The practical page

The island bus network (KTEL) links Chora to most villages and beaches — more frequent in summer, reduced in winter. The closest stop to the villas is the Agios Ioannis terminal; in Chora, buses use the central stops by the waterfront, and the KTEL offices handle tickets and timetables.

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Schedules change every couple of weeks in summer — check the current dates.

Organised guided coach excursions around the island, run by KTEL and Zorpidis through July and August. The programme and booking details are announced in late June — worth checking once you're here.

Radio Taxi Tinou — "Agios Christoforos" — runs around the clock, 365 days a year, from a base on Trion Ierarchon in Chora. English spoken. A street hail carries a standard pick-up fee; phoned call-outs are priced by the distance the taxi travels to reach you, so the fare differs by direction.

Vidalis is a long-established family rental firm on Tinos with a large fleet across many categories — small city cars through to larger vehicles, convertibles, scooters and bikes — so there's usually something to suit. The whole booking can be done online from start to finish on their site. Their main pick-up station is right at the port, a few steps from where the ferries dock, so collecting a car on arrival is straightforward. If you decide you'd like a car only once you're already on Tinos, they may be able to pick you up from Horizon Villas to go and collect it — worth a quick call to check, subject to availability.

Beyond Vidalis, Tinos has plenty of other rental firms, and most are reliable — the majority will deliver a car to the port or somewhere close by. If price is what matters most, it's worth shopping around and comparing a few before booking. Outside the high season there are always cars to be had, so you can book at short notice — and a last-minute rental can sometimes work out cheaper.

The island's filling stations are open every day through the season, so topping up is rarely an issue. The one thing to know: on Sundays they run on a rota, with only some open. If you're driving on a Sunday, check before you set off.

Two local operators run private cruises along the Tinos coast and across to Delos and Rinia: Tinos Sea Tours — a family outfit going since 2005, with sunset Delos trips, full-island coastal cruises and RIB charters — and Tinos Concierge Services, which arranges private, semi-private and sunset cruises as part of a wider concierge offering. Food is usually laid on aboard. These are a treat rather than a cheap day out: boats go out on private charter and prices are quoted on request.

The long-running local agency on the Chora waterfront for booking ferry tickets — and printing them if you need a paper copy. Easy to sort everything in person, especially for the smaller operators.

The simplest way to check live ferry schedules across every operator (Blue Star, SeaJets, Fast Ferries and the rest) in one place, with a seamless online booking experience.

For general adult medical care. A παθολόγος is the internist / general doctor adults see for everyday illness.

For children; also a certified breastfeeding consultant.

Brief description to come. The island's public health centre in Chora handles emergencies around the clock; for anything serious, transfer to Syros General Hospital.

Several pharmacies cluster in Chora, all within a few minutes of each other, and they take turns covering overnight and weekend duty (διανυκτερεύον / εφημερεύον) — so the one open late rotates day to day.

Which one is on overnight/weekend duty changes daily — check the live list and call ahead.

In the Pallada quarter, near the market lanes.

Brief description to come.

A traditional men's barber in the heart of Chora (good for kids too) — cuts, wet shaves and beard care, with fast, good service. Walk-ins only — they don't take reservations.

A full-service salon on the Chora waterfront — women's, men's and children's — covering colour, treatments and bridal styling.

For nails, facials and the rest — a beautifully kept salon in Chora, warmly reviewed. Worth booking ahead.

The single number to call for any emergency anywhere in Europe — police, fire, ambulance, coast guard. Operators speak Greek and English.

Greek police, non-life-threatening.

National ambulance service (EKAB).

Hellenic Fire Service. Also reports forest fires on 1591.

For any incident at sea — boats, swimmers, missing persons.

The island's biggest supermarket, a few kilometres out on the Chora ring road (Tripotamos avenue) — the place for a full shop, with easy parking. There's a smaller Sklavenitis in town too, but this is the one worth the short drive.

A modern, bright supermarket in town, well-stocked and easy to shop — and the one to remember on a Sunday, since it's usually the only supermarket open then.

The little mini market on the road into the bay — bread, drinks, ice cream, snacks. See the Agios Ioannis entry for details.

Open 08:00–14:00, Monday to Saturday, in the Pallada quarter — Chora's old market lanes, just back from the waterfront and threaded with tavernas and ouzeris. The stalls carry local fresh produce and island delicacies, including Tinian capers and sun-dried tomatoes.

The ATMs sit beside their respective banks, which in Tinos town line the harbour walkway opposite the marina.

Wolt is the food-delivery app that operates on Tinos, and a handful of restaurants and cafés on it deliver to Horizon Villas. Browse what's available to your address in the app, then order as usual — most deliveries come from Chora, so allow a little extra time.

Keep your phone nearby — the driver may call if they have trouble finding you.