The hamlet in the village
10 Guests
5 Bedrooms
5 Bathrooms
Amongst the timeless hills of Tinos’s interior is the pretty, authentic village of Agapi, and discreetly hidden away on the edge is White Dovecote, a lovingly restored cluster of dwellings dating back to the early 19th century. Full of character and replete with 21st-century comforts, it is a truly unique home that charms, intrigues, and wows at every turn.
20% reduction applied
A reduction of 20% has been applied to all remaining weeks at White Dovecote in 2025.
Keyholder highlights
- Stunning, meticulously restored architecture
- Rich in character and history, offering a timeless charm
- Exquisite, fully equipped al fresco kitchen perfect for outdoor dining
- Inviting heatable pool, ideal for year-round relaxation
- Convenient stroll to charming local tavernas
- Set in the heart of a traditional, authentic village
- Flourishing organic vegetable garden and fragrant lemon trees
Gallery
Immersive virtual 3D tour of White Dovecote
Relaxing by the lovely pool at White Dovecote.
The fabulously sheltered and private al fresco kitchen and dining area.
The shady bar and sitting area near the pool.
Another view of the pool at White Dovecote.
The terrace leading from the main house towards the al fresco dining area and kitchen.
Includes
- Sole use of the villa and the grounds
- The support of our Villa Specialists to help you select your perfect villa
- The expertise of a dedicated local team to help you fine-tune the logistics of your trip and to plan a range of experiences, many of which are exclusive to The Thinking Traveller
- A Local Specialist to assist you during your stay and 24/7 emergency support
- A comprehensive guide to your villa and its surrounding area, including our restaurant recommendations, cultural highlights and other activities
- An easy-to-use online holiday planner to keep all your booked experiences and services in one place, ensuring that nothing gets missed during your stay
- The ability to coordinate and share the details of your trip with your group via Your Account
- All sales taxes, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, linen, bath towels, pool and/or beach towels
- Access to our in-villa wine delivery service – choose from our handpicked menu of the best regional wines and find them waiting for you at your villa
- A daily cleaning service
- Daily breakfast preparation
Excludes
- Flights
- Car hire
- Transfers
- Meals (unless otherwise specified)
- Ingredients for specified meals
- The Greek government’s Climate Resilience Levy - €15 per villa per night
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The Area
Those lucky enough to stay for a week or two at White Dovecote will undoubtedly fall for the darling village in which it is located - after all, its name, "Agapi", means "love". Nestled at the bottom of a valley amongst the empty hills of eastern Tinos, Agapi is a charming, unspoilt, and traffic-free village with several eateries (one just below the house), a labyrinth of paths and passageways, pristine, white-washed houses, a mini-market, an impressive church, and fabulous views of the surrounding dovecote-dotted countryside. A more authentic location on Tinos is hard to find. On 18th August, Agapi comes alive with music, dancing, and plenty of food and wine, as the villagers celebrate their annual panigiri, a traditional festivity honouring the local patron.
In terms of beaches, the closest is Kolimbithra on the east coast. Boasting two sandy bays, translucent waters, and a couple of tavernas, it is easily reachable by car in about 10 minutes. Other beaches within a 30-minute drive include Agios Romanos and Kalivia on the west coast, and Agios Fokas and Agios Sostis on the south coast.
Agapi has its own handy mini-market, and there is a larger one in the nearby village of Komi, just over 2km away.
The island’s capital, Tinos Town, is just 20 minutes’ drive away, and it is here that you will find all the amenities you might require, from minimarkets and banks to petrol stations and chemists’. It’s a gentle place, with a weave of pretty streets, a good selection of tavernas, and a bustling port. Arguably the star of the show is the church of Panagía Evangelístria, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Greek Orthodox world. Built in 1830 in florid renaissance style, it houses an icon of the Virgin Mary that is said to have performed numerous miracles.
Measuring just 27km long and 13km wide, Tinos is easy to explore in a week or two. Both the east and the west coasts feature a series of little coves, many of which have sandy beaches. A day or two exploring these by boat is highly recommended, also because some are difficult to access on foot or by car.
The interior of Tinos is mountainous and home to a liberal scattering of pretty whitewashed villages, such as Volax (known for its massive rock formations), Pyrgos (also called Panormos, a historic centre of marble sculpting with an interesting marble craft museum), Loutra (home to an Ursuline convent and an impressive cave), Steni, Dio Choria, Komi, Ysternia, Tripotamos and Skalados. Many of these have their origins in Byzantine and Venetian times and it is no coincidence that they were all built at a safe distance from the sea. The rocky landscape is also home to numerous intricately designed dovecotes and cylindrical windmills, both architectural traditions introduced by the Venetians, who ruled the island between the 13th and the early 18th century.
The most northerly quarter of Tinos is largely uninhabited, but there is a curious profusion of churches and chapels. The simple roads that connect them are interesting to explore on foot or bike, and one really has the feeling of being off the beaten track.
The highest point of the island is the mountain of Tsiknias, which stands at 750m, but arguably the most interesting peak is the jagged stone cone of Exomvourgo (641m). It was here that the Venetians built an impregnable fortress that was never vanquished, despite numerous attempts by Ottoman forces. It only fell into Ottoman hands in 1715, when the governor surrendered, an act of treachery that enraged La Serenissima so much that he was sentenced to life imprisonment on his return home.
Lastly, if you wish to indulge in a little island-hopping, frequent ferry services connect Tinos Town to Mykonos. Crossings take just 22-35mins, meaning that it’s perfectly viable to go for a day trip.
