The up-and-coming European island with white sandy beaches, ‘miracle-giving’ attraction and cheap hotels
GREECE is home to thousands of different islands, with some places like Corfu, Santorini, and Mykonos receiving plenty of attention from holidaymakers.
But there's one Greek island that locals typically visit, and it's unknown to most Brits.
Part of the Cyclades island group, and located in the Aegean Sea, the island of Tinos is just a stone's throw away from Mykonos.
Despite not being too well-known among most holidaymakers, Tinos is actually twice the size of Mykonos.
And according to , Tinos is set to be the star of the Cyclades islands.
They wrote: "Once famous for its religious significance, Tinos has developed a faithful following for its other miracles – food, hiking, surfing, and wild beauty – making it one of the up-and-coming stars of the Cyclades islands."
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Tinos is said to be the spiritual heart of Greece because of the Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Evangelistria.
Not only is the Virgin Mary the patron saint of Tinos, but she's also considered to be the saint protector of Greece.
The church is a Renaissance structure, and it was built on top of where a religious icon of the Virgin Mary was discovered in 1823.
Religious worshippers believe the religious icon grants miracles, for this reason, many make the pilgrimage from the port of Tinos Town to the church on their knees.
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There are plenty of other monasteries, and places of religious worship, dotted across the island too.
In addition to the world-famous church, Tinos is famed for its mountain village, including Kardiani village, which is home to white-washed buildings decorated with blue details.
Pygros is another one of the island's villages, and it is arguably the most picturesque village on Tinos.
In addition to the white-washed buildings and cobbled courtyards, Pygros has several museums, including the Museum of Marble Crafts.
The Museum of Marble Crafts teaches visitors about the island's history of marble, as well as exhibits featuring marble statues.
There's also the Museum of Tinian Artists, where over 100 sculptures and paintings by local artists are displayed.
As well as the churches, there are plenty of other things to do on the small Greek island, including lots of beaches.
There are also believed to be 16 beaches on the island, with some of the most beautiful located on the island's southern edge.
One of those is Agios Ioannis Porto Beach, which is home to crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
Agios Sostis Beach also has similar features, but it's also home to a beach bar and it's within walking distance of several taverns.
The beaches on the north side of the island are more secluded because of the strong winds.
On Kolymbithra Beach, there's a surf centre where holidaymakers can rent out equipment and take surfing lessons.
There are plenty of other things to do on the island, including going on wine tours, renting a car, or hiking.
Holidaymakers can reach Tinos on a ferry from Athens, which takes three hours and 45 minutes, the fares start from €35 (£30.27) per person for a one-way ticket.
While a ferry from Mykonos only takes 35 minutes, and tickets cost just €10 (£8.65).
On both routes, the ferries run daily, even in the winter season.
The closest airports to Tinos are located in Athens and Mykonos, with easyJet operating direct flights from London to Mykonos, with fares starting from £30 for a one-way ticket.
Meanwhile, Wizz Air, easyJet, and British Airways operate direct flights to Athens from UK cities like London and Manchester, with fares starting from £24.
Hotels on the island are extremely affordable too.
Sun Online Travel have found an overnight stay at a one-bedroom house, complete with a bedroom, bathroom, living room, and kitchen, for just £30 per night per person.
There are cheaper options too, with some rooms starting from just £15 per night per person at other B&Bs on the Greek island.
But Tinos isn't the only lesser-known Greek island that's flown under the radar in recent years.
The overlooked island of Patmos attracts famous faces like Julia Roberts, David Bowie, Richard Gere, and Tom Hanks, but is yet to become popular with British tourists.
Not only does it see temperatures reach 22C in the winter, but it's also home to colourful beaches.
Whitewashed houses line the coast in Patmos, and the town of Chora is home to tiny restaurants serving local Greek seafood.
The port town Skala has more shops and bars, where the cheapest drink is the local Mythos beer or island-grown wine.
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Meanwhile, the island of Naxos is cheaper the many of the other islands - with more goats than locals.
Don't want to leave the UK? We've found some beautiful British islands that are home to sandy beaches, clear seas, and dolphins.
