Pyrgos Tinos Island: A Gorgeous Village Not to be Missed!

Pyrgos in Tinos island is a beautiful village, a designated traditional settlement, and one of the most picturesque spots in the Cyclades. It is famous for its tradition of marble craftsmanship, and you can see signs of marble everywhere in the village:

• its marble main square with a large plane tree and a marble fountain. Here Tinos joined the independence revolution declared on March 21 in the Peloponnese (Areopoli).
• its marble-decorated churches, Agios Nikolaos and Agios Dimitrios from the 19th century
• a marble bus stop (!)
• and a fantastic museum dedicated to marble art, sculpture, and engraving.

But this not not all you can see in Pyrgos Tinos. I have been to many Greek island villages but Pyrgos is unique. I was so amazed by the charming whitewashed houses, the lush bougainvillea yards, and the tiny, picturesque alleys.

Here are the things I recommend spending time on while visiting Pyrgos Tinos!

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Best Things to Do in Pyrgos Tinos

Fast Facts for Pyrgos

• Its name Pyrgos (meaning tower in Greek) owes its origin to a Venetian tower built before the 16th century to fortify the area.
• It is the largest village on Tinos with 715 residents. This number includes the residents of Pyrgos and Panormos villages.
• Tinian marble craftsmanship was inscribed in 2015 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Walk Around the Village Maze

As I was walking around I realized that Pyrgos is a quintessential example of Cycladic architecture and an open-air museum of folk art.

In every neighborhood, homes with blossoming courtyards boast a wealth of architectural details—like lintels, door frames, and intricate reliefs—all crafted in marble, mirroring the exquisite craftsmanship of the locals.

If you are looking to buy a souvenir or a gift from Pyrgos the main pedestrian street offers a delightful stroll with cafes and quirky shops.

While I was visiting, the 30th classic Motorcycles Trophy was getting ready to hit the Tinos roads!

Have a Coffee at Pyrgos Main Square

Enjoying ouzo and local mezes (small tapas) at the picturesque traditional cafes in the square, as well as all around the village, is an experience that you will love. I know because I did! The families and the visitors gather around the beautiful plane tree that is an oasis of coolness during summer.

Do not miss the magnificent marble fountain on the square. On this square, the Tinians of the past declared the War of Independence against the Ottomans on March 31, 1821.

Visit the Museums of Pyrgos Tinos

Museum of Marble Arts and Crafts

The Museum of Marble Arts and Crafts is a must-visit in Pyrgos Tinos. It showcases the technology of marble, a material with a significant role in Greek architecture and art from antiquity to the present day. You can find detailed descriptions of the tools and techniques used in this craftsmanship.

Tinos island has been the most important modern Greek center of marble carving and has been home to renowned Greek sculptors like Giannoulis Chalepas.

The permanent exhibition has all sorts of original marble works, from everyday stuff like doorways and fountains to more special items like coats of arms and shrines. You’ll also find clay models, plaster copies, tools for quarrying and working marble, cool old mechanical gear, and an extensive collection of old drawings from marble cutters in Greece.

Time of Operation: 10.00 am – 6 pm. Entrance ticket €4.

Giannoulis Chalepas Museum

Giannoulis Chalepas (1851 – 1938) is the most distinguished sculptor of modern Greece, with a legendary and tortured life balancing between madness and genius. His most legendary monument can be found in Athens First Cemetery, the “Sleeping Girl” for the tomb of Sophia Afentaki. He is also buried in Athens First Cemetery.

His house, along with his studio, has been transformed into a museum, preserving his clothes and furniture from his era. In the studio, you can admire sculptures in clay and plaster (prototypes), as well as a significant collection of sketches and personal photographs.

Declared a historic monument in 1968, the house charges a €3 entrance fee.

