Volax

Volax (Greek: Βώλαξ) or Volakas is a small village on the island of Tinos, in the Cyclades, Greece. The population was 51 at the 2011 census.¹

It was established in the 14th century or earlier.² It lies on a small plateau in the centre of Tinos at an average altitude of 284m above sea level. It rests in a gorge that looks as if it has been pelted with boulders: large, almost perfectly spherical grey rocks dot the plateau and slopes around the village, giving the whole landscape a lunar appearance. Many houses are built above these rocks and near each other according to the rules of traditional Cycladic architecture. It has traditionally been a home of basket weavers.

Among the oldest villages of the island, Volax was officially registered under the name Volacus in the 1618 state documents of the former Venice administration.³ Today it is a tourist destination. In the Easter period athletes from all over the world gather to exercise in the rocks (bouldering).⁴ In the spring also, it is a destination for many paintball sport teams.

The village has a small folklore museum, which opens during the summer period, and a 380-seat amphitheatre where many musical and theatrical performances take place. Volax celebrates twice a year: 1) in Easter time when a local festival takes place in the nearby chapel of "Panagia Kalaman" and 2) on 8 September when the village praises and honors the Blessed Virgin Mary’s birth.