Maria’s place was perfect for us. It’s the last house up a narrow lane close to the little harbor and beach but completely private and tranquil. The house is spacious and wonderful to relax in, with lovely furnishings and decorations and good quality linens and towels. Some of the windows had screens so we could keep them open all the time without the risk of mosquitoes or flies coming in. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare meals. Maria’s parents welcomed us warmly and showed us around. There were some fruits and vegetables on the table and the fridge had milk, eggs, yogurt, water, and homemade apricot jam. One of the most agreeable features of Maria’s is the large garden with lawn areas, flowering bushes, patios and three small pools with the soothing sound of running water day and night. The garden immediately creates the sensation of being in a magical retreat. There is also a vegetable garden which her father devotedly tends when he visits from their home in Tinos Town. There are a number of cats who roam the garden and shelter in the two sheds. Anyone not fond of cats would not really be at home here, but for cat lovers it is a delight. We were traveling in October and the little taverna in the village had closed for the season. There are no shops here either, or restaurants in the vicinity so you have to be happy to cater for yourselves unless you want to drive all the way into Tinos Town. We cannot say enough about the helpfulness Maria was able to offer us. Any questions we had, she answered promptly. She recommended the car agency Dellatolas and Nikos came to fetch us in town after we arrived and gave us an excellent rate and a new car. Nikos also dropped us off right at the port at the end of our stay. Due to a strike, the ferry we had planned to take to Paros was cancelled and we had to spend an extra night. Fortunately for us, there were no guests booked and Maria was happy to extend our stay. We found Tinos a marvelous island. The sandy bay of Ag. Romanos is a lovely protected place to swim even when it’s windy. Sunsets are wonderful from the beach and from the roof and terraces of the house. The villages of Kardiani, Pyrgos, Panormos, Tarampados (for the dovecots) and Volax were great to wander around. The islands has a number of well maintained and signposted footpaths and we enjoyed a few short ventures on them, only wishing we had allowed for more time on the island to hike at length in the many inspiring landscapes. Thank you Maria and your warm, kind parents.