By Scott Shephard

When you hear the phrase “Greek Islands,” Mykonos or Santorini might come to mind. Tinos, where we are now, is not one most would think of. I can’t honestly say that I had ever heard of it and yet it is a stone’s throw from Mykonos. It is certainly not a cruiser’s typical stop - there are a handful of sailors docked here.

Kostos, our captain, had arranged a rental car for us when we arrived in port and so we spent 3 hours exploring the back roads of Tinos. The roads are narrow, twisting and fascinating - especially if you aren’t driving.

I took several drone photos of hillside towns and rocky, sloped terrain but this is one of my favorites. The subject - an Orthodox church in honor of a saint named Athanasios - is interesting. But the broader landscape, including the stark contrast between the October hues of the land and the brilliant blue sky and Aegean, is a perfect subject.

The wind was particularly fierce yesterday and my little drone, which weighs less than an iPhone, struggled. But it got the job done.

I should mention that I don’t know who Saint Athansios is and that while this subject is photogenic, there are many more on this island. I’m told that there are 700 churches and monasteries on the little island of Tinos.

DJI Minie 3 Pro 5 frame HDR