Tinos is located on the northern side of the Cyclades and is a place of most religious importance due to the famous Church of Panagia Evangelistria in the main town of the island. Greeks regard this church as a guardian for the entire country and it is visited regularly by many pilgrims throughout the entire year, especially on the 15th of August, when the Nameday of this church is celebrated, a significant festivity for Tinos.
It is mostly a destination for families and visitors who prefer relaxing holidays by enjoying beautiful sandy and rather calm beaches. It has quite a few traditional villages of charming architecture up on the mountains and one can visit the remarkable monasteries located on the untamed landscape of the island.
The journey to Tinos can be combined with visits to many other islands, such as Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Andros, Amorgos, Ios and Syros and the trip from Athens Piraeus Port takes about 5 hours with the regular ferry boat lines or 3 ½ hours by speed boat lines. There are also trips available from the Port of Rafina, about 4 hours by regular ferry or 2 hours by speed boats.
