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Tinos lies very close to the southern tip of Andros. This is the holy island of Our Lady, which in August is swamped by pilgrims who have come to pray in Her church or in fulfilment of a vow.

As Our Lady's feast day on 15 August approaches, the church of Panagia Evangelistria and the town of Tinos become crammed with people, and religious services lake place next to the commercial fair being held in the surrounding streets. However, the island also has a large Roman-Catholic population, due to the occupation by the Venetians.

Tinos, capital of the island and its port, is where most of the population lives. A broad paved street leads from the harbour to the low hill on which slands the magnificent Church of Our Lady, with the miracle-working icon that was found on the island.

Next to the church is the Gallery of Tiniot Artists and Modern Greek Painters, which has a very interesting collection. Close by is the Archaeological Museum of Tinos. It houses finds from the temple of Poseidon and Amphitrite (at Kionia beach) and from the Geometric burials of Exo Meria. At Xombourgo, we can admire the ruins of the medieval castle, on the south side of which is a sanctuary of Demeter and Persephone.

The interior of the island has been little affected by tourism, and the 45 villages have retained much of their traditional character and distinctive vernacular architecture. Among the most interesting villages are the large settlements of Falatado, Steni and Pirgos. Among the special characteristics of Tinos are its dove-cotes. These structures developed from simple roosts for pigeons into works of art - and the stone-built fountains to be seen in the villages evolved in a similar manner.

There are plenty of good beaches, too, notably at Agios Fokas near the town, Kionia, Porto, Panormos bay, Kolimbithra, Agios Sostis and Pahia Amos.

The lunar landscape at the spot known as 'Volax', with its pecular boulders, is probably unique anywhere in the world.

Apart from the beautiful landscape and the religious interest, the place offers everything the visitor could ask for the summer holidays; nice beaches for summer, delicious food and lively nights.

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