of self-catered apartments is just steps to Agios Ioannis Beach – ideal for kids and families, with shallow waters and golden sand. All suites here have kitchenettes, and some feature a loft with a double bed. There’s a shared terrace and barbecue grills for guest use, too. A few excellent tavernas are nearby, as well as two beach bars that offer sun loungers and umbrellas. The bus stop is next to the hotel for convenient service to Tinos Town and beyond.
• No website • Check prices for Porto Apergis Hotel

12. Virginia Hotel – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 023803

Clean, comfortable, and basic accommodations in a central location, featuring a rooftop terrace where a buffet breakfast is provided. Guest rooms are available in either double, triple, or quadruple varieties. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available and the hotel has an elevator. The hotel is very close (300 m.) to the island’s pilgrimage church, Our Lady of Tinos, and steps to the Archaeological Museum of Tinos. Pets allowed, complimentary transfers to and from the ferry port provided.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Virginia Hotel

13. Avra Hotel – Tinos Town

Hotel Phone: +30 2283 022242

One of only a few hotels located on the harborfront boulevard in Chora, this affordable hotel has an old-world style with distinctive touches like antique furniture and a spiral staircase. Guest rooms are simple and comfortable. Rooms at the front of the hotel have unobstructed sea views; some with a balcony. Super convenient to many tavernas, the main bus stop, and the charming marble-paved lanes brimming with shops of all sorts. Buffet Breakfast provided. 8-minute walk to the ferry port.
• Hotel website • Check prices for Avra Hotel

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• Best Beaches in Tinos