Where to Stay in Tinos: the Best Locations and Hotels
Maybe Tinos is not the first Greek island that comes to your mind when you think of a summer holiday. Other Greek islands are far more popular. Not that there’s anything wrong with the likes of Santorini or Mykonos. We’ve been there and loved them. However, Tinos Island is amongst the nicest less visited islands in Greece, with sun-soaked beaches and lovely nature.
We moved to Greece 6 years ago and have discovered unbelievable islands. One of our favorites is Tinos. The island has tall peaks, ancient villages, pigeon houses, and one of the country’s most important monasteries. Besides we have the best information on where to stay in Tinos. Tinos has incredible hotels, and we have selected the best for you.
Tinos Town
With almost 5000 inhabitants, Tinos Town is home to more than 50% of the island’s population. In fact, it is the only real town on the island. This is where the boats dock, and all public buses begin their journeys. Most of the tourist infrastructure is here too, including a large number of hotels and guesthouses. It’s a beautiful town well worth visiting.
Tinos has the most important church in the Cyclades: PanagÃa EvangelÃstria or Our Lady of Tinos. It’s a heavily decorated church complex with an icon at its center. People from all over Greece visit the church to ask for miracles. The other attractions you must visit are the Archeological Museum of Tinos, the Catholic Church of Saint Nicholas, and Taxiarhon Church.
Hotels in Tinos Town
Infinity View Hotel
To stay in the middle of it all, book a room in one of the hotels in the center of Tinos town. The best hotel on the island is the Infinity View Hotel. The hotel is all about luxury, service, and views. Its contemporary design is inspired by traditional Cycladic architecture. Each of its 16 suites is unique and offers epic views.
Vincenzo Family Rooms
On the other hand, Vincenzo Family Rooms has a more subdued appearance. But that doesn’t mean that it’s not equally good. On the contrary, it is the best-rated hotel in the town. The rooms are beautiful, the location is great, and the service is impeccable. Besides, they source their own food from the surrounding garden.
Pyrgos and Panormos
Another place that almost feels like a town is Pyrgos in northern Tinos. The village is renowned for its marble, and you’ll spot the marble works right at the village’s entrance. No wonder many renowned Greek sculptors come from here. There is a beautiful old town square, a couple of nice churches, and two museums.
Some 2 miles (3 km) northeast of Pyrgos, we find the tiny village of Panormos. Panormos is the only settlement on the coast, other than Tinos Town. It’s a cute village with whitewashed houses, a small marina, and an adjacent beach. Rochari, one of the nicest beaches on the island, is not far from the village.
Hotels in Pyrgos and Panormos
Skaris Guesthouse Tinos
The accommodation options in both Pyrgos and Panormos are quite limited. In Pyrgos, there are no real hotels, only private houses, and a few guesthouses. Skaris Guesthouse Tinos is the best option in town. They offer three fully furnished two-bedroom houses with sea views. You’ll love it here.
Elena Studios
Since Panormos is smaller than Pyrgos, there are fewer accommodation options. Undoubtedly the best one is Elena Studios, right in front of the sea. Their charming studios come with a private bathroom and balconies with sea views. The beach is within walking distance!
Other Towns and Villages
Tinos is home to more than a dozen historic villages. Each is more beautiful than the other. According to many locals, Kardiani is the nicest. Perched on the slopes of Mount Pateles, the small village with a lot of character overlooks the sea. The Catholic Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, Panagia Kioura, is its most important sight.
Another village popular among tourists is Tripotamos, 2,5 miles (4 km) north of Tinos Town. It is famous for its hundreds of artistic pigeon houses. Tinos is also known for its unbelievable hiking routes. Some of the best start here. There are three other cute villages nearby where you can spend the night. We are talking about Arnados, Dyo Choria, and Triantaros.
Luxury Villas in Rural Tinos
Living Theros Luxury Suites
Stay at the Living Theros Luxury Suites in Kardiani if you want to disconnect and enjoy breathtaking views. All of their nicely decorated rooms overlook the sea. The best ones have a private balcony and a hot tub!
