By Catherine Tsounis
A Greek island is a place of dreams. We visited Tinos with our guide, Kostoula, of Kapogiannis Travel Agency. Our primary purpose was to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Church of the Evangelistria, home to the miraculous icon of the Panagia (Virgin Mary), one of the most revered international Orthodox shrines. There is more to Greece’s famous islands than their scenic beauty. The people, their customs, local heroes, and historic buildings provide visitors with a deeper insight into island life and traditions.
We stayed at the family-owned Oceanis Hotel on Akti G. Drosou, along the waterfront in Tinos Town. The staff was warm, welcoming, and attentive to the needs of their guests. We accidentally left behind a personal item. The staff gave it to our guide, Kostoula, who delivered it to us before we boarded the Golden Star Ferry.
From the reception area, we enjoyed a spectacular view of the shoreline. A striking painting depicting the turbulence of the sea hung above the bar. An antique clock added an air of old-world elegance to the hotel.
Outside the Oceanis Hotel was a wall plaque honoring Andrea Ghisi, a figure closely associated with the history of Tinos. Following the fall of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Tinos was granted to the Venetian nobleman Andrea Ghisi. The Ghisi family ruled Tinos and several neighboring islands until 1390. The last member of the Ghisi family transferred control of the island to the Republic of Venice. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Tinos’s history.1 It is a fascinating reminder of the island’s rich Venetian heritage.
As we explored the coastline, we discovered a neoclassical building that captured our attention. It was the Cultural Foundation of Tinos, a Conference, Exhibition, and Research Center located on Akti G. Drosou. Founded in 2002 by the Sacred Foundation of the Church of the Annunciation, the nonprofit institution is supported by the Church and is dedicated to promoting the culture, traditions, and heritage of the island.2
During our walk, we noticed a monument proudly displaying the Greek flag. It honored Paris Liaroutsos, a distinguished Greek journalist and politician born in Tinos. He served as a member of the Greek Parliament during the 1950s. In recognition of his contributions, the people of Tinos erected this monument near the coastal port.3
At the end of our walk, we enjoyed a traditional Greek lunch of stuffed tomatoes at the seaside restaurant Serano. We met members of the family who operated the restaurant and listened as they shared their thoughts about the island’s culture and traditions. It was a memorable island luncheon overlooking the sea.
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