Quaint little Tinos remains largely undiscovered by foreigners, but is known among Greeks for its Orthodox significance (one if its churches is an ancient pilgrimage site), its artistic roots and its burgeoning foodie reputation. Legend has it that Apollo and Artemis were born just across the strait from here, on neighbouring Delos island, one of Greece’s best-preserved archaeological sites. What could be more alluring than having the heart of ancient Greece floating on the horizon?
Diles & Rinies sits on a quiet, herb-scented hillside looking directly at its mythical neighbour. More luxury retreat than self-catering complex, this private estate houses eight boutique villas of varying sizes (2-4 bedrooms). Ideal for families, couples or groups, each villa comes with uplifting views of the Aegean, plenty of space and timeless interiors. There’s an infinity pool where guests can mingle - you'll hardly need to leave. But a treasure trove awaits when you do: discover the island's creative roots by doing a workshop in pottery, marble art, or basketry; stroll down to lovely Agios Fokas beach (15 mins); or shop for handmade trinkets in the main town, a short drive away. But you’ll want to return for sunset – the sight of golden colours dancing over ancient Delos and untouched Rhenia island is said to be quite the spectacle: a gift from Apollo, the god of light himself, perhaps?
Highs
- Astounding views from every spot: all villas face south over the Aegean
- There's a communal infinity pool
- Great for families: each villa has a kitchen, some have private pools, and lots of activities and reservations can be arranged through the concierge service
- Tinos island is a delight – much quieter than neighbouring Mykonos, with lots of lovely beaches, creative roots, sacred Orthodox sites, and a growing gastronomic reputation
- Short minimum stays even in high season – a rarity for Greek villas
Lows
- Although it’s only four kilometres from the port, you’ll want a car to explore as the good beaches are a bit of a distance away (though it is possible to walk to the nearest beach and town)
- Don't expect lots of staff on hand, note that you are given a 24/7 WhatsApp number for all enquiries and assistance, and reception is open 9am-9pm daily
- No restaurant on-site
- The access road to the villas isn't very well lit – something to bear in mind if arriving at night
- Not cheap by Greek standards
Best time to go
Our top tips
Tinos has gained a reputation for its gastronomy in recent years, having established the Tinos Food Paths, which celebrate the island’s produce. There are lots of good wineries and breweries scattered across the island, too – ask the concierge to book you a tour and tasting.
- Luxury Villas
- 8 villas (for 2-10)
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome
- Closed: November-April
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Walk to beach
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Laundry Service
Rooms
The eight villas are very generous in size, varying from 100-180m2. They all face south, span two floors, and have stunning verandas with outdoor seating and sea views. Their topsy-turvy layout, with bedrooms on the lower level and living spaces on the upper, means that communal areas benefit from the finest views. The decor is simple yet chic, with pastel hues, traditional concrete walls, smart kitchens and vintage furniture pieces. Wicker and white linen feature heavily, and fireplaces, barbecues and private parking areas are found in all.
The villas are divided into four categories, ranging from the Two-bedroom Comfort Villa to the Four-bedroom Grande Villa. The Three-bedroom Premium Villa with Private Pool is the only one to come with its own swimming pool. Although the villas stand side-by-side in neat rows, none are overlooked, with partition walls and leafy gardens ensuring maximum privacy.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Coffee / tea making
- Fan
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Radio
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
All villas have well-equipped kitchens with everything you need for easy self-catering. You get a small but complimentary welcome basket with Nespresso coffee, tea, fruit, and a bottle of wine to get you started, but for supplies, you’ll need to head into the main town, which has plenty of supermarkets and a daily street market.
Tinos has a burgeoning scene for foodies, so several fantastic restaurants and tavernas are within easy reach. Elia is a popular beach bar and restaurant nearby, or head into Tinos town where you'll be spoilt for choice.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Oven
- Toaster
Activities
- Local yoga teachers and spa therapists can be called in for private sessions in the onsite wellness studio - ask the concierge to arrange it
- Rent bikes to explore Tinos . There are more than 60 villages and 1500 Orthodox and Catholic chapels and churches scattered across the island
- Spend a day on one of the island’s beaches; Agios Fokas is the closest (15-min walk)
- Discover the island’s artistic roots: browse the on-site art gallery or do a workshop in pottery or marble art
- Visit Panagia Megalochari church to see the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. The site is known among Greeks as a sacred place of spiritual pilgrimage
- See the lunar-like landscape of Volax. The village is also famous for basket weaving – visit a workshop to learn about its heritage
- Take a day trip to Delos island to see the famous ruins. Daily excursions are also available to the nearby islands of Mykonos, Syros, Andros and uninhabited Rhenia (for great beaches)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Spa treatments
- Well being
- Yoga
Kids
Diles & Rinies is brilliant for families as you get the independence of a villa rental but with concierge services. The villas range in size, from two to four bedrooms, so there are options for all group sizes, and each has a twin room for kids. The estate itself has plenty of space for little ones to play in, and there’s a communal swimming pool with inflatables. Tinos offers lots for families to see and do, with great beaches, watersports and day trips to neighbouring islands.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Toddlers (1-4 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Any villa would work for a family, it just depends on how many bedrooms you need. All can fit an extra bed. Some Premium villas have private pools, which might be useful if you've got water babies in tow.
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming - inflatable toys are available
- Board games
- Toys for little ones (dolls, Lego, teddy bears)
Kids Activities nearby:
- Playgrounds in the main town
- Art workshops
- Boat trips
- Watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and scuba diving
- Archaeological sites
Families Should Know:
Pools are unfenced.
Distances:
- Ferry port: 10 mins
- Hospital: Doctor available on-call, nearest hospital is 10 minutes away
- Supermarket: 5 mins
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Diles & Rinies is located on Tinos island in the Cyclades. It sits on a hillside 4km east of the port in the main town. Agios Fokas beach is a five-minute drive away.
By Air:
You'll need to fly via Athens or neighbouring Mykonos.
By Ferry
Tinos port has ferries arriving from Mykonos (20 mins), Athens (2-4 hours) and other neighbouring islands.
From the port
Transfers can be arranged, but you'll want to hire a car to explore the island - see our car rental recommendations. Alternatively, if you're feeling flush, there's a helipad 800m away.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Mykonos International airport 10.0 km JMK
Other:
- Beach 1.8 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 0.8 km
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