Visit the Remarkable Cemetery of Pyrgos

I don’t usually recommend spending time on cemeteries but if you do check out the cemetery next to the Church of the Savior, you’ll find one of the island’s most notable attractions. Here, you’ll find authentic and exemplary instances of Tinos’ exceptional marble sculptural craftsmanship. You will also have the chance to witness the different cultural customs when it comes to Greek graveyards.

Swim in Panormos Beaches

Panormos is a beautiful village set around a natural bay 3 km north of Pyrgos. Across from Panormos lies the islet of Planitis and its lighthouse. First lit in 1886, it marks the unique northern harbor of Tinos. Panormos is a popular summer destination where you can swim at its three unorganized beaches:

• Sandy Stafida Beach with trees by the beach for shade. There is a wetland nearby with protected wildlife and ducks!
• Sandy and Rocky Kavalourko Beach (fantastic for scuba diving).
• Agia Thalassa with fine sand and the iconic chapel of Agios Nikolaos.

Hike Pyrgos to Windmills to Panormos

You can hike from Pyrgos to the Mills over the village of Pyrgos which are still kept in good condition. The trail offers incredible views of Panormos. From the mills, you will reach Panormos, along the coastal motorway up until the beach of Rochari where you can enjoy the beach or you can walk back to Pyrgos. This is an easy 7 km loop trail.

What to Do on Tinos Island

Tinos island is worth visiting for many reasons:

• Rich Religious Heritage: Home to the famous Panagia Evangelistria Church, a major pilgrimage site in Greece.
• Traditional Villages: Gorgeous villages like Pyrgos, Volax, and Kardiani, each with its unique character and architecture.
• Beautiful Beaches: Relax on stunning beaches such as Kolimvithra, Agios Fokas, and Pachia Ammos.

• Gastronomy: Taste delicious local cuisine, including traditional Tinian dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines.
• Outdoor Activities: Engage in activities like hiking, surfing, and exploring the numerous trails that offer spectacular views such as the amazing Volakas Rock or Exomvourgo hill.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Experience a more tranquil and authentic side of the Cyclades, away from the more tourist-heavy islands.
• Discover in this article Tinos during Easter.

FAQ for Pyrgos & Panormos

Where to Stay in Pyrgos

Skaris Guesthouse Tinos (mid-range, family and pet-friendly) is exceptional in every detail, a really beautiful property to stay in. It is in Pyrgos, just round the corner from the lively square, but in a very quiet spot.

Glafki Hotel Tinos (family-friendly, mid-range) is a whitewashed, traditionally looking property, located between Pyrgos and Panormos with spacious rooms and a fantastic swimming pool.

How to Get to Pyrgos Tinos from Athens

Tinos island is well connected (only) by ferries from Athens’ main port, Piraeus, and the smaller ports of Rafina and Lavrion.

• Rafina – Tinos: There are many ferries per day and the trip duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours.
• Piraeus – Tinos: there is at least 1 daily sailing from Piraeus to Tinos (trip is 4.5 hours).
• Lavrion – Tinos: This crossing typically operates during the summer, with one scheduled departure per week. The ferry ride takes approximately 4 hours.

I use FerryScanner to check out timetables for the islands. Pyrgos is 23 km from Tinos Chora, the island’s main town and port.

How to Get Around Tinos

Ideally, you like driving and you have rented a car from Athens. Tinos has so many gorgeous places to visit and the easiest way to get to them is by car. Otherwise, there are buses and taxis that can take you around the island.

What does Panormos Mean?

Panormos is an ancient Greek term mentioned by Homer. Panormos is generally characterized as a bay or harbor that provides special safety in all weather conditions, deriving from the words “pan” (all) + “ormizo” (to moor safely). It is a popular name and many areas around Greece are called Panormos. The most famous are:

• Panormos Bay in Mykonos
• Panormos beach in Skopelos

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I hope you enjoyed exploring the suggested itinerary! Cheers to a memorable journey ahead, and I hope you enjoy Tinos Island as much as I did. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Safe travels!

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