Isternia, Smardakito and Mesi in Tinos

Isternia set on a terraced hill between Karsdiani and Pyrgos. There are not many people who stops in the village. Probably it's because there are so many other lovely villages on Tinos. Many stonemasons, sculptors and sea captains comes from Isternia. The church with its beautiful marble facade is very impressive.

One of many winding alleys in Isternia.

Isternia is a peaceful village that you like to stroll aimlessly around.

Below Isternia is the coastal village and the beach which is also called Isternia.

Little cute secluded Smardakito lies a few kilometres north of Tarabados. The road ends where the village begins. A street lined with delightful oleander bushes leads from the parking lot into the village. On a small square lies a taverna beneath a staircase full of geraniums. It is really beautiful. At one corner of the square lies a traditional washhouses in stone. It is still used.

The entrance to the beautiful village of Smardakito.

The church and the only "road" into the village of Smardakito.

A small pigeon house on the left and the old laundry house on the right.

The old laundry in Smardakito is still in use.

Taverna in Smardakito.

Taverna in Smardakito. It is fantastically beautiful!

The tiny village of Mesi lies at a crossroads after Exobourgos. The village is not much to talk about, it is the crossroads called Pentostrato (five roads) that is worth going for. In one corner of the crossroads lies Taverna Pentostrato, which is one of the island's best tavernas.

Taverna Pentostrato on the left and the road to Livada beach on the right.

I wrote this on my blog after we ate there the first time:

"We ate lunch at Taverna Pentostrato just outside Mesi. Oh my god what a superb food, and how cosy, and what a friendly staff! When we got the bill it came up to € 19.50, we paid € 22. Then the guy said that we could not pay any tips because it was the first time we were there! Then he came back with two glasses of rakomelo, and perhaps the tastiest - and largest - creme brûlée we've ever eaten. Taverna Pentostrato is clearly worth a detour!"

Rakomelo and Creme brûlée at Taverna Pentostrato in Mesi.

READ MORE ABOUT TINOS