The island of Tinos
Tinos is the largest of the Cycladic islands situated in the north of the Aegean Sea and neighboured by Andros, Syros and Mykonos. The magic of Tinos lies in its authenticity, tradition, history, art and its wonderful nature. Dovecots, windmills, chapels and monasteries, intriguing architecture and cobbled roads, prickly pears, cool springs, aromatic sage, green marble, unspoilt picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and local delicacies;' louzes' made from smoked pork, sweet cheese pies, crushed almond and marzipan sweets, meringue 'pastelli' in lemon leaves, dried figs and thyme honey are just a little of what you can expect from a visit to Tinos. The expansive island scenery is, simultaneously, dramatic and serene. Rolling hills of green and brown, laced with an intricate series of endless rock walls, a landscape dotted with clusters of white villages, churches and ornate dovecotes. The island gives an overwhelming feeling of 'going back in time' to a 'centuries-old' way of life. Here you can still see the farmer ploughing the fields using a donkey and observe the ancient craft of basket weaving. The islands long tradition of painting and sculpture continues with the island a 'showcase' for its marble artists. Some of the most exquisite artistry is to be found on the 600 or more dovecotes, each handcrafted in a unique and complex design, as well as in its ornate fountains, statues and churches. The emphasis on art is well-merited and is a continual source of pride for Tinian artisans who are known the world over.

Tinos Dovecots
Once the Venetians came up with the plan to attract and breed pigeons skilled craftsmen, who usually built artistic houses, chapels and windmills, were set to work to build the dovecotes. The right to raise pigeons was reserved to Venetian nobles until they finally left the island, after which the locals carried on this unique practice. Many are well preserved and still in use today. These elaborate dovecotes are unique masterpieces and in many ways are trademarks of the island. They have influenced Tinos architecture so much so that you will notice even some of the houses have adopted a similar design.

Tinos Town & The Church of Panagia Evangelistria
The capital of Tínos is pleasant little town with an attractive harbour lined with tavernas, shops and cafes. It is dominated by the church of the Panagía Evangelístria. The history of the church begins in 1822 with a vision, with the Blessed Virgin appearing to a nun in the convent of Kechrovouni. The nun was told of a buried icon, and, in 1823, an image of the Virgin was found. The church stands on the spot where the miracle-working icon was discovered. Numerous reports of miracles of healing rapidly increased the fame of the Church, with the result that today the sacred icon is the most venerated pilgrimage item of the Greek nation. Countless pilgrims arrive each year to revere it. Panagia Evagelistria is celebrated every August 15th.

Pyrgos
The largest village on Tinos, Pyrgos is a village of very traditional architecture and is historically linked with marble carving, for which Tinos is well known. There are numerous small carving studios in the village, along with many cafes and small shops. The central square has a beautiful old plane tree and a marble spring. A School of Fine Arts is located in the village and two beautiful churches. Relatively new to the village is the Museum of Marble Crafts, which has a unique and fascinating exhibition of the history of marble from antiquity to the present day.

Volax
One of the sweetest villages on the island, and the smallest, Volax is located in the interior and set on a plateau. The terrain surrounding the village, of large rocks and enormous boulders, is quite unique, as is its architecture and design.  Many of its houses are actually built on top of the boulders! Though tiny in size, the village has two tavernas, a folklore museum, a small open-air theatre and a few basket weavers.

Exombourgo
This island landmark is quite visible as you approach the island by boat. Its craggy surface rises 640 meters. It was the original site of the administrative capital during Venetian rule (1207-1715). On going excavations at the base of the mountain have revealed some incredible finds of the Geometric period and from the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. At the eastern side of the mountain, you can clearly see the remains of fortified walls. The view from the top on a clear day is impressive, it is said you can see all the way to Santorini!

The island of Andros
The magic of Andros lies in its simplicity and nature. The second largest island of the Cyclades, it is 39.8 kilometres long and 16.7 kilometres at its widest point. The island is known for its beautiful nature; high mountains, deep valleys, running rivers, shady forests and a rich vegetation, that leave an unforgettable impression. The abundance of fresh water on the island means it is exceptionally fertile so agriculture is strong, although the areas for cultivation are relatively small as they are confined to the valleys that lie tucked snugly between the mountains, protecting them from the winds that are characteristic of these island's.

Chora
This picturesque and elegant town originated from the Venetian period of occupation when it was a small settlement protected by a castle, the entrance of which remains today and is still the main entrance to the ‘old city’. The town maintains its original medieval road layout and the architecture stands out with its mix of Byzantine, Venetian and neo-classical style buildings, remnants of a bygone age. The town has a museum dedicated to ship building through the ages and an archaeological museum displaying artefacts from the island. The centre of the town is pedestrianised, which adds to the attraction of this lovely town.

Sariza springs
It was not chance that brought the first visitors to Andros during the 19th century: they came because of the reputation of the curative powers of its mineral water. Around 1841 seven springs with reputed restorative powers were reported. In 1902 D. Paschalis, an Andros historian, raised this number to ten and became the first to carry out chemical analysis on some of these springs.
The most famous spring on the island is Sariza, found in the village of Apikia. The beautiful fountain is of unknown date, however, the beneficial qualities of the spring water have been known since long, long ago. The water is diuretic and is believed to cure kidney ailments and stomach problems.  The spring water is bottled and sold throughout Greece.

Messaria
The tree covered valley of Messaria covers the complete width of Andros. Here you can find some of the most beautiful villages of the island. On the northeren side are the villages of Strapouries, Pitrofos, Menites, Lamira, Mesathouri and Ipsilou and, to the south, the villages of Aladino, Falika, Koureli and Sasa. In Byzantine times, the area was the centre for the economic development of Andros. The same area saw a second boost in its development at the beginning of the 20th century with the growth of navigation. In this area, too, are many of the island's beautiful Byzantine churches.