2 Best Sights in Kionia, The Cyclades

Just 3 km (2 miles) west of Tinos Town, Kionia Beach remains one of the island's most visited beaches. It has both pebbles and sand, but the long stretch of sand dominates, and a section of it fronts the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Poseidon. Kionia's beachfront road is lined with cafés, tavernas, rooms for rent, and the landmark Tinos Beach Hotel, which are all within walking distance of the beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent during the summer. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

The main reason to come to this small community northwest of Tinos Town, apart from the beach, is to visit the large, untended Sanctuary of Poseidon, also dedicated to the bearded sea god's sea-nymph consort, Amphitrite. The present remains are from the 4th century BC and later, though the sanctuary itself is much older. It was a kind of hospital, where the ailing came to camp and solicit the god's help. The marble dolphins in the Tinos archaeological museum were discovered here. According to the Roman historian Pliny, Tinos was once infested with serpents (goddess symbols) and named Ophiousa (Serpent town), until über-masculine Poseidon sent storks to clean them out. The sanctuary functioned well into Roman times.