Tinos Loutra

General information

Loutra is among the oldest and most historical villages of Tinos. Lying amongst a lush environment filled with citrus plants, the village originally got its name from the many ancient baths (loutra) found in the area. A walk through Loutra’s narrow streets reveals traditional Cycladic houses, with whitewashed walls and nice courtyards blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the area. Today, it counts only 35 permanent residents who live a plain and quiet life away from the cosmopolitan crowds of the capital.

The village was very prosperous in the past, having served as an important religious center. The Catholic Monastery of Saint Joseph of the Jesuits, the most significant site of the village, was established by the Jesuit monks in 1840. Today, it hosts an interesting folklore museum in one of its rooms, showcasing religious artifacts and tools used by the monks.

The Ursuline nuns similarly moved to the village in the 19th century, establishing the Monastery of Ursulines in 1862. The monastery flourished between 1910 and 1930, housing an all-girls school, the primary school of the village, and a school for carpet making. Today, a small museum can be found there, displaying objects from everyday life.

A couple of small accommodations are available in Loutra, but other than that, there are no tourist facilities in the area. The rustic settlements of Skalados and Koumaros lie within walking distance of the village, offering even more scenic beauty along with a few rooms to let, cafes, and eateries. Surrounded by lovely nature and located in proximity to Tinos Town, these villages found in the center of the island are often visited as hiking destinations.