With the first light of day, the view opens up across the sea: On the horizon, the silhouettes of Mykonos and Ikaria emerge, below them the terraced landscape of Tinos, and above, a vast sky. Goats and sheep graze on the opposite hills, the wind carrying the sound of the sea. No traffic, no noise, just nature.
The traditional stone houses offer ample comfort for couples or families of up to four people. Spacious, private outdoor terraces surround the houses, providing a place to arrive, read, cook, or simply relax. The expansive garden is an integral part of the concept: guests can harvest their own vegetables or, if they wish, have a box filled with fresh produce and handmade farm products. Those who want to can delve deeper and experience daily life on the farm firsthand.
The Ecolodge was founded in 2015 by the German-Greek couple Marilia Kalouli and Nico Bedau, who deliberately left Athens and Berlin behind to build a self-sufficient, ecological agritourism project on Tinos. The houses were designed and built in collaboration with local stonemasons, off-grid, resource-efficient, and deeply rooted in the island's building culture.
The design and atmosphere follow a clear concept: simple, handcrafted, modern yet traditional. Warm colors, natural materials, and airy spaces create a feeling of lightness and tranquility. Slow food, mindful encounters, and time for discovery characterize the stay – whether hiking on ancient trails, exploring pristine beaches, or attending cultural events that bring summer on Tinos to life.
| Small house | from80 € |
| Large house | from95 € |
All the buildings at the Ecolodge are constructed entirely of local natural stone and blend almost seamlessly into the terraced landscape of Tinos. Built by local stonemasons, the houses adhere to the island's traditional building methods without sacrificing modern comforts. This philosophy extends to the interiors as well: much of the furniture is crafted from recycled materials – robust, durable, and deliberately simple. From the planning stage onward, the entire infrastructure was designed with water and energy efficiency in mind. The orientation of the houses, the size and placement of the windows, and the design of the terraces all follow a solar, passive design that optimizes natural ventilation, light, and heat. All the stone comes directly from the island, and all other materials were sourced regionally.
Part of the garden supplies not only the guests of the ecolodge but also two local restaurants with fresh vegetables. Everything grown is organically cultivated on the property – in rhythm with the seasons and without chemical additives. The cycle is completed right on site: all organic waste is composted or used as feed for the chickens. Numerous lettuces and leafy greens, artichokes, capers, and olives thrive in the beds, as well as classics like tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and peppers. In addition, there are fresh onions, chives, microgreens, and edible flowers, which demonstrate not only their flavor but also their visual appeal, showcasing just how vibrant and diverse sustainable agriculture can be.
Most people who work at the Ecolodge come from the island of Tinos: the stonemasons, the gardener, the cook, as well as the plumber and electrician. From planning and construction to ongoing operations, the hosts consciously rely on local knowledge, traditional craftsmanship, and short supply chains. This keeps the added value within the region and maintains a strong connection to the island. Furthermore, they are members of the cultural and environmental initiative Ambassada Tinos, through which they are jointly committed to preserving the landscape, architectural heritage, and the island's natural and cultural heritage. On the running business there are also volunteers from all over the world and employees that live on Tinos.
The entire operation runs entirely on solar energy and is off-grid. Rainwater is collected and stored in large cisterns with a total capacity of 180 m³ to irrigate the gardens. Greywater from the houses is naturally purified via a planted reed bed filter system, collected in tanks, and then also used to irrigate trees and vegetable plots. Waste is carefully separated, organic waste is composted, and glass, paper, cardboard, and plastic are recycled separately. Furthermore, the ecolodge is a partner in two European research projects – Horizon 2020 HYDROUSA and SURENEXUS – which focus on water management in arid regions and sustainable WEFE nexus solutions. This expertise is not left to chance: guests receive an introductory session at the beginning of their stay, during which the ecological systems, projects, and sustainable solutions on-site are explained and demonstrated.
Yoga and massages can be arranged and performed on the yoga deck or on the private terrace of the houses. The island also offers numerous activities: hiking on Tinos' traditional stone paths, swimming in crystal-clear waters, surfing in Kolibithra Bay when wind conditions are right, or joining in traditional dance festivals during the summer. Art enthusiasts can participate in sculpture and ceramics classes, as Tinos is known for its long tradition of marble craftsmanship and its renowned art school.
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