The island of Tilos is part of the Greek Dodecanese islands and it is situated 65 kilometer north west of the larger island of Rhodes, in between Kos and Rhodes. The island measures 63 km2 and has about 500 inhabitants. Even during high season the island of Tilos remains a relatively sleepy and quiet place with several castles on its hills, fertile and green valleys and empty beaches on the shores. First impressions on arrival on Tilos can be deceiving though and the island might appear to be uninteresting, or lacking some of the instant "glamour" that you can find on other nearby islands (Symi for instance or Rhodes). Making a less spectacular first impression also means less people get off the ferry and this results in a more quiet island.
The people of the island Tilos live mainly in the two settlements on the island, the port of Livadia and the small capital Megalo Chorio, which are connected to eachother by a road. Livadia is the more lively of the two villages. Here the ferries make a stop and it is the place where you will find most of the accommodation. Livadia still retains the feeling of being a small island village though. There is a central square, there are a couple of tavernas in the harbour and just a few shops. There is also a village beach that consists of rather large pebbles. Most of the (mostly new) hotels and apartment buildings are just behind the old waterfront.
The village of Megalo Chorio is only a small affair. It is set on the foot of a hill and many of the houses are abandoned. It was built around an old castle that is set on the top of the hill above the current village. Parts of the walls and the gateway are still reasonably intact and there is also an interesting small church with wallpaintings on this site. The inhabitants of Tilos moved to this place to feel safe from frequent pirate attacks. In time most of the people moved down the hill away from te castle to the lower plain where the village is situated now, leaving the old houses on the mountain to turn into ruins. There are a couple of tavernas and one or two shops in the village, but it is actually quite small. The houses in Megalo Chorio are painted white and parts of an ancient wall can be seen. The Church of the Archangel Taxiarchis that dates from the 19th century is worth a visit. The cemetary of the village was the place of an ancient burial ground and you can see tombs and stones with relief here . Antique jewelry, a bronze statue and grave offerings have been found that are now on display in the Museum of Rhodes.
There are a few other small villages on Tilos, such as Agios Andonios (a few houses, a windmill and a beach), Eristos and and Micro Chorio (a village that was completely abandoned in the fifties). In Eristos are some rooms for rent and there are a few taverna's. Here you will find the best beach of the island with gray sand and a bit of pebbles. Naturism is allowed on this beach and there are also some trees for shade. The main road on Tilos leading from Livadia to Megalo Chorio is good and there is a bus service between the two villages (more frequent in high season). It runs through very fertile valleys with old trees, bushes and flowers and the bus also makes a stop at the beaches of Eristos and Agios Andonios. The island of Tilos is well known for its honey.
I have made a small map of the main village of the island, the port of Livadia, showing where the most important amenities are.
Unspoilt and quiet, the island is not scattered with buildings yet and is is excellent for walks - More remote beaches that can be reached on foot of by boat and where there is also room for naturists - Liberal and friendly inhabitants (the only place in Greece where gay people can get married) - Cheap compared to neighbouring islands Rhodes and Kos - The island is pretty green and fertile.
The main sightseeing destination on Tilos island is the fortified Monastery of Agios Panteleimon (pretty on the outside but also wit beaustiful paintings and decorations on the inside). This monastery dates from 1470 - 1480 and is built on a hill on the north west side of the island of Tilos. There is a very unfrequent bus service to this monastery (only a couple of times a week during high season). The monastery is set in a green surrounding with large old chesnut trees, cyprusses and oak trees that are hundreds of years old. The monastery has been restored several times and it comes with a tower. Probably parts of the Agios Panteleimon monastery have been build with stones from an old temple that used to stand at this place.
