A Cycladic Reverie: Our Stay at Xinara House on the Island of Tinos

There are places that whisper to you. And then there are places like Xinara House, which sing—boldly, beautifully, and with unapologetic soul. Nestled in the heart of the Greek island of Tinos, this restored 17th-century bishop’s residence is more than a villa. It’s a living canvas of creativity, heritage, and quiet luxury.

Xinara House: A Masterpiece in the Mountains

Perched on the slopes of Mount Exombourgo, Xinara House is a poetic collision of art, architecture, and authenticity. British owners Susan and Peter Marston—designers with pedigrees in fashion, furniture, and horticulture—have transformed this once-crumbling mansion into a sanctuary of style. Think Rachel Whiteread sofas, Gilbert & George prints, and antique finds from Lisbon auctions, all layered with Cycladic textures and hand-carved marble details.

The interiors are a study in curated maximalism: Delftware plates, vintage trinkets, and bold textiles dance across whitewashed walls. Outside, terraced gardens bloom with figs, lemons, and wild herbs. Breakfasts are served under pergolas, with eggs from the coop and fruit plucked fresh from the trees. It’s not just a house—it’s a philosophy of living.

The village of Xinara itself is a quiet marvel. A dozen or so locals move gently between chapels and ancient laundries, while swallows sing above red geraniums and blue shutters. It’s the kind of place where time folds in on itself, and you find yourself whispering just to preserve the hush.

Tinos: The Cycladic Island That Keeps Its Secrets

Tinos is the Cyclades’ best-kept secret. Just 30 minutes by ferry from Mykonos, it feels worlds away from its glitzy sister. Here, tradition reigns. Pilgrims come for the Panagia Evangelistria church, but the island’s true treasures lie beyond the religious epicenter.

With over 60 villages and a thousand dovecotes, Tinos is a tapestry of marble craftsmanship, slow food, and windswept beauty. Pyrgos, the marble village, is a must—home to the Museum of Marble Crafts and charming cafés serving galaktoboureko in sun-dappled squares. Kardiani, with its spring-fed fountains and marble frogs, is impossibly picturesque. And Ysternia offers both mountain and coastal charm, with views that stretch across the Aegean.

Beaches to Dream About

Tinos’ beaches are as varied as its villages. For boho vibes and mojitos, head to Rochari Beach near Panormos. Kolymbithra, divided into Mikri and Megali, offers both surf lessons and laid-back lounging. Apigania is wild and untamed, perfect for those who prefer their swims with a side of solitude. Agios Romanos is family-friendly and wind-sheltered, while Livada and Pachia Ammos offer dramatic landscapes and golden sands.

Where to Eat: A Culinary Pilgrimage

Tinos is a rising star in Greece’s gastronomic constellation. For seafood kissed by the Aegean, Marathia in Agios Fokas is a revelation—dry-aged grouper, wild artichokes, and house-cured pork tell stories of land and sea. Thalassaki in Ormos Isternia is another standout, where chef Antonia Zarpa reimagines Greek classics with flair.

For village charm, head to Agnanti Taverna in Ktikados or To Perivoli tis Kardianis for a meal under the stars. Trattoria Napole Zoga in Triantaros blends Italian technique with Tinian produce, while Thama in Chora offers modern plates rooted in tradition. And for a sweet pause, To Kentrikon in Pyrgos serves the island’s best galaktoboureko.

Why Tinos Captivates

Tinos is not for the hurried traveler. It’s for the curious, the creative, the ones who seek meaning in marble, meals, and morning light. It’s a place where art and agriculture coexist, where villages hum with history, and where homes like Xinara House elevate the very idea of escape.

We left with sun-kissed skin, salt in our hair, and a sense that we’d stumbled upon something rare. Something worth keeping secret—almost.

Esplora Dispatch: A Creative Escape to Xinara House, Tinos

Some places are more than destinations—they’re invitations to feel, to slow down, to reconnect. Our recent stay at Xinara House on the Greek island of Tinos was just that: a creative retreat nestled in a village where time seems to pause and beauty is found in every detail.

Xinara House, a restored 17th-century bishop’s residence, is the kind of place that makes you exhale. British owners Susan and Peter Marston have curated a home that feels like a living gallery—layered with art, antiques, and Cycladic soul. From hand-carved marble basins to vintage textiles and fig-laced breakfasts under the pergola, every moment felt like a page from a design magazine.

The village of Xinara is quiet, poetic, and deeply rooted in tradition. Swallows dart above red geraniums, and locals greet you with warmth and stories. It’s the kind of place that inspires—not just rest, but reflection.

Beyond the house, Tinos revealed itself as the Cyclades’ best-kept secret. With over 60 villages, windswept beaches, and a rich tradition of marble craftsmanship, the island is a tapestry of culture and calm. We wandered through Pyrgos, Ysternia, and Kardiani—each village a storybook of fountains, chapels, and sun-dappled squares.

Our favourite beaches? Kolymbithra for surf and sun, Apigania for solitude, and Rochari for its bohemian charm. And the food—oh, the food. Marathia and Thalassaki offered unforgettable meals kissed by the Aegean, while village tavernas served up slow-cooked lamb and wild artichokes with heart and heritage.

Tinos is not for the hurried. It’s for the curious, the creative, the ones who find joy in marble frogs and morning light. We left Xinara House with salt in our hair, stories in our hearts, and a quiet knowing that we’d found something rare.Some places are more than destinations—they’re invitations to feel, to slow down, to reconnect. Our recent stay at Xinara House on the Greek island of Tinos was just that: a creative retreat nestled in a village where time seems to pause and beauty is found in every detail.

Xinara House, a restored 17th-century bishop’s residence, is the kind of place that makes you exhale. British owners Susan and Peter Marston have curated a home that feels like a living gallery—layered with art, antiques, and Cycladic soul. From hand-carved marble basins to vintage textiles and fig-laced breakfasts under the pergola, every moment felt like a page from a design magazine.

The village of Xinara is quiet, poetic, and deeply rooted in tradition. Swallows dart above red geraniums, and locals greet you with warmth and stories. It’s the kind of place that inspires—not just rest, but reflection.