TINOS BEACHES, BAYS AND BLISS
As the fourth largest island in the Cyclades, Tinos has a large enough coastline to accommodate beaches for every taste. Its beaches are plentiful, beautiful, some serviced some not, some windy some not but many are secluded with stunning views and crystal clear turquoise waters…. here’s a teaser ..
Most are easily accessible by car, and depending on the weather because the island is famous for its strong northern but refreshing winds, you can find beaches to play in the waves or just avoid them. You should check the weather (or rather the winds) for when the time you are planning on visiting, this will then help you decide which beaches on which side of the island you should visit. That said, people pay good money at the beauty salon for the same effect that a sand blast would give you 😉 Or if you are there for the surfing … well then you will no doubt be heading straight to the windy bays! Here’s another teaser ..
Are we there yet …? Nearly!
It would take too long to describe all the beaches on Tinos but to help we have shortlisted a handful below. There are several popular beaches in and around Tinos Chora, so you could always base yourself at either Chora or one of the resorts and visit different beaches every day. For the other far flung beaches (from 25 mins away so don’t forget to pack a snack! You might decide to stay closer, or throw caution to the wind and drive there daily! Heading first to the east of Chora …
Pachia Ammos – literally translates to ‘thick sand’ – is probably the quietest of all the beaches around Tinos Chora, mostly uncommercialised and with scenery that looks like it came from a desert. Dunes leading into the sea and clear blue water. But, do be wary of the Meltemia winds.
Agios Fokas is the largest beach on Tinos and walking distance from Chora. A sandy beach with a splattering of pebbles, you will find sunbeds and beach bars and wonderful views of the Island of Delos.
Agios Sostis is one of the busiest probably because it’s ideal for families with shallow waters and Tamarisk trees to seek shade from the sun. Crystal clear waters and if you lift your head off your towel and half open your eyes you can see Mykonos on the horizon.
Heading north east from Chora, across the island you will arrive at Livada beach. Livada is a wild and relatively remote beach, exposed to the Meltemia winds that have helped shape this unique setting. The access requires walking a path on a dirt road to get there, but the black sand of the beach, the fine gravel and the transparent turquoise waters make it all worthwhile. It’s trademark is the unique rock shapes which have inspired artists and geologists for many years. Note – there is an abrupt drop off when you walk into the water so be aware.
Heading further up the coast the road splits, you can turn left to get to Apigania, right to get to Kolympithra or straight on to get to some other beaches we are going to tell you about.
If you turn right, its about a 45min drive until you get to the cosmopolitan beach of Kolympithra you will find it split into 2; Mikri Ammos (small) and Megali Ammos (large). These beaches are extremely popular so if you are looking for a quiet secluded spot, this is not for you. You will find beds and umbrellas on one beach and the other is geared towards surfing and watersports. On Mikri beach you will find a taverna and if you are there at the right time you will also find the pop up combi!
Turning left towards Ag. Romanos, once you get to Apigania you will be sooo pleased you turned left! Apigania is truly an exotic place, undeveloped, a beautiful bay with crystal turquoise waters and rocks that look like they have been created by a famous sculptor. Not the easiest beach to get to – walking on a dirt road then descending down some rocks – but so worth it when you get there. Shallow water and very calm – but no shade so take a beach shelter with you. You might be able to get a quick boat ride round from Tinos harbour.
Alternatively, Agios Romanos is a very pretty village and the beach is relatively windless but not as secluded as Apigania. However you will find all the facilities there that you need and the water is just as amazing – it’s a favourite with the locals so that speaks volumes! (and let’s not forget the sunsets with a glass of wine and tapas!)
Four bays up the coast you will find Agios Petros – getting there – if you drive straight on at the junction, or if you have already deviated, follow the signs to Koumelas. On this road you will see signage for Ag. Petros. This is another beautiful calm beach in an idyllic setting. The bay is split into 2 by a rock and perched on the top of the rock is the chapel of … yes, Agios Petros! From here you will find an old shipwreck and also have fantastic view of Syros.
One of the most carefree beaches on Tinos has to be Rochari, which is about a 45 min drive from Chora. It’s a real boho spot and ideal to base yourself if you want to be away from the town area because it’s also not far from Malli, Romanos or Apignia. It offers fine sand, crystal clear water (though as you will know by now this is a given on Tinos) and some Tamarisk trees for shade. It can get busy so get there early to grab your ‘spot’ – sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar loaded with cocktails and snacks and various water sports to try your hand at.
At the top end of the island towards Andros, and after approximately an hour of driving, you will arrive at Malli village and beach. It can be a bit of a challenge actually getting to the beach but it is definitely worth the drive up there for the little fishing village, the views and the amazing sunsets!
These are just some of the beautiful beaches on the island, you may well find a different one that becomes your favourite. Do remember when going to the beach to take plenty of water and your own shade (particularly the secluded beaches without natural shade or umbrellas for rent) and of course the good old faithful sunblock! Happy R&R and safe driving!
Credits:
Greece-is.com
Mysterious Greece
Greeking.me
abettergreece.com
