The Sunday Getaway - 16 07 2023 - Summer It Is

It’s a midweek late afternoon as we’re headed towards the more hip and oversold part of Tinos, Kolibithra beach. As you may have already seen, this famous and windy stretch of sand every now and then appears on your social media feed and is the place where bohos and surfers come plenty. An old VW mini van is now repurposed, acting as the main bar and the vibe is downtempo and mellow. The bartenders are tending to mixed juices and other funky drinks as I’m waiting for my gin fix to quench my thirst.

Even though it’s a scorching 36 Celsius and the place is soaked under the boiling July heatwave, there’s still a light breeze blowing underneath the low, mushroom-shaped thatched umbrellas. Summer it is.

20 years back (or more) I remember myself making friends with a similar van owner on a beach in Halkidiki. The kind of those who play reggae music and other more mysterious downtempo tunes all day long, mixing drinks during the day and rolling up joints at night. We’re still kids in adolescence so we can’t really work out much, but are really fond of the nice music, the offbeat personality and the delicious hot dogs.

Back to Tinos and post-beach, the meet with some good friends has been set for the little pantry shop of Agnanti in Ktikados. As we go down the main alley you can only hear the cicadas in the backdrop with Yiannis greeting us wholeheartedly to his place. Today is a special day, not only because we get to taste the pure essence of Tinos’ cuisine, but also cause he’s gotten a brand new Epaniel Breton puppy that’s 45 days old. A rare friend that Mylo, the dog, gets to meet. We banter on about this year’s travel season with most prices on hospitality, retail and real estate jacked up and once more make a point of how the island is losing its authentic character.

It’s now 3 days in and as we kick down a gear we get to try new places on the island, recommended by friends and others. Delicious French toast with tahini and honey at the mellow Krok Mesie in the morning and ice cold refined Patrón Anejo at the dimly-lit patio of Santiago at night. But we also bump into old acquaintances at the gallery concept store Taxidi Tinos, where Manthos and Virginie have created an immaculate all-day spot that indexes high on art and aesthetics. The morning tour at the old school of the Ursulines in Loutra is also a hit as we dive into the Catholic history of this place and witness that old French allure.

If you’re swinging by Tinos this summer, make sure you catch a glimpse of our refreshed Tinos guide here. And if you’re still undecided on where to dine and wine or where to stay, give us a buzz on our WhatsApp travel companion service.

Travel On.

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