DistantNews
Support us
Forget Mykonos and Santorini: This Greek Island is a Travel Consultant's Favorite
🇷🇸 Serbia /Culture & Society

Forget Mykonos and Santorini: This Greek Island is a Travel Consultant's Favorite

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • A British travel consultant recommends the Greek island of Tinos as a less crowded alternative to Mykonos and Santorini.
  • Tinos offers Venetian-influenced architecture, traditional marble workshops, and authentic villages, contrasting with its popular neighbors.
  • The island is also a growing culinary destination and can be reached via ferry from Mykonos or Athens.

For travelers seeking an authentic Greek island experience away from the usual crowds, Tinos is emerging as a top recommendation. British travel consultant Duncan Greenfield-Turk, with 30 years of experience, highlights Tinos as his consistent favorite among the 14 Greek islands he has visited.

Over the last 20 years, I have visited many Greek islands – probably 14, depending on whether you count those reachable by a short ferry ride on the same afternoon.

— Duncan Greenfield-TurkThe British travel consultant describes his extensive experience visiting Greek islands.

Greenfield-Turk notes that Tinos, a mere 30-minute ferry ride from the bustling island of Mykonos, offers a stark contrast. While the Cyclades are known for popular destinations like Syros and Paros, Tinos remains largely off the main tourist track. He describes it as "truly magnificent," pointing to its elegant Venetian-influenced buildings, active marble workshops, and unchanging traditional villages nestled among granite hillsides dotted with stone dovecotes.

Historically, Tinos was a significant site for the worship of Poseidon. In 1823, a renowned sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary was established in the main town, now crowned by the large Orthodox church of Panagia Megalohari. This church continues to draw pilgrims year-round, some of whom undertake the journey from the ferry port on their knees.

It is truly magnificent.

— Duncan Greenfield-TurkGreenfield-Turk describes the island of Tinos.

Beyond its historical and architectural appeal, Tinos is gaining recognition as a culinary hotspot in the Aegean. Greenfield-Turk observes chefs drying octopus tentacles outside tavernas and notes the island's vibrant celebrations. He emphasizes that Tinos has retained its authenticity, attracting those who once lived on Mykonos but now desire a more tranquil lifestyle. For those not drawn to Tinos, he suggests Ikaria, known for its longevity and unique cultural festivals.

This is where you will see chefs drying octopus tentacles in front of tavernas, while plates are still being smashed at celebrations.

— Duncan Greenfield-TurkHe comments on the culinary scene and authentic atmosphere of Tinos.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog