Athens to Tinos Ferry
Rafina (Athens) → Tinos
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- High-speed crossing
- ~2 h
- Conventional crossing
- ~4 h
- Frequency
- 2–4 daily in summer, 1–2 in winter
- Carries cars
- Yes (on the car ferry)
Crossing times and frequency are typical ranges and vary by season and operator. Check the operator or Direct Ferries for current sailings before booking.
Where it leaves from
Most Tinos ferries depart from Rafina, the east-Attica port that is about 15–20 minutes from Athens Airport. This makes Tinos particularly convenient for travellers arriving by air. Some services also run from Piraeus. Ferries dock at Tinos Town's waterfront, directly below the famous hilltop church.
High-speed vs conventional
- High-speed ferry — about 2 hours from Rafina, faster and more expensive, weather-sensitive.
- Conventional ferry — roughly 4 hours, cheaper, carries cars and is more stable.
Pilgrimage and marble villages
Tinos is best known for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, which holds a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary and draws pilgrims from across Greece and the Orthodox world. Away from the church, the island has a distinct identity: the village of Pyrgos in the north is renowned for marble sculpture, producing some of Greece's finest stone carvers for generations. The terraced Venetian-era landscapes and the dovecotes (peristeriōnes) are unlike anywhere else in the Cyclades.
Operators and booking
Fast Ferries and SeaJets run the main Rafina–Tinos services. Around 15 August (Dormition of the Virgin) the ferries are extremely full — book weeks ahead if travelling at that time.
Ports & terminals
- Rafina (Athens)View on map →
- TinosView on map →
Port guides
Related ferry routes
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the ferry from Athens to Tinos?
- From Rafina, high-speed ferries take about 2 hours; conventional ferries take around 4 hours. Services from Piraeus are also available but less frequent.
- Why is Tinos an important pilgrimage destination?
- The Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Tinos Town holds a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the most significant Orthodox pilgrimage sites in Greece, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, particularly on 15 August.
- Is Tinos good for off-the-beaten-track travel?
- Yes — beyond the pilgrimage church, Tinos has marble-carving villages (Pyrgos), beautiful beaches and excellent local food. It is one of the best-kept secrets of the Cyclades.