The castle above the village of Megalo Chorio is another sight that is worth a visit. The path upstairs is steep and sometimes it is not immediately obvious which way you have to walk. The walk up the hill takes about 45 minutes. Some parts of the castle are in ruin but the views from here are spectacular looking over the island of Tilos all the way to the neighbouring vulcanic island of Nysiros (which looks really like a vulcano from this viewpoint). The castle was built by the Knights of Saint John and until the 18th century it housed the entire population of the village of Megalo Chorio within its walls. 2,5 Kilometers west of Megalo Chorio is another touristic attraction of the island of Tilos. Here you can take a look at the Agios Andonios Monastery.
The town hall at Megalo Chorio houses a small Museum with the fossilized bones of the Dwarf Elephant that used to live on the island from about 50.000 years ago and spend its summers here. These dwarf elephants lived on the island until about 4000 BC and their bones were discovered in the seventies of the last century in the cave of Harkadio. In this cave also neolithic ceramics and tools made of stone have been found, just as deer bones from a much older date than the bones of the elephants (about 140.000 BC). You can visit the Museum in Megalo Chorio every day from 9.00 to 14.00 o'clock. On sundays the museum is closed. Remains of the dwarf elephant have also been found on several other islands like for instance Crete, Cyprus and Malta.
Tilos is an ideal island for walkers, and if you explore the island on foot you will see the many small castles, including one in Micro Chorio which is worth taking a look at. It is called the fortress of Misaria and it dates from medieval times. It was founded in 1366 by the Knights of Saint John and is situated above the Harkadio cave. Mikro Chorio was once one of the only two villages on the island of Tilos. People didn't build their houses on the coast in fear of pirate attacks. Nowadays the village of Micro Chorio is abandoned and most of the houses you will see are fallen apart and have become ru�ns. The only buildings that are still in one piece are of course the churches of Mikro Chorio. The village is situated at three kilometers distance of Livadia.
The main beach of the island of Tilos is the town beach of Livadia. It is a clean pebble beach beach where there are facilities and you can rent parasols and sunbeds. Since the beach is in the village there are tavernas where you can get a drink or something to eat and there is a choice in accommodation. The beach is long and narrow and even in high season it does not get overcrowded.
Eristos Beach is the most famous beach of the island of Tilos. It is a 1200 meter long sandy beach where naturism is also allowed. The beach is covered with trees and it is concidered to be the best of the island. Busses that run between Livadia and Megalo Chorio will make a stop here. Slowly Eristos beach is becoming more touristic and a new hotel and an apartment complex have been built here, offering parasols and sunbeds as well. Most of the beach is still unspoilt and quiet though. Probably the best option for naturists.
2 Kilometers east of Megalo Chorio are the smalle settlement and the nice beach of Agios Andonios (or sometimes also called Agios Antonios) which is named after a chapel that can be found here. The Chapel of Agios Antonios had frescoes that were all but one destroyed by the Germans during World War II. At Agios Antonios Beach you can see also see the petrified remains of human skeletons. It is believed that they were sailors that were caught in the Nisyros island vulcanic eruption of six hundred Before Christ.
Lethra Beach is situated at a 45 to 60 minutes walking distance of Livadia on the north east side of the island. After about five minutes after leaving Livadia there is a walking path on right side of the road that climbs over a hill and than leads you down along te coastline. Lethra Beach is a pebble beach and if not too crowded (usually out of high season) this is also a place for the naturists.
Agios Sergios Beach is situated in the south of the island and can be reached on foot and sometimes there is a trip by traditional fishing boat from the harbour of Livadia. Agios Sergios is a quiet beach that is set in a cove and surrounded by high mountains.
Plaka Beach in the north of the island of Tilos is quiet and unspoilt with the exeption of the month of August. The far end of the beach is a naturist area (there is a sign "no nudism" but nobody seems to care). The beach can be reached on foot from Agios Andonios.
There are many other small beaches which are accessible only on foot like for instance Red Beach, Skafi Beach, Tholos Beach and Stavros Beach. You can get details and a map for the walking routes at the Little Island office in the harbour of Livadia. These beaches are a good option for people that are looking for a beach that is quiet and peaceful, and also sometimes it will be an opportunity to jump into the sea without your textiles because often you will find yourself alone on these more isolated beaches.
