If you have visited several Cycladic islands and you think you have already seen the combination of sun, sea and traditional architecture, prepare to reconsider!
Heading to the "Outside Parties" (west of Chora), at about 15 kilometers, you will be at one of the most beautiful villages, not only of Tinos, but probably of all of the Cyclades, the magnificent Kardiani. Built on the steep south slope of Mount Pateles at an altitude of 250 meters, literally hanging over the sea, without being crossed by a highway, Kardiani offers a magnificent view to the Aegean Sea and the islands of Syros and Gyaros as well as Kea and Kythnos, when the weather permits.
But what really makes this place standing out is its location in the heart of a green glen with abundant water, which ends to the sea, in the Giannakis Bay.
Marble fountains and marble lintels and skylights, paved alleys with arcades, picturesque arches, two storey houses and majestic churches, demonstrate the artistic vein of the villagers, in line with the long tradition of all of Tinos in marble sculpture.
Besides, the history of Kardiani seems to go back many centuries, as excavations in the area have brought to light a settlement with six tombs of the Geometric Period, while several findings of Neolithic and Cycladic Age on the shores, give evidence that the area is likely to be the first inhabited throughout the island.
Some secrets:

• It is a mixed village, inhabited by both Orthodox and of Catholics.
• The Orthodox Cathedral of Agia Triada, which is classified as a heritage monument, and the Catholic churches of Metastasis Theotokou and of Birth of the Virgin Mary (Genethliou Theotokou) with the five-storey marble bell tower ("Santissimos" and "Panagia Kioura" respectively, according to the Kardianians) are artwork of Tinian architecture.
• In the village one can find traditional coffee-grocery store and tavern, which are open all year long, and there are accommodations and municipal hostel.
• There are also several options for swimming with three beaches, Ormos Giannakis (with taverns), Kalivia (with beach bar) and Agios Petros with a chapel.
• At the village operates the cultural Fraternity Club of Tinian Kardianioton "AGIA TRIAS" and there is a folklore museum.
• Kardiani is officially classified as a "traditional village" by a decision of the Ministry of Culture.
• According to the 2001 census it numbered 138 residents, along with those staying permanently in the coastal zone.
• From Kardiani originates historian-scholar Stephanos Delatolas.