While Mykonos basks in the spotlight just across the water, Tinos keeps her secrets. These are not the bustling beaches where music spills from seaside bars. These are places where the only soundtrack is the breeze in the tamarisk trees and the rhythmic hush of the Aegean.
When travelers think of Tinos, they imagine its marble-sculpted villages, windswept hills, and the sacred pilgrimage to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria. Rarely do they think of beaches — and that’s precisely why its shores hold some of the most unspoiled and private stretches of sand in the Cyclades.
While Mykonos basks in the spotlight just across the water, Tinos keeps her secrets. These are not the bustling beaches where music spills from seaside bars. These are places where the only soundtrack is the breeze in the tamarisk trees and the rhythmic hush of the Aegean.
With YAL'OOU, these wild corners become accessible. By yacht, we skip the dusty inland roads and go straight to the places where the land meets the sea in perfect seclusion.
Santa Margarita Bay – The Untamed North
Located on the island’s northern edge, Santa Margarita is one of Tinos’ most remote beaches. Fierce winds often make it a challenge for land visitors, but by yacht we can approach on calm days from the leeward side. The sand here is coarse and golden, framed by rugged cliffs that give way to open sea views towards Andros. In summer, you might spot one or two fishing boats — but more often than not, the bay belongs entirely to you.
Agia Thalassa’s Secret Side
Agia Thalassa near Panormos is well-loved by locals, but few know about the hidden curve of beach tucked behind a small rocky outcrop — accessible only from the water. This pocket of sand is sheltered from winds, making it ideal for long, lazy swims. In the afternoon light, the water takes on a surreal sapphire hue, perfect for underwater photography.
Lychnaftia’s Forgotten Cove
Lychnaftia Beach is known to some adventurous travelers for its pebbled shore and wild beauty. But beyond its southern rocks lies a smaller, boat-only cove where volcanic formations create tiny natural pools. It’s a perfect anchorage for those who want to snorkel, nap on deck, and watch the sun melt into the horizon without a single interruption.
Kavalourko Islet – Off the Map
Floating just off Panormos Bay, Kavalourko is a small islet with a sliver of sandy beach and crystalline waters on its southern side. The seabed is dotted with sea urchins and starfish, making it a treasure trove for snorkelers. There’s no infrastructure, no shade, and no human presence — just the raw beauty of the Aegean at its purest.
Why Tinos’ Beaches Shine From the Sea
By land, reaching many of these spots means navigating dirt tracks and braving the northern winds. From the deck of a YAL'OOU yacht, the experience changes entirely. We can time our arrival to catch the calmest waters, position the bow for the best swimming access, and set up a private onboard lunch with the beach as your backdrop.
There’s also a unique intimacy to approaching these places from the sea. You see the coastline the way fishermen have for centuries — cliffs first, then coves appearing suddenly, like a secret revealed only when you’re close enough to touch it.
Beyond the Shore
Tinos’ beaches are only part of the island’s charm. After a day of secluded swims, you can sail into one of its small harbors for an evening of village dining. Think fresh lobster pasta in Panormos, artisanal cheeses from local farms, and wines made from the island’s rare varietals. Pair that with the golden dusk light and you have an experience as soulful as it is luxurious.
Tinos isn’t for those chasing the party scene. It’s for those who crave the sound of waves without the crowd, the scent of wild thyme in the breeze, and the feeling of stepping into a Greece that still belongs to itself.
With YAL'OOU, those secret coves are never out of reach — and they’re yours for as long as you wish.