Unspoiled and distinct for its abundance of marble, Tinos offers a quieter side of the Cyclades in contrast to its glamorous neighbor, Mykonos. The island’s prized material comes from the quarries of local villages (namely Panormos and Pyrgos) and was used in the construction of temples and monuments across the entire country for several centuries. Visitors can discover various galleries and workshops showcasing these artisans, like at the Museum of Marble Crafts, and discover other styles of craftsmanship like Sabrina Binda—a French ceramicist based in Tinos selling earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain objects.
Stay Here: Odera Tinos worked with the team at Studio Bonarchi to design the 77-room property using the island’s raw materials, from traditional Tinian stones to green marble furniture. (Tip: book one of the rooms with a private infinity pool overlooking the Aegean.)
Taste Wine on Windswept Santorini
Best known for its ancient caldera and cliffside architecture, Santorini is an island of intense beauty. Though millions of tourists flock to the ‘jewel of the Aegean Sea’ each year, eschewing the crowds is still possible if you plan your visit during the shoulder season, explore popular sites during less crowded hours, and opt for activities—like wine-tasting—that offer a more intimate experience. Santorini wines are distinct for their volcanic soil but also for the viticulture; vines are wound into a basket shape at ground level, which protects them from the island’s intense winds. Santo Wines is arguably the most popular and a fine destination to familiarize yourself with Assyrtiko (Santorini’s flagship grape variety). Also worth adding to your itinerary: Venetsanos Winery, Gaia Wines, and Domaine Sigalas.
