Posted by Tilos is a small island (area about 65 square kilometers) in the central Dodecanese. A good half of the 300 inhabitants live in the port town of Livadia. The official main town, however, is Megalo Chorio (“Big Village”) in the interior of the island with about 100 inhabitants. Buses run between these two places and the two most famous beaches, Plaka and Eristos. The inhabitants are very hospitable and enjoy talking to the few tourists who come to their island.
By Chrischerf – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14526087
Tilos has the most beautiful, secluded beaches in the Dodecanese. You can also go hiking on the sparsely populated island. The landscape appears barren. The island has little rain and the soil is not particularly fertile. Tilos is ideal for people looking for a quiet holiday and relaxation. Because the island is somewhat remote, many rare plants and animals are native here. The island is known for finds of elephant bones from a previously unknown species of dwarf elephant. The skeletons of the elephants found in a cave in 1971 are on display in a small museum in Megalo Chorio. A few years ago, a new species of flower was discovered on Tilos. The orchid now has the word Tilos in its name. In recent years, Tilos has made successful efforts to develop ecotourism. Nature-friendly tourism could be the economic and ecological future of the island. Tilos has already received several environmental awards, including an important award for bird protection. There are several rare bird species on and around the island. Agriculture plays a minor role on the island today. Nevertheless, even on Tilos there is a conflict between the interests of farmers and environmentalists.
Where is Tilos the most beautiful?
Tilos is a quiet and natural island known for its beauty and isolation. Here are the most beautiful places on the island:
1.Livadia – The capital and main town of Tilos. Livadia has a pretty harbor, a long sandy beach and a relaxed atmosphere. From here you can explore the interior of the island and enjoy the sea view.
2.Eristos Beach – A spacious sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Eristos is also ideal for windsurfing and offers a quiet, undisturbed environment.
3.Agios Stefanos – A secluded, small beach that is particularly impressive due to its natural beauty and crystal clear water. It is perfect for a quiet bathing experience.
4.Mikro Chorio – An abandoned village in the interior of the island that is overgrown by nature and has a unique charm. Visiting this historic place offers an insight into the history of the island.
5.The Castle of the Knights – An impressive medieval castle on a hill that offers a breathtaking view over the island and the sea.
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Places on Tilos
Livadia: The village around the port of Tilos is now the most important place on the island. All tourists arrive here by ferry and almost all stay here. It is the only place on Tilos with a developed tourist infrastructure such as guesthouses, hotels, taverns, shops and cafes. A great pebble beach several kilometers long is located near the port. Sofias Taverna serves cheap and good Greek food. There is an ATM, a police station, several travel agencies and a post office in Livadia. However, since you should never rely on individual ATMs in Greece, it is better to bring cash with you.
Megalo Chorio: The official capital of the island of Tilos in the north of the island is now far less important than the port of Livadia. Today the town only has about 50 residents. However, it is the more interesting place on the island. The historic houses of Megalo Chorio look a bit dilapidated. But you can also see that the locals are making a lot of effort to rebuild the place. Above the town there is a nice church called Taxiarchis. From there a steep path leads up to a Venetian castle. Also worth seeing are an open-air theater and the elephant caves near Megalo Chorio. The extinct little elephants of Tilos and their fate, which is not yet fully clear, are one of the most interesting stories on Tilos. In the town hall you can see the remains of the ancient animals every day except Sunday until 2 p.m. Many of the finds are also on display in a museum in Athens. Kastro is a good tavern in Megalo Chorio with delicious grilled dishes.
Mikro Chorio: The “small village” is no longer inhabited and is more or less dilapidated. A hike to the interesting “ghost town” is worthwhile (only about 3 km from Livadia).
Eristos Beach: From Livadia, take the road to Megalo Chorio and turn left just before the town (signposted). Eristos is perhaps the most beautiful beach on Tilos (with plenty of tree shade). There are also accommodations and tavernas on Eristos Beach.
Plaka: A beach in the north of Tilos. There is still “wild” camping here and people sleeping on the beach.
Pandelemonas Monastery: The monastery in the northwest of Tilos, dating from the 14th century, is accessible via a bad road. You can of course also walk there. The island bus also sometimes goes to the remote area.
Accommodation Tilos
Cheap accommodation is usually easy to find on Tilos. Many houses in Tilos have been converted into rooms for rent. There are a few smaller hotels and guesthouses in Livadia. If you want a little luxury, you can stay in Livadia at the Hotel Iriri including a swimming pool.
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George’s rooms and small holiday apartments in central Livadia, just 100 meters from the ferry port on the island of Tilos, are a little simpler and cheaper. If you are looking for very quiet accommodation outside of the town of Livadia right on the beach, you could find your holiday happiness in the very popular Faros private room. The accommodation is a good kilometer from the port outside the city. There are also some good accommodations in Megalo Chorio, such as Miliou Rooms. As far as we know, the best overview of bookable hotels and rooms on Tilos can be found on the Booking.com website.
