Address: Xinara House, The Street Tinos Island Cyclades, Xinara 824 00, Greece
The best restaurants in Tinos
Svoura Taverna
Follow hand-painted red and white markings on the stone pathways of Komi to discover Svoura Taverna, a true hidden gem with a sister restaurant in Athens. Here, freshly baked bread is brought to the table in brown bags, not dissimilar to the paper that covers its wooden tables. This rustic little spot is charming, authentic, and family-run. Starters are designed to be shared and surpass the obvious, so try something local like a spicy cheese or the fava dish – both excellent dipping alternatives if you’ve overdosed on tzatziki and humous since touching down in Greece. For the main course, generous portions of traditional grilled chicken and pork souvlaki come served with salty chips. Despite (perhaps) being full to bursting, a complimentary sweet treat might just be offered. Finger’s crossed it’s the chocolate fridge cake, chopped into snackable pieces and served on a plate to pass around the table.
Address: πλατεια κώμης, Tínos, Greece
Website: facebook.com
Choreftra Taverna
For a truly memorable experience, it’s worth winding blindly through the cobbled streets of Kampos village to find Choreftra Taverna. Al-fresco wooden tables cling to uneven ground, and striking pink bougainvillaea canopy offsets Edison lights that glow soft and yellow against the night’s sky. On the menu: local Greek cuisine at its most delicious. Order sharer plates of juicy artichokes, smoky aubergine and spicy sausage before moving on to flavoursome slow-cooked meats and succulent grilled shrimp. The honey-baked feta pastry is a must-try, as is a glass or two of crisp, local white wine.
Address: Αγιοι, Egina 180 10, Greece
Website: instagram.com
Thelassaki
Ask any Tinos local for a fine dining recommendation, and the answer will likely be Thelassaki. The small but picturesque restaurant is nestled at the shores of Ysternia, and despite being one of the island’s most premium eateries, there’s an unpretentious atmosphere here. In fact, it’s not uncommon for diners to arrive early and dip in the bay’s clear waters before dinner. It’s run by a husband and wife duo and the kitchen is led by the latter: Antonia Zarpa. Each season, she crafts new, creative recipes that intertwine local produce. Imagine catch-fresh clams steamed with ouzo and saffron and onions baked with lemon. Quality and flavour are spotlit, but a booking at Thelassaki is an experience, too. Ask for a table close to the water (and leave your fancy shoes at home) to let the waves gently lap your feet at high tide.
Address: Ysternia Bay, Tinos 842 01, Greece
Website: instagram.com
Things to do in Tinos
Volax villageGetty Images
Visit Volax village
There are over 40 charming villages on Tinos and many host annual festivals to celebrate the local harvest. In June, for example, locals take a moment for the artichoke. Volax is among the most noteworthy destinations, nestled in the middle of the island and home to only 50 people. What makes it special is the wall art. Handwritten poems decorate wooden doors, stone walls, and gateways. It’s beautiful in a way that feels wholesome and personal; every set of words is centred around optimism and love. Wander the cobbled passageways and dip into small cavelike buildings where handmade wicker baskets, originally designed to keep food and drink cool, can be bought as mementoes of this journey back in time to a simpler way of life.
