By Nicolas Bard

Headed north of Countryat a distance of 23 kilometers, we find the beautiful Osternia, which are one of the traditional marble centers of Tinos. At an altitude of 310 meters and a short distance from the sea, the settlement has all those elements that can highlight it to the ultimate summer destination. Osternia stand out for their traditional architecture, good food and of course for seamless sea views and impressive sunsets.

There are two versions for the name of the village. According to the first, the name is due to the fact that in the past the village was the last one by which it was crossing the road, and according to the second version the name was due to the many cistern that once existed around the village. Osternia have been developed in the past thanks to shipping and marble. Indeed, they were the second most important center of marble in Tinos after Panormos, highlighting some of the most important Greek sculptors. The village flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, and during the 20th the population declined a significant decline. According to the 1834 census, the backbone had 1,021 inhabitants and was one of the largest villages on the island. There are about 100 souls permanently inhabited there today.

Wandering the picturesque alleys of the settlement, you will see many two -storey Cycladic mansions, all adorned with marble lintel, and some of them have marble cartridges. The narrow streets of the village are whitewashed, fuchsia bougainvilleas and red geraniums contrast with the intense white of the houses, while the sunset is extremely magnificent, as you see the sun literally dipping in the deep blue of the Aegean.

The heart of the Hostelian strikes of course on the main street of the village, once hosting dozens of shops, and today you will find traditional cafes to make a stop. The same main road passes through the beautiful and marble church of Agia Paraskevi, the churches of Agia Anna and the Holy Trinity, the central marble square Glyni, as well as the Museum of the Hostelist Artists worth a visit. Also, in Hostera you will also see the preserved mills, located on the western boundaries of the village. This windmill complex, a genuine example of folk art, was built in the 19th century and contributed decisively to the local economy and feeding of the villagers.

From Osternia begins an old, but quite smooth and marble trail – without steps – that connects them to their epithelium, the Hostel bay. The “marble” road has previously served the trafficking of goods, as the Hostel bay has been a port for many years for many years, but also as a transit center for the abundant Tinian marble trade. If you are still not a hiking lover, you can get off the beach via the asphalt road. Nowadays the Hostel bay is a beloved and popular seaside settlement, which is offered for carefree dives, as it is protected by the Aegean meltemia. To the left of the bay is the small sandy beach of Schinaki, which is the best choice to sink under the tamarisk and to enjoy the endless blue that opens in front of you. This beach is also ideal for families.

Shortly before the sun sets, people are gathered to enjoy the magic spectacle. The purple summer sun sinks into the deep blue of the Aegean, and all the creature is painted in bright and warm colors, just before the sky is filled with the bright constellations. The day turns off, the lights turn on and life in Osternia continues in a very summer and authentic Greek setting. Enjoy your food or a cocktail by the wave, and experience total relaxation. Is there a better way than him to close the day?