Fragments of pottery and stone tools that were found in the Harkadio Cave near Micro Chorio indicate that the island of Tilos was already inhabited in the Neolithic period (8000-7000 BC). The bones of the dwarf elephants that were found in the same cave date from 7000-4000 BC, so it is assumed that mankind and dwarf elephants co-existed on the island and the elephants could have been a prey. In later Bronze Age Tilos was successively dominated by the Minoans, the Mycenaeans and the Dorians. In the Antique period the island flourished and it was famous for its clothing and perfumes. During this period the island also had its own coins. In the 5th century BC Tilos became a member of the Delian League and the island was independant until the end of the Peloponnesian War. After this the island was subject to different rulers, amongst which the Egyptians, until in 200 BC the island was incorporated into the Rhodian Confederacy. In 43 BC Tilos was occupied by the Romans and under its rule the island prospered until a large earthquake in 512 AD. After the Roman period followed the Byzantine Period.
The Knights of St John ruled Tilos from 1309 AD and they strenghtened the existing Byzantine fortresses and built new ones. In 1470 AD the island fell into the hands of the Ottoman Turks. This occupation lasted until 1912 AD. In 1912 the island became part of Italy. In 1943 the island was invaded by the Germans until in 1948 it was finally united again with the rest of Greece, like all the other islands in the Dodecanese. In the summer of 2008 the island became very populair when the socialist mayor of Tilos island, Anastassios Aliferis, permitted gay marriages to take place on the island.
Because of the low level of tourism Tilos has a limited offer in accommodation. Most of these accommodations are pretty basic and consists of rooms and self catering studios and apartments. The bulk of the accommodations can be found in the harbour of Livadia, but there are also some in Megalo Chorio and on Eristos Beach. On arrival by ferry there are usually people waiting to offer the passengers that get of the boat a room. There is also an information desk in the harbour where they can help you find a room. If however you want to book something special or if you want to book in high season it is always wise to book something ahead.
Located a few metres from Livadia Beach in Tilos, Stefanakis offers spacious, fully equipped villas with free Wi-Fi and sun terrace overlooking the Aegean Sea and the garden. Guests are offered free car rental throughout their stay. A fully equipped kitchen with a stove, microwave and dining area is included in all the units at the Stefanakis Villas. Each has a seating area with sofa, work desk with computer and flat-screen TV with cable channels. A welcome pack with local products is offered to guests on arrival. Guests will find bars and restaurants within 100 metres. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided in the garden. A fitness centre is available on site as well as a library. Megalo Chorio is 7km away. The museum of the dwarf elephants is at a distance of 100 metres. Tilos Port is within 600 metres. Free private parking is possible on site.
Check availabilities and prices & book Stefanakis Villas on Tilos - click here.
The newly built Elli Bay Hotel enjoys a sea-side location, very close to the main port of the island of Tilos. The modern furnished apartments feature balcony with view to the sea. Each unit is equipped with multi cooker, fridge, air condition, TV and free wireless internet access. The location of Elli Bay Hotel provides guests with direct access to the sea. A mini market is located nearby and two restaurants are right next to the Elli Bay Hotel.
All rooms have view in the sea and they can host up to 4 persons each (apartment with 2 rooms). Breakfast is possible at 5 euro extra pp (2010).
Check availabilities and prices & book Ellibay Hotel Apartments - click here.
Sea View Hotel in Livadia on Tilos Island offers natural beauty and rooms with sea views. The beach is 150 m away. Wi-Fi is free. Rooms At Sea View Hotel are well equipped with a balcony and satellite TV. For convenience, there is a fridge and hairdryer. All rooms are air conditioned. Buffet breakfast is served each morning in Sea View's restaurant. Choose from a range of Greek specialities for dinner. The port, with boats to neighbouring islands, is a short walk away.
Check availabilities and prices & book the Sea View Hotel - click here.
Check availabilities and prices & book a hotel on Tilos - click here.
