You’ve heard of the pint-sized Ionian island of Paxos. Or the tourist magnet that is Mykonos. But just a 20-minute boat ride away from the latter lies a Greek island that’s twice the size of its better-known neighbour yet receives only a fraction of the visitors. Tinos is its name, and unspoiled, white-washed villages and blue-shuttered houses is its game. So much so that this island currently only has one luxury hotel: Odera Tinos. Which brings us to how to spend a perfect day in southern Tinos...
MORNING
Wake up at Odera Tinos
The bad news: you'll need to set your alarm early. The good news: it’s to catch the golden sunrise and make the most of the day ahead. This part of the Cyclades is often subject to gentle winds during the height of summer, so after peeling back your suite's linen curtains to your private terrace, you’ll watch the water of your pool ripple softly on the surface. Your next port of call is breakfast – which rises to the occasion with baskets of walnut and sesame bread alongside a Greek yoghurt station with local honeycomb.
Settle in for a Pilates session
With hunger at bay, it's time to head to a secluded open-air pergola by the sea for a Pilates session overlooking Odera’s own private bay. It’s led by Alexandra, an instructor who ensures everything goes swimmingly. After a brief introduction to her holistic approach to wellbeing, she’ll guide you through sea creature-inspired movements such as the seal and crab – both designed to improve spinal mobility. Mid-flow, you’ll try not to get distracted by the views of the Aegean Sea and sky blurring into a single horizon. It could be worse.
AFTERNOON
Jump in a Jeep for a safari tour
Next stop: a 4x4 tour of Tinos that’s quite literally off the beaten path. This remote route ventures over rugged valleys and along a network of twisty dirt tracks that connect dozens of marble-built settlements scattered across the hillside. Odera usually offers a full-day, off-road guided Jeep safari, but today you’re setting off on a condensed four-hour version – allowing those short on time to still take in some of the island’s most charming spots along the way.
Speaking of, the itinerary includes pit stops at small fishing villages such as Mali, as well as sites you might not otherwise discover – or indeed, even have heard of – like Ismail, an abandoned hamlet housing crumbling stonework. And of course, your guide will factor in plenty of scenic pauses – all you have to do is ask. But the main event is the hilltop BBQ, prepared using local ingredients and made even more special by the sweeping views of the island. Afterwards, it’s time to hit the road, Jack – we're going back to the resort.
EVENING
Get acquainted with aperitivo hour
Feta late than never, you’ve got dressed up for your dinner reservation. But first, you continue the day's adventurous spirit by either dipping your toe into Eos Bar & Restaurant’s extensive selection of cocktails or following the wooden path that winds its way down to the sandy cove. If you opt for the bar, you can’t go wrong with an Odera Spritz (mango and lychee). If you head beachside, you’ll spot the black-and-white striped parasols dotted along the shoreline, which instantly reminded us of old-fashioned boiled sweets.
Have dinner at EOS Bar & Restaurant
Last, but by no means least, an alfresco table for two beside Eos Bar and Restaurant’s infinity pool. For starters, you’ll want to kick things off with the super creamy taramosalata, bread, and olives, obviously, before the sommelier, Harilaos, recommends which bottle will pair best with your main course. That’s where the lobster orzo, folded through saffron and bisque and layered with basil, comes in. Make sure to order the Greek fries on the side (which, unlike its French counterpart, are dressed with olive oil, tomato gratings, feta shreds, and flecks of oregano). And that’s just one day.
