Tinos island is located near the islands of Mykonos, Delos and Andros. In ancient times it was called "Ofiousa" or "Hydrousa", due to the large amount of snakes and the abundance of running water all around the island.
Because of the Panagia Evangelistria church, with its reputedly miraculous icon of Virgin Mary that it holds, Tinos is the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the date of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. This is perhaps the most notable and still active yearly pilgrimage in the region of the eastern Mediterranean. Many pilgrims make their way the 800 metres from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as sign of devotion.
The island is also well known for its 80 or so windmills, about 1000 artistic dovecotes, 50 active villages, its Venetian fortifications at the Exobourgo mountain, its famous sculptors and painters.