Tripotamos, Tinos: A Journey into Authentic Cycladic Village Life

Nestled in the heart of Tinos Island, Tripotamos traditional village is home to Crossroads Inn, our countryside hotel comprised of meticulously restored, listed buildings that form an integral part of this historic settlement and its society.

A Village Steeped in History and Natural Beauty:

Tripotamos boasts a unique position, with the imposing granite Rock of Exombourgo and its medieval castle ruins to the north, and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, the Monastery of Aghia Pelagia, and the island of Delos to the south. Archaeological excavations by Nota Kourou, in the wider area, reveal the ancient roots of Tinos Island, dating back to the Prehistoric and Geometric Eras.

Architectural Marvel and Fortified Heritage:

Tripotamos' architecture reflects its history as a fortified village, with entrances facing west, north, and east. It is a maze of stone buildings, which are the work of patient human hands, that cross in vaulted alleys, and covered passages, with the upper floors of the houses (called 'anogia') slightly rising above it all, giving no hint that, in there, lives and breathes an entire village. This invisibility of the village's design provided protection from the pirate raids of past centuries.

The main road, the village's spine, moving from east to west, connects tightly built tiered alleys and vaulted arcades, creating a cohesive and captivating network, devoid of big open spaces. Thus, as a fortified castle village, Tripotamos is one of the few villages in Greece that lacks a central square, with the main gathering place for its inhabitants being the village church.

A Vibrant Community with Rich Traditions:

Down the passage of centuries, Tripotamos' inhabitants maintain a strong sense of community, functioning as an extended family. Their local traditions, customs, and rituals shaped their tightly knit social structure, mirroring the village’s architectural layout.

Main Customs and Festivals:

"Kavos" custom (Christmas Day): The ancient custom of “Kavos” is revived, starting from New Year’s Day, and continuing throughout the year until its annual cycle closes on the following Christmas with a ritual celebration, exemplifies the deep connections within the village. You can read our article “Kavos: an ancient custom” which is entirely devoted to it and discover more for the profound degree of relations among the members of the society of Tripotamos.
Presentation of the Mother of God (November 21st): The local church is dedicated to the Presentation of the Mother of God [Eisodea tes Theotokou]. It is celebrated grandly on November 21st with a huge “Panygiri”, a Feast, that finds the village’s households with their doors wide open to visitors, homemade appetizers that observe the fasting tradition of the day, and visitors being made welcome right after the church services until late into the night. On that day, the vaulted arcades and alleys resound with the sounds of songs and of people who are breaking away from their usual everyday routine.
Aghios Tryfon (February 1st): Another grand celebration takes place also on February 1st, when the Feast Day of Aghios Tryfon is celebrated. It couldn’t be otherwise since Aghios Tryfon is the patron saint of winegrowers and vineyards, and Tripotamos traditional village has a long and rich history on winegrowing vineyards.
Tinos Wine Festival (Third week of August): The Wine Festival of Tinos Island is a modern festival which has begun to gain ground at Tripotamos village, the last years. It takes place in the third week of August all over the alleys of the village, with events ranging from a day full of activities for children, including traditional feet pressing of the grapes, to a great fiesta full of dancing, eating, and drinking.

Strategic Location and Hiking Opportunities:

Tripotamos, just 5km from Tinos Town (called Chora), in the center of the island, serves as a gateway to the island's heartland (called Endochora) and offers easy access to all traditional settlements and beautiful beaches. Old roads and cobblestone pathways, which pass through Tripotamos on their way to Chora and Endochora, are ideal for hiking, and in their greatest part well-maintained and marked. At Crossroads Inn, our concierge team will give you all the necessary information to experience a hiking journey through the enchanting surroundings.

Crossroads Inn: Experience Authentic Tripotamos:

At Crossroads Inn, we've lovingly restored traditional buildings, harmoniously blending the past with the present and the traditional with the contemporary. Our aim is to provide guests with an authentic Cycladic living experience in the tranquil and one-of-a-kind traditional ambiance of Tripotamos village, returning home with the coziness of the slow living on Tinos Island. Don’t miss this unique experience!