AOW Travels: A Visual Journey To Tinos, Greece
I know many of you love travel as much as handmade crafts, so I wanted to share a few of my faves from the island of Tinos. Though this wasn't a sourcing trip, I was compelled to visit the island after hearing about its rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
Journey to the village of Vaxos to visit one of the last remaining basket makers on the island, an artist named Kyrie Adonis who has been perfecting this craft since the age of 12. If you get the chance, treat yourself to one of these exquisite willow baskets – they’re true heirlooms to treasure.
For pure scenic beauty, set aside some time for the village of Pyrgos, renowned for its legacy in marble craftsmanship. The town has a lovely courtyard with cafes where you can relax and take in the charming bustle of locals shopping and dining al fresco. Arrive early to taste the local fennel or cheese pies freshly baked daily in the Pyrgos bakery. And don't miss a visit to the marble museum – it’s a must.
Venture inland to discover the uniqueness of over 35 tiny inland towns. Roaming through the island’s interior, bouncing from village to village, was the highlight of my trip. For a memorable meal, head to Tereza for a delightful lunch in an ancient village setting, seated outdoors under graceful archways bathed in soft light.
I recommend visiting off-season, so you can spend some time walking in the interior and exploring the numerous dovecotes in the Tarabados Valley.
We stayed in an Airbnb in Panourmos Bay, and it was perfect. Its ideal for swimming right at your doorstep, savoring meals at local restaurants, and being enveloped by a landscape painted in shades of white and blue. For those looking to escape the crowds, the north is far quieter than the south.
The magic of this place lies in its authenticity; it doesn’t cater as much to tourists so it hasn’t lost its traditional customs and way of life. I hope it stays like that because the essence of Greece truly comes alive here, especially when visited off-season.
A special thanks to Meghan for her travel tips. I am delighted to be contributing to her soulful Substack in the months to come, which you should follow along and subscribe to here:
https://inhand.substack.com/