Tinos is an island with long history. It is named after its first settler Tinos.
Idrousa is another name forTinos, due to the waters she had and Ofiousa because of the many snakes.
The island is inhabited since prehistoric times. As first settlers are reported Finics or Pelasgi and later Ions.
There have been found mikinaic graves in the island and many items from the neolithic Age.

During the 6th century Tinos was subjected to Eretria.
In the 5th century Chora (town) was transferred from the inner country to its today location. It was the period that the island flourished the most.

In the 3rd century BC Tinos kept the leading role in Aegean Sea. Trade was developed, it was the main naval force and had exchanges with the rest of Cyclades islands. It was an important religious center, comparable to that of Dilos. Poseidon's' worship was prevalent in Aegean Sea and Tinos, with the glorious temple of Apollo and Amfitriti, was considered a powerful religious center. The ancient coins found show Poseidon. During the 2nd BC Tinos is under the Roman domination.

Up until 1204 the historic information about Tinos have nothing important to show but catastrophes and pillages from Arabs and Saracen pirates.
1204 is the year that Tinos, as all Cyclades islands are under the domination of Enetics.
In 1207 Tinos is given to Gizi brothers whose dynasty lasts until 1390.
The Enetic domination lasted 500 years. Until 1715 Tinos was the only Christian community in the Aegean Sea. Even when the Turkish dominated Tinos, the island kept some privileges.

Tinos offered big help in the Revolution of 1821. When in January 1823 the icon of Evagelismos was found, it was considered as a god sent sign for the good outcome of it. The fighters worshiped the icon. Kolokotronis, Kanaris and Miaoulis are some that went to take Panagia's blessing. Tinos incorporated to the newly hellenic union in 1832 with Cyclades islands.

In August 1940, Tinos is in the front once again, when an Italian submarine torpedoed the cruiser "Elli". During the years of possession people suffered from hunger. In Tinos functioned one of the biggest information centers of Aegean Sea. Germans had a lot of catastrophes from the radio operator of Tinos.

. The last couple of years Tinos has great tourist development. It is considered the biggest religious center in Greece as thousands of believers visit the thaumaturge icon of Panagia all year around.