The Olympus Apartments complex consists of 12 apartments with a combined view of the mountain and the sea. They are separated into 3 separate buildings with big balconies in the front and in the back and they are comfortable and practical. There are 2 types of apartments available: on the ground floor there are apartments that are suitable for up to 4 people and on the ground floor are the classic appartments that are suitable for 2 persons. The apartments are built in a traditional style and architecture with build in beds The apartments have a bath with shower (includes hair dryer) and the kitchens are fully equiped with cooker and other facilities such as bread toaster and kettle. Olympus Apartments are centrally located in a quiet part of Livadia, 50 meters from the bus stop and 150 meters from the beach.
Send an e-mail to Olympus Apartments on Tilos and ask for availability and a quote for the price.
This accommodation consists of 16 apartments and is situated in a unique position right at the sea in 3 seperate buildings. The apartments have quality equipment and are built to high specifications of luxury and comfort. The rooms are bright and clear, letting in lots of sun and air. The Livadia Beach Apartments are big, spacious and practical and have balconies or a garden in the front and in the back. There are two types of apartments: on the ground floor there are suites for 2-4 persons (56 square meters) and on the 1st floor there are classic apartments for 2 persons (38 and 28 square meters). In The Reception area there is also an internet service for internet browsing and reading your e-mail in order to offer the best service to our customers. All the apartments have a view to the sea. In the area of the hotel there is a snack bar where our customers can enjoy snacks, drinks or refreshments.
Send an e-mail to Livadia Beach Apartments on Tilos and ask for availability and a quote for the price.
The Panorama Apartments complex consists 4 apartments with panoramic view. They are built in traditional Greek style and architecture with built in beds. They each have a private exterior space (garden). The surrounding space is green and beautiful. They are placed on a hill overlooking the village of Livadia. The Panorama Apartments have two rooms and are comfortable, spacious and practical. The kitchens are fully equipped with cooker. Each apartment has a small livingroom (lounge), a bath with shower, a separate bedroom, a fan and other comforts. The apartments are situated at 100 metres from the bus stop, 150 meters from the harbour and 300 metres from the beach.
Send an e-mail to Panorama Apartments on Tilos and ask for availability and a quote for the price.
Apollo Studios is A class category accommodation located in Livadia, the main port of Tilos. Our studios are situated 50 meters from the harbour and 50 meters from the beach. Our studios consist of 1 room furnished in a modern style with a separate bathroom and can sleep 2-4 persons. We aim to give you everything to make your stay at Apollo Studios comfortable and your holidays in Tilos memorable.
Send an e-mail to Apollo Studios on Tilos and ask for availability and a quote for the price.
Cafe Croma in Livadia serves breakfasts in the morning and evening meals including chicken curry night every friday. They have a large range of beers, ciders, wines and spirits including scottish malts and speciality cocktails. All customers can also take advantage of the free wi-fi facility in the bar with unlimited use. The bar is run by Rob and Annie who one day packed their bags and exchanged their lives in the rain of Manchester in the United Kingdom for a sunnier existance in the sun on their favorite Greek island: Tilos.
Robs' local information: "We have had the bar for two full seasons going into our third in 2009. There are 3 vehicle rental agencies mopeds and cars, two main villages, Livadia which is the port and easily the most busy and Megalo Horio the capital very traditional whitewashed village built into the side of a mountain and the islands capital with the town hall etc. There are approximately 45 places to eat and drink, mostly offering traditional greek fayre, in my opinion of a pretty good standard and not an expensive island compared to its' larger neighbours Rhodes and Kos. In between the two villages is a village abandoned some 50 years ago which hosts a spectacularly atmospheric all night bar between june and september, it truly is beautiful up there and is open between 11pm and 5am.
There are over a dozen beaches some only accessible by boat and most involve a walk, they are a mixture of sand and stone. Public transport involves a regular bus servicing all parts of the island for 1 euro (2009) and Nikos the friendly taxi but only before midnight, yes there is only 1 taxi. People who do find Tilos come back year after year and are a little protective about their "little secret". We on the other hand want the whole world to come here and have a beer or gin & tonic (the best on the island by he way) with us!"
