Apergi

Apergi Pharmacy — known locally as Φαρμακείο Απέργη — has been operating on Tinos for 50 years, making it one of the most established health services on the island. The main branch sits on Trion Ierarchon 2 in Tinos Town (Chora), a short walk from the port and the pilgrimage route leading up to the Church of Panagia Evangelistria. With three locations spread across the island, Apergi covers a wider geographic range than most single-outlet pharmacies, which is practically useful on an island where the nearest alternative can be several kilometres away.

The Tinos Town branch is the one most visitors will use. It stocks prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, suncare products, cosmetics, skincare, and baby and infant care items. Whether you need a prescription filled after seeing a local doctor, want a quality SPF for the Aegean sun, or have forgotten a toiletry at home, this is the reliable first stop in Chora.

What to Expect

The Tinos Town branch of Apergi is a full-service pharmacy, not a minimarket stocking a few paracetamol strips. Staff handle prescription dispensing alongside a broad selection of branded health and beauty products. The cosmetics range covers makeup and face creams; the suncare section is well-stocked — important given the strength of the Greek summer sun, which can catch visitors off guard even in spring or September. Baby and infant care products, including hypoallergenic options, are also part of the regular inventory.

Apergi operates two additional branches further inland — one in Steni and one in Komi — both of which run slightly different hours to the Chora location. This network means that if you are staying in one of Tinos's hill villages rather than in Chora, you are not necessarily reliant on the main branch.

The pharmacy has a Google rating of 4.1 from 45 reviews, reflecting generally positive experiences from both locals and visitors. Staff communicate in Greek; English is widely understood at pharmacies in tourist-facing towns like Tinos Chora, though this cannot be guaranteed at all times.

Ordering flexibility is mentioned on the pharmacy's own website, suggesting that product availability can sometimes be arranged in advance — worth knowing if you need a specific branded medication or specialist item.

How to Get There

The Tinos Town branch is at Trion Ierarchon 2, Tinos 842 00. From the main ferry port in Chora, walk north along the waterfront and then inland — the pharmacy is within a few minutes on foot from the harbour. The address places it in the lower part of town, away from the steepest sections of the pilgrimage street.

If you are arriving by car from elsewhere on the island, parking near the Chora waterfront can be limited in July and August, particularly during peak pilgrimage periods around 15 August. Arriving early in the day reduces the difficulty. There is no dedicated parking for pharmacy customers.

Bus services from various villages on Tinos terminate in Chora, so visitors staying in Pyrgos, Panormos, or other inland settlements can reach the main branch without a car. Check the KTEL Tinos schedule for current routes and times.

Best Time to Visit

The pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed on Sundays. If you need something urgently on a Sunday, check with your accommodation about the island's on-duty pharmacy rotation (εφημερεύον φαρμακείο), which Greek law requires to be posted publicly.

For practical errands, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be the least crowded time. During the Feast of the Assumption on 15 August, Tinos Town is extremely busy and queues at any service in Chora can be longer than usual — stock up on anything you need a day or two before if possible.

The branch hours listed on Google (8:00 AM – 9:00 PM weekdays) differ slightly from the hours published on the pharmacy's own website, which lists a split-shift schedule for the Chora branch. It is worth calling ahead — +30 2283 022213 — or checking the website before a special trip, especially outside peak summer.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead for specific medications. If you need a branded prescription drug or a specialist product, phone +30 2283 022213 before visiting to confirm stock. Island pharmacies do not always carry every European formulation.
• Bring your prescription. Greek pharmacies require a valid prescription for prescription-only medications. If you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), carry it — it can affect the cost of some dispensed items.
• Note the Sunday closure. The Tinos Town branch does not open on Sundays. Check the on-duty pharmacy rotation posted at the door or ask at your hotel if you need emergency supplies.
• Stock up on suncare early. Prices for sunscreen tend to be higher at beach kiosks and hotel boutiques than at a pharmacy. Apergi's suncare range is a practical and cost-effective alternative.
• Baby products are stocked. Families travelling with infants can find hypoallergenic baby care products here, which are harder to source at general supermarkets on the island.
• Cross-check opening hours. The hours on Google and those on the pharmacy's own website show some variation. If your visit falls outside the clearly agreed core hours (8:00–14:00), a quick call is advisable.
• Use the email for non-urgent queries. The pharmacy lists [email protected] for contact — useful for pre-trip questions about product availability if you prefer written communication.
• Other branches for inland stays. If you are based near Steni or Komi, the branch closest to you runs its own schedule; check the website for those hours before making the drive to Chora.

Practical Information

Address: Trion Ierarchon 2, Tinos 842 00, Greece

Phone: +30 2283 022213

Email: [email protected]

Website: apergispharmacy.gr

Opening Hours (Tinos Town branch — Google-listed):

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Note: The pharmacy's own website lists a split-shift schedule for the Chora branch (morning only on some days). Verify directly before visiting outside core morning hours.

Other branches: Steni and Komi — hours differ; see the website for details.

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