When we arrived at Sokratis-Nikos's place after having spent a week at a luxury bungalow in Mykonos, our first thought was "We should have come here sooner!" The house was so interesting, beautiful, and historical—Being there, it felt like we were actually seeing Tinos from within, rather than observing it from a hotel. The house is so beyond charming that a new word is required. The house is very cozy, and yes that's a famous euphemism—it's not for you if you're claustrophobic. But you'll really only be spending time inside when you're sleeping or bathing, as otherwise you'll be on the huge, sunny patio. It has an incredible view of mountain sides studded with Tinos's famous pigeon houses and the Aegean Sea. You'll be so entranced by sitting on the patio and soaking up the atmosphere that it will be hard for you to drag yourself away to visit the many amazing sites and sights Tinos has to offer. The house has no AC, but we never needed it, as it was cool inside when it was hot outside (though a fan is supplied just in case). (We were there in September, so maybe it's different at the height of summer.) The water is hot and has good pressure. There's wi-fi, which is handy, and a TV, but who the heck wants to watch TV when you're on vacation here. There's a clothes washer hidden out back, which was super handy after a week on another island, placed next to a historical stone circle in which cattle would thresh wheat. As for Sokratis-Nikos himself, he was the sweetest, warmest host imaginable. He came to meet us when we checked in, bringing a friend and a big jug of raki he made himself, COMING STRAIGHT FROM A WEDDING AT WHICH HE WAS THE BEST MAN. He welcomed us to both his house and Tinos as if we were long lost friends. Then he spent some time with us looking over the map and showing us the best places to visit, both famous sites and hidden gems, before heading back to the wedding reception. Unfortunately we weren't in Tinos long enough to visit even half his suggestions. When we later told him we loved the carved marble pieces he'd decorated with, he directed us the craftsman's little shop where we could pick up little marble boats to bring home. We highly recommend Sokratos-Nikos and this house for anyone looking for an authentic, varied, and beautiful experience on the authentic, varied, and beautiful island of Tinos. Three tips: 1. Head uphill to the adjacent town Dyo Choria and go to the restaurant Dyo Horia. Order the goat in the oven and the platter of native Tinos specialties. This was the best meal we had in all of Greece. 2. Enjoy the view from the hammock shaded by the surrounding trees, but be careful you don't fall out—the ground beneath is hard and covered with sharp rocks. Ask us how we know. 3. The...