Bus on Tilos
There is only one bus on the island. The island bus connects Levadia with Megalo Chorio more or less frequently depending on the season. It also goes to Eristos beach. The fares are cheap. A timetable is posted in Livadia. There are also a few taxis on the island of Tilos.
Island map
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Tilos is located between the well-known islands with airports, Rhodes and Kos. The small islands around Tilos such as Antitilos (also written Anditilos) and Giraros (Donkey Island) are not inhabited. |
Arrival by ferry and plane
In summer there are ferry connections several times a week to daily, mostly with fast and expensive catamaran ferries, to the neighboring islands such as Rhodes, Kos and Nissiros. Connections to other islands in the Dodecanese such as Patmos and Leros are less common. Tilos can also be reached by ferry several times a week from Piraeus (the port of Athens). These large ships (from Blue Star) also connect Tilos with Kos and Rhodes at a reasonable price, although they usually leave in the middle of the night. Tilos does not have an airport. However, there are many flights from Athens and Germany to Rhodes.
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In Livadia there are a few smaller excursion boats with tours to remote beaches on Tilos, among others.
Tilos Attractions
List of attractions on Tilos. What to see if you are staying on the island for a few days:
Mikro Chorio: An abandoned medieval village a few kilometers from the port, Mikro Chorio was once the main settlement on the island. Today it is a ghost village with stone houses and narrow streets that create an atmospheric and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The village is occasionally used for summer events and there is a bar there in the evenings.
Megalo Chorio: The main village on the island, Megalo Chorio is built on a hill and features traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The village is home to the Archaeological Museum of Tilos, which presents local history, including fossils of dwarf elephants that once lived on the island.
Agios Panteleimon Monastery: Located in the northern part of the island, this monastery is dedicated to the patron saint of Tilos. It is set in lush, green surroundings and offers tranquil views of the surrounding mountains and sea. The monastery’s architecture and frescoes add to its spiritual atmosphere.
Livadia: The main port and largest settlement on Tilos, Livadia is a charming seaside village with a relaxed atmosphere. It has pebble beaches, traditional tavernas and cafes along the waterfront, making it an excellent base for exploring the island.
By U. Clemens – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104639477
Eristos Beach: One of the most popular beaches on Tilos, Eristos is a long sandy beach surrounded by olive groves and hills. It is known for its crystal clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for camping, swimming and sunbathing. The beach is relatively unspoilt and has few facilities.
Plaka Beach: This unique beach is famous for its peacocks that roam freely in the area. The beach itself is pebbly, has clear waters and is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees that provide plenty of shade.
Knight’s Castle (Kastro): Located above Megalo Chorio, this medieval castle was built by the Knights of St. John and offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Although only ruins remain, the site is historically significant and worth a hike.
Hiking trails: Tilos is known for its extensive network of well-marked hiking trails connecting villages, beaches and historical sites. The trails pass through varied landscapes, including rugged hills, forests and coastal paths, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Gera Beach: Gera is a secluded, unspoilt beach on the west coast of Tilos and is mainly accessible by boat or a challenging hike. Its isolation offers a peaceful retreat with pristine waters and natural beauty.
The Elephants of Tilos
Tilos is famous for the discovery of dwarf elephant fossils that provide insight into the island’s prehistoric past. These dwarf elephants, known as Elephas tiliensis, were small, standing about 1.2 meters tall. They lived on the island until about 4,000 years ago, making Tilos one of the last places in Europe where elephants lived before they became extinct.
The fossils were discovered in the 1970s in the Charkadio Cave near Megalo Chorio. The cave is a significant paleontological site with well-preserved bones and remains that prove the existence of dwarf elephants on the island. It is believed that these elephants became smaller due to the island’s limited resources, a phenomenon known as island dwarfism.
The Archaeological Museum of Tilos in Megalo Chorio exhibits some of these fascinating fossils and allows visitors to learn about the island’s prehistoric wildlife and history. The discovery has made Tilos an important site of paleontology in Greece, offering unique insights into prehistoric life in the Mediterranean.
Bird Watching Tilos
Thanks to its rich biodiversity and protected natural environment, Tilos is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The island has been declared a Special Protection Area for Birds under the EU Natura 2000 network, making it one of Greece’s top birdwatching destinations. Here are some notable bird species found on Tilos:
Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae): This species is one of the island’s highlights, as Tilos is home to a significant population of these rare falcons. They breed on the island’s cliffs and rocky shores during the summer and feed on migratory birds.
Bonelli’s Eagle (Aquila fasciata): This majestic bird of prey can be seen soaring over the hills and mountains of the island. It is a rare species in Europe and Tilos provides an important habitat for its nesting and hunting opportunities.
