SIGHTS & BITES: ENJOY A SCENIC HIKE AND TRADITIONAL PICNIC IN TINOS

From Koumaros village we will venture next to the traditional Skalados village and from there to Loutra village, via Krokos village, nestled into a wooded ravine, and often carpeted with flowering green plants. Tiny Krokos has a precious commodity. The name Krokos derives from the saffron plant that sprouted liberally on the roofs of houses and was used to dye yarn or colour raki (the local aperitif). Nowadays, the plant yields the world’s most sought-after spice. 

 

In Loutra village, we will admire Venetian buildings, decorative churches and marble fountains – as well as the imposing building of the former Ursuline School and Monastery and the Monastery of the Jesuit Fathers.

 

Are you getting hungry? We hope so; your next stop is a picnic! Let’s refuel with local delicacies in an agricultural garden cultivated by your second destination angel of the day, an esteemed local chef. Learn the secrets of the famous Tinian cuisine by tasting local products such as cheese, cold cuts, artichokes and other regional recipes, accompanied by homemade lemonade, wine and water. Stomachs sated and feet rested, we’ll set off on a well-built path that will take us from Loutra to Xynara, seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of Naxos-Tinos and former capital of the municipality of Exomvourgo.

 

Finally, we’ll venture uphill to Exomvourgo, to admire archaeological relics from the 5th century BC. If you’re in the mood for it, let’s set our sights on the top of the castle where our reward will be a magnificent view of the whole island before returning to Tinos town.