Walking vacation in Tinos, Greece
How this vacation makes a difference
Environment
Tinos has a unique network of traditional working paths, and Charlie, the route manager/guide, knows them better than anyone. He plotted and advised on the walking routes for the excellent map of Tinos published by Anavasi, and is unique in successfully urging the local councils and the Prefecture of the Cyclades into action when a path needs clearing or opening, rubbish removal and other environmental issues. He is passionate about promoting Tinos as a walking destination, about the survival and conservation of the paths and about sustainable tourism in general. Our self-guided walking notes include a locally relevant country code. We explain the need for water conservation in the Mediterranean environment and encourage our guests to bring refillable water bottles and to fill them at the many natural springs on route. On guided walks and in the self-guided notes we make our guests aware of the island flora, other wildlife, and land-use through the ages.
Community
Charlie, the guide/route manager lives and works on Tinos for most of the year. His knowledge of local life and people is exceptional. On the guided walk, he introduces guests to local crafts people, such as the last basket-worker in a village, or the man who makes the best home-distilled raki. He hires local taxi drivers for many transfers. On the guided vacations and in the self-guided notes, we highlight tavernas with local produce and a high standard of basic Greek cooking, and highly recommend visiting the Pyrghos Museum of Marble Crafts.
Self-guided guests stay in a locally-owned hotel in Tiinos town, and in family-owned en-suite rooms in the villages of Falatadhos, Kolimbithra and Pyrghos, bringing much needed business to these remoter communities and extending their business beyond the July and August 'season'. Guided guests are one-centre based in the locally-owned hotel in Tinos town.
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