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus): The population of griffon vultures on Tilos is one of the most significant in Greece. These large scavengers are often seen gliding over the island’s rugged landscape, searching for carrion.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus): Another bird of prey that inhabits the island is the peregrine falcon, which can be seen in the skies above Tilos hunting smaller birds.
Scops Owl (Otus scops): This small species of owl is common on Tilos and its calls can often be heard at night. It prefers wooded areas and olive groves for nesting.
Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius): This bird is often found on rocky slopes and coastal cliffs around the island. Males are easily identified by their bluish plumage.
Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea): A seabird that nests on the cliffs and small islets around Tilos. These birds can often be seen gliding over the sea, especially at dawn and dusk.
Shags (Phalacrocorax aristotelis): The rocky coast provides a good habitat for these black cormorants. They are often seen diving for fish or perching on rocks near the shore.
Various migratory birds: Due to its location on migration routes, Tilos attracts a variety of migratory bird species during spring and autumn. Birds such as warblers, swallows and bee-eaters pass through the island during their seasonal migrations.
Hiking Tilos
Tilos is a wonderful destination for hiking enthusiasts as the island offers a network of well-marked trails that lead through its varied landscape. Here are some of the best hikes on Tilos:
1.Mikro Chorio – Livadia: An easy hike that connects the abandoned village of Mikro Chorio to the port town of Livadia in around 30 minutes. The route follows an old stone path and offers great views of the sea and the surrounding hills. In the evening, it is worth visiting the bar in Mikro Chorio, which is open during the summer months.
2.Megalo Chorio – Charkadio Cave: This trail takes you from Megalo Chorio to the famous Charkadio Cave, where the dwarf elephant fossils were found. The hiking trail is easy and takes around an hour. The route runs through beautiful countryside with olive trees and offers an insight into the geological history of the island.
3.Livadia – Agios Panteleimonas Monastery: A slightly more challenging hike leads from the port of Livadia to the Agios Panteleimonas Monastery in the north of the island. The trail takes around 2-3 hours and passes through mountainous areas, offering stunning views of the coast and ending at the picturesque monastery, which is located in a green oasis.
4..Megalo Chorio – Eristos Beach: This hike leads from Megalo Chorio down to Eristos Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. The trail takes around an hour and offers a mix of nature and traditional farming. Once at the beach, you can take a refreshing dip in the sea.
5.Tholos Beach: The trail to the remote Tholos Beach is suitable for adventurous hikers. The route passes through rugged, mountainous terrain and offers spectacular views of the sea. The beach is secluded and natural, so you can enjoy absolute peace and quiet there. The hike takes around 1.5 hours each way.
6.Megalo Chorio – Agios Antonios: A delightful walk that starts in Megalo Chorio and leads to Agios Antonios Bay. The walk takes around 45 minutes and offers fantastic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Agios Antonios is a charming little fishing village with a picturesque chapel and a quiet beach.
7.Kastro (Castle of Tilos): The walk to the medieval Kastro above Megalo Chorio is short but steep. The climb takes around 30 minutes, but the view from the castle of the entire island and the Aegean Sea is worth the effort. The ruins offer an interesting insight into the history of Tilos.
8.Circular walk around the island: For experienced hikers, there is the option of walking around the island in several days on the various hiking trails. This does require good fitness and planning, however, as some of the remote areas do not offer easy access to water or accommodation.
The hiking routes on Tilos offer a great opportunity to explore the wild and unspoiled nature of the island and they are mostly well signposted. Especially in spring and autumn, the conditions for hiking are ideal as the weather is pleasant and the island is in full bloom.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum in Megalo Chorio, Tilos, showcases the island’s rich history and significant archaeological finds. Located in the island’s main village, the museum offers insights into Tilos’ ancient past and cultural heritage.
The main highlights of the museum include:
Pygmy Elephant Fossils: One of the main attractions is the display of fossils of the pygmy elephants (Elephas tiliensis) that once lived on the island. These small elephants, measuring about 1.2 meters tall, existed on Tilos until about 4,000 years ago. The fossils were discovered in Charkadio Cave, a significant paleontological site near the village.
Ancient artifacts: The museum also displays a variety of artifacts from different periods, including pottery, tools and other items that reflect the island’s history from the Neolithic period through to the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
Byzantine and Medieval Exhibits: In addition to ancient artifacts, there are exhibits on the Byzantine and Medieval history of Tilos, including items from local churches and fortresses.
Other exhibits: The museum provides detailed information on the island’s history, geological background and archaeological discoveries, providing a good understanding of Tilos’ cultural and natural heritage.
The Archaeological Museum in Megalo Chorio serves as an important cultural hub, connecting visitors to the island’s unique past and its importance in the region.
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