Tinos’s inland terrain is fairly mountainous, and walking along the roads would likely lead to breaking a sweat. For a longer and more difficult hike, trek to Mount Exobourgo, the highest point on the island. The fortress up top, Xombourgo, is Venetian and dates from the 13th century, offering touristsan excellent view of Santorini from the peak. Before your trip, make sure to check the weather, as sometimes the fort is closed off due to wind.
Another route takes hikers from Tinos Town to Loutra and back (4hr.). Wooden signposts point hikers in the right direction, but before setting out, consult the Tinos booklet which has hiking maps marked in different colors. Travel agents at Kalypso Travel (}228 30 25 407) can also give some hiking tips.
Beaches
Regardless of your interests, Tinos has a beach that will be perfect. Nudity isn’t as fashionable on this island as on some of the others nearby, so don’t plan on forgetting a swimsuit—you’ll probably get some stares. Nearest to town is Kionia beach, which comes with beach chairs and is backed by a wooden boardwalk for most of its length. It is located directly across the street from the Temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite 3.5km from the town, so the efficient tourist can see a sight on their way to the beach. 12km from town is Kolimbithra, accessible by bus and by taxi (` €15). This one beach actually encompasses two sandy stretches divided by a big rock formation and reachable to each other only by climbing the stairs to the parking lot overpass. On the right side is the more developed and populated of the two beaches. Locals, with grandmothers and babies in tow,flock here to play paddle board and toss soccer balls (sand poses a problem when kicking). The environment is somewhat loud as a fair number of bikini-clad teenagers get tossed into the water by enterprising romancers and annoying brothers every hour, so don’t come to this half of the sand if seeking a nap. Behind the chairs and umbrellas is a taverna with decent prices and hearty Greek cuisine. The other stretch of sand is far less developed and far more vast. While the tide ripples in on the right side, the undertow on the left is not a joke, so be sure to swim with a buddy and stay away from the rocks. Even though the current is more vivacious, the beach is almost deserted by people, and the crash of the waves make a great soundtrack for rest. Using the waves for fun is newly opened Tinos Surf Lessons (}697 24 04 628wwww.tinossurflessons.com`Soft surfboards €5 per hr.; hard surfboards €10 per hr. Lessons €15 per 1½hr.~Open June-Oct daily 10am-9pm.), at the far end of Kolimbithra Beach, where the waves are largest as a result of the cove and the wind’s direction. If in the Pyrgos or Panormos area, Panormos beach is a sandy haven less frequented by tourists.
Hiking
Tinos’s inland terrain is fairly mountainous, and walking along the roads would likely lead to breaking a sweat. For a longer and more difficult hike, trek to Mount Exobourgo, the highest point on the island. The fortress up top, Xombourgo, is Venetian and dates from the 13th century, offering touristsan excellent view of Santorini from the peak. Before your trip, make sure to check the weather, as sometimes the fort is closed off due to wind.
Another route takes hikers from Tinos Town to Loutra and back (4hr.). Wooden signposts point hikers in the right direction, but before setting out, consult the Tinos booklet which has hiking maps marked in different colors. Travel agents at Kalypso Travel (}228 30 25 407) can also give some hiking tips.