Tilos

Tilos is a small island in the central Dodecanes. It has an area of 65 km². Only 300 people live on Tilos, at least half of them in the seaport Livadia. The local capitol is Megalo Chorio (big village). That’s a bit of a surprise since only 100 people live there and it pretty much is situated in the middle of nowhere. Both villages are connected by frequent busses. The two most beautiful beaches are Plaka and Eristos. Both you reach by bus.

The locals are extremely hospitable and are always up for a chat with visitors on their island.

Tilos is well known for it's not only beautiful but also lonesome beaches. Another popular thing to do is hiking. The island appears rather barren but in fact has quite a few springs. Despite the little rain the island is potentially fertile. Pay attention while you hike through the countryside and you will see quite a few rare plants and animals. Conditions are ideal. They are more or less undisturbed simply because there are so few people living on the island. If you like it quite Tilos is one of the places to be.

Among paleontologists Tilos became famous in 1971 when bones of an until then unknown subspecies of the dwarf elephant were discovered in a cave. They only reached a height of about 1.50 meters. I imagine them being quite cute like a baby elephant. The bones are now on display in the museum in Megalo Chorio.

Finding a cheap place to stay on Tilos is easy enough. Most of the houses during summer turn into guesthouses. There are also a few small hotels and pensions. Restaurants are everywhere.

Ferries to and from Tilos: The speed boat "Sea star" connects Tilos to Nisyros and Rhodes. Not everday but frequently the ferry from Piraeus stops here as well. There is no airport on Tilos but Rhodes with its busy international airport is not that far away.

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