Aeolis Tinos Suites
If you are looking for luxury and sophistication, stay at Aeolis Tinos Suites in Triantaros village. The rooms are big and come with a private terrace, a hot tub, swimming pool, or are a cave. Some of the most memorable views in Tinos complete the feast.
Agios Sostis and Agios Ioannis Porto
Agios Sostis and Agios Ioannis Porto are the best beaches in Tinos. The island has other incredible beaches, most not crowded at all. However, just like elsewhere in the Cyclades, it can be very windy. That’s why we love these two beaches. They are bays, thus less windy.
Agios Sostis is closer to town, with a couple of hotels nearby. It’s a long sandy beach partly organized and partly natural. At its eastern end, the beach changes its name to Laouti. Agios Ioannis Porto is behind a small peninsula. It is equally beautiful, albeit smaller. Most restaurants are between the two beaches.
Hotels in Agios Sostis and Agios Ioannis
Cavos
Fortunately, there aren’t many hotels in Agios Sostis. Whenever we visit, we always stay at Cavos. The hotel is inspired by a traditional Cycladic village, with whitewashed buildings and quirky interiors. All of their rooms come with a balcony or terrace, and there are sunbeds on the beach. You have to book at least 2 nights.
Mr. & Mrs. White Tinos
Most accommodation options in Agios Ioannis Porto Beach are small hotels and private rentals. If you choose to stay here, Mr. & Mrs. White Tinos is your best bet. The modern seaside resort offers first-class accommodation in a beautiful setting. It is only a short walk from the beach.
Agios Fokas Beach
Agios Fokas is one of the two beaches next to Tinos Town. While Agali Beach feels more urban, Agios Fokas has a more natural feel. The beach is long and sandy with a decent tourist infrastructure. Though you can walk to the city, you’ll feel somewhat isolated too. Thus, it’s a great place for a holiday.
Strange that a beach so close to Tinos has no luxury hotels. Come to think of it, it’s great! In fact, there are no proper hotels at all. Instead, it’s mostly private villas you can stay at. Dozens of restaurants line the coast of Agios Fokas.
Hotels in Agios Fokas
Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments
If you want to stay directly on the beach, we recommend the Golden Beach Hotel & Apartments. This is the closest you can get to a traditional hotel. We are talking about five cool apartments set within a beautiful garden with loads of flowers. You’ll find complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach.
Grace Villa
If you prefer a somewhat more natural setting, then stay at the nearby Grace Villa. The villa is only a 10-minute walk from the beach. You’ll have a 1000 sq foot (100 m2) house with two bedrooms, a large garden, and a pool just for you! Let us not forget fabulous views.
Agios Romanos Beach
Agios Romanos Beach is some 5 miles (8 kilometers) northwest of Tinos Town. It’s a lovely beach with a decent accommodation offer. Since it’s further away from the town, it has a more secluded feel. The main beach is a bay, sandy, and organized. There are hotels, private villas, and restaurants.
From Agios Romanos, you can walk to smaller Apigania Beach, up north. If you want to escape the crowds, you can head even further north to Kantani Beach. Both beaches are sandy, but there is no shade to protect you from the sun. Thus bring your own umbrella or visit in later hours. Our favorite beach in this part of Tinos is Vourni, 2 miles (3 km) south of Agios Romanos.
Hotels in Agios Romanos
ArchipelagoTinos
Agios Romanos doesn’t have proper hotels, but fantastic villas. One of our favorites is the ArchipelagoTinos on a small peninsula 650 feet (200 meters) from the beach. Their large apartments come with a seating area. The best have balconies. You have to book at least two nights.
San Romano Villas
San Romano Villas are another great option in Agios Romanos. They offer two large villas with direct access to the beach. Both villas are fully furnished, with two or three bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. The only thing you’ll have to share is the swimming pool. They accept bookings from three nights on.
