“……………a dolphin. Another one. Lots of dolphins.Wind and tempest over the white sea. Days and days,nights and nights.A cloud covered the sun. The water ceased struggling, foaming, hushed, became still, smooth. Suddenly the dolphins turned to stone, remained motionless. Villages bathing in the sunlight on the gray mountain ridges. Naked bodies and naked churchdomes stare at each other with unsheathed cruelty. naked domes stare at each other,unsheathed full of cruelty. The sun stares at the sunflowers in the backyards and illuminates equally innocence and desperation”. (From the book of Dr. Vasiliadis “Viewing the Aegean architecture under a restless angle”). Light, stone, sea. These three elements define the never-ending Aegean Sea. Full of them all, the island of Tinos is floating on the Aegean Sea for thousands of years, with the same sun that melted the wings of Icarus, the wind that didn’t blow hard enough for Jason and the stone carved by Chalepas and Philippotis when they were children in an alley of Pyrgos. Tinos resisted to contemporary way of life and its mainland remained untrodden for decades , thanks to the Madonna’s grace, which kept the pilgrims within the limits of the town, sothat the 49 villages of the […]

Located in the northern side of the Cyclades, Tinos island is ideal for relaxing family holidays. The beaches are calm and sandy, surrounded by many tourist facilities and accommodation. The most traditional villages are located in the inland and they are famous for the picturesque architecture. Pyrgos is the most characteristic village of Tinos Greece, with a long tradition in marble carving. Apart from a calm holiday place, the island is special for the Greeks as it hosts the Church of Panagia (Virgin), considered the protector of the country, with a miraculous icon inside. This church receives thousands of pilgrims all year round, particularly on the 15th of August, on the occasion of the Dormition of the Virgin.

Artistic Tradition of Pyrgos Pyrgos is considered to be a big outdoor museum of marble art. The nearest marble quarry is located only 3 km away from the village and the farthest one at 10 km. The social and historical circumstances transformed Pyrgos into one of the most important hubs of Marble art in Greece. During the 18th century groups of sculptors created their art work not only in Greece, but also at the Turkish side of the Aegean , around the Black Sea, in Russia and Egypt as well. From these artistic families, which maintained workshops in Pyrgos arose the most prominent sculptors of Greece, such as Chalepas, Koulouris, Gaitis ,Boulgaris and so many others. The painters Nikiforos Litras, Giannis Gaitis, Nikos Gaitis., are also natives of Pyrgos. Even today at the School of Fine Arts in Pyrgos, students are taught stone and marble chiselling and carving. After the conclusion of their studies these artisans are mainly occupied in the restoration of monuments under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture. The marble Art has its obvious influence on the houses of Pyrgos which are full of samples of this fine art. What really differentiates Tinos from other […]

The Tinian cuisine has a tradition and history. Taste and quality are the two characteristics. Fresh fish, the famous Tinian veal and local agricultural products are the basis of Tinian kitchen. The island is now one culinary challenge that urges you to accept it. The options are endless: in Chora, in picturesque fishing villages, in traditional villages and modern organized beaches you can enjoy sophisticated food at an affordable price for all budgets. You can choose between local dishes and contemporary cooking, tasty appetizers and Italian cuisine, fresh fish and Tinian omelette with sausages, light appetizers for raki and more sophisticated dishes. All you have to do is choose the environment and type of cuisine.