The Seastar is the local fast ferry from Rhodes to Tilos. The trip takes about one and a half hour. Other ferries call upon the island, amongst which the well known Blue Star Lines. Tilos has ferry connections with Symi, Rhodes, Halki, Nysiros, Kos, Kalymnos and several other islands. ANES-Symi Lines (see picture on the left) makes the route Rhodes - Symi - Tilos - Nysiros - Kos and then the same route back. This ferry is a small car ferry. Blue Star Ferries (see picture on the right) makes the route Rhodes - Tilos - Nysiros - Kos - Kalymnos - Astypalea - Piraeus (Athens) and back.
Note: schedules of ferries can change depending on the season and they vary from year to year, so always check. If you check and cannot find any schedules on than you are probably too early and the timetables haven't been approved yet. Please try again later in the season. Sometimes the owner of the hotel you booked knows best and you can ask him / her.
If you want to visit Tilos and stay there your entire vacation or a portion of it, it is the easiest to fly on Rhodes or Kos. It would also enable a combination of a number of days on one of these islands and Tilos. Another option is to fly to Athens and then hop on the ferry in Piraeus, but that trip takes of course much longer.
The number of cars for rent that are offered on the island of Tilos is limited and consists primarily of the smaller models Hyundai and Fiat. There are only a few car hire companies so perhaps it is not a bad plan to rent a car in advance if you really only want to explore the island by car and don't want to do this by bus or taxi, or if you just like the luxury. It is an option for people who do not like walking, but the number of miles of road on Tilos that you can drive with a car is limited though. It is however the easiest way of transport. Here are a few addresses of car rental companies:
Stefanakis Travel Service in the port of Livadia has a small number of cars for remt in which you can explore the island of Tilos. Tel: +30 22460-44360 & 44310 Fax: +30 22460-44315. In 2009, this Travel Agency has 4 four Fiat Panda cars with air conditioning.
The Iris Rent a Car also has a number of cars for rent but unfortunately I found no telephone number on which they could be reached.
Rent a Moto Manos rents scooters, city bikes and mountain bikes. Telephone 0030 22460 44294, fax number 0030 22460 44184.
Drive Rent a Car in Livadia Tel 0030 22460 44173. The owner of the company is called Kyriakos Sakellaris and you can directly reach him on this phone number. This car rental is recommended by Eden Villa and they can also book a car for you if you like.
The same Kyriakos Sakellaris also has a twelve meter long boat with a glass bottom that regularly makes tours around the island of Tilos. The phone number is the same 0030 22460 44173. 40 Meters from the shore at Livadia, for example, lies a ship wreck.
Captain Stelios in Livadia offers boat tours and BBQ in Tilos and sails with his traditional wooden kaik along the coast of the island to beaches that are only accessible by boat. There is a choice between half day trips or whole day trips which include a BBQ.
Since 2004 there is a branch of the Greek Dodecanese Bank on the island of Tilos with opening hours between 8.30 and 13.30, and there is also an ATM machine where you can get money at all times. It is still wise to simply bring a little cash when you come.
Internet facilities can be found at Kosmos Giftshop (not free) between 9.30 and 13.30 and between 19.00 and 23.30 and in Cafe Croma you can come over with your laptop. In this bar next to the bakery is a free and unlimited wi-fi possibility for the guests.
In total there are 7 castles that are spread over the island of Tilos. The one above Livadia harbour is called Agriosikia and dates from the 15th century. The best preserved and most complete of these seven castles is the one above the village Megalo Chorio.
Useful telephone numbers: Tilos Port Authority: 22410 44.350 - Police of Tilos : 22410 44.222 - First Aid of Tilos: 22410 44.210 - Olympic Airways: 22410 24.555 - Airport Rhodes: 22410 83.200 - Piraeus Port Authority: 210 45 11 311 - Rhodes Port: 0241 22220