Tilos

Tilos lies just west of Rhodes and it is a little gem in the Greek archipelago. Life on the island is quiet, here live only about 500 people, many working in agriculture, but more and more get their income from tourism. The island is suitable for those who like peace and quiet, uncrowded beaches, lovely walks and beautiful scenery. Somehow, Tilos has managed to retain much of its authentic charm despite increased tourism; which is particularly noticeable in the tavernas which often serves great Greek food and that the Greek life still has the upper hand. Go here before it's too late!

Tilos is also a small paradise for bird watchers due to the municipality in 1987 banned all forms of hunting. More than 100 different species have been seen on Tilos. Among the breeding species include Bonelli's eagle and Eleonora Falk.

Getting here
The easiest way is to go by air to Rhodes and then continue with ferry or catamaran to Tilos. Another option is to fly to Athens and go to the port of Piraeus and from there continue with ferry to Tilos.

Getting around
Distances are short, there are few roads and traffic is lowly. There are bus service from Livadia to Megalo Chorio, Agios Antonis and Eristos. Car and moped rental agency are available in Livadia. Bathing boat to some of the unapproachable beaches starts out from the port of Livadia.

Livadia.

Eristos beach.

Villages
Livadia and Megalo Chorio are the only inhabited villages on Tilos. There is also an uninhabited village called Micro Chorio. Tilos capital, Megalo Chorio, is a small sleepy village beautifully situated at the foot of a mountain in an olive tree-filled valley. At the top of the mountain an ancient castle (Kastro) enthrone and reminiscent of olden days. From the main street, small alleys winds through the village. Most of the village is free from motor vehicles and it is a pleasure to wander around aimlessly.

Livadia (see photo on top) is Tilos second village and also the main tourist resort and port. The small village is located in a tremendous and beautiful wide bay. The inward voyage to the port is appealing: to the left you see a moon-like and treeless mountain, straight ahead a long pebble beach stretches out, and to the right the little white village getting closer and closer. Fishing boats crowd together with sailboats in the renovated port. It is around the port and on the pedestrian promenade that the life circles: here are hotels and pensions; tavernas, ouzerias and cafes; a bakery, a couple of car and moped rental companies, travel agencies and several shops. Under a couple of large trees, above the port, is the unusually pleasant ouzeria Omonia. Do not miss!

Beaches
The beaches on Tilos are of good quality. Almost all are pebble beaches; some are mixed with sand and gravel. The most popular beaches are Livadia, Lethra and Eristos which you can read more about below. Other beaches are Skafi, Agios Antonios, Plaka and Tholos.

Megalo Chorio.

Lethra is my personal favourite beach on Tilos. Not just for the sake of the beach, the surroundings and the beautiful walk there do also play an important role. The beach is long and narrow and is covered with shingle and pebbles, at some places mixed with sand and gravel. On the far right are some small caves which give much-needed shade. Tilos has no official nudist beach, but Lethra is as close as you can get to it, even if just as many prefer to keep the clothes on. Tilos longest beach is Eristos and in recent years it has become a small tourist resort. The beach consists of coarse-grained sand mixed with pebbles, and is considered by many as the island's best. Plenty of shade from tamarisk trees. About 100 meters before arriving to the beach lies the rustic taverna Tropicana, which serves good homemade food in a genuine and peaceful environment.

Sights
For me, Tilos is an attraction in itself. Somehow you do not need anything more. Perhaps it is not so strange because I think that Tilos is the third-best island in Greece, after Amorgos and Crete. It is also one of the best hiking islands in Greece. I think. My favourite walk is to the uninhabited village of Gehra. And there are more attractions. Micro Chorio is a must. Like the monastery of Agios Pandeleímonas; not at least for the stunning journey there. Something you absolutely should not miss is the little elephant museum in Megalo Chorio. In 1971, Greek archaeologists discovered bones from a long-extinct race of miniature elephants in a cave located almost in the centre of the island. The elephant cave is not much to see, but a visit to the elephant museum in Megalo Chorio you should not miss.

Accommodation
There are quite a lot of hotels and pensions on Tilos; much is booked by tour operators, so if you arrive in high season it is best to call ahead to make a reservation. Other times of the year, it is however no problem to find a place to stay. My favourit place is Annas Studios.

Lethra beach.

MORE ABOUT TILOS
Geographical location »
Map of Tilos »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Nisyros - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

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