Tilos Island Guide
The quiet, deep-breathing island of the Aegean
Why Tilos?
Tilos is a small island in the Aegean Sea that has managed to stay out of the shadow of the crowds, where time moves a little slower. No giant hotel chains or bustling nightlife. Instead, there's crystal clear sea, friendly people, untouched nature and tranquillity radiating from the stone streets. The difficulties of transportation and the small number of accommodation facilities have protected the island from the pressure of tourism. So Tilos is for those who want to really stop, not just rest.
Nature and Hiking Routes
The most striking feature of Tilos is its natural beauty, open to exploration. Hiking routes from Mikro Chorio to Agios Antonios offer not only scenery but also inner peace. Birdwatching, especially in spring and fall, transforms the island's valleys into an outdoor scene. You can spend hours in the Eristos Valley and observe rare bird species.
Sea and Bays
Unlike the big tourist resorts, the island's beaches have preserved their natural beauty. The beaches of Livadia, Eristos and Agios Antonios offer the simplest but most enchanting form of swimming with calm, clean and azure waters. You can snorkel and swim among schools of small fish on the rocky shores.
Food and Drink Culture
The island's cuisine is like its lifestyle: simple but with character. Fresh seafood served in small taverns, appetizers made with local herbs, long dinners with ouzo... Taverna Michalis and Gorgona Roof Restaurant are particularly memorable for both flavor and atmosphere. Take note of cozy places like Mikro Cafe or Delfinia Cafe for a coffee or sunset.
Historical and Cultural Richness
The history of Tilos goes back thousands of years. Remains of dwarf elephants dating back to 4000-7000 BC and measuring about 1.20-1.60 meters in height have been found on the island. Today, these rare fossils are on display in the museum in Megalo Chorio. As Herodotus tells us, the island enjoyed a golden age in antiquity, becoming part of the Athenian Federation and passing through Roman, Byzantine, Byzantine, Knights of Saint John, Ottoman and Italian rule after Rhodes. This multi-layered history is evident in every stone, from small churches to castles.
Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation to Tilos is limited. The island is usually accessed by ferries via Rhodes. The inconvenience of transportation is actually one of the factors that make the island special. Accommodation options are few but attentive; family-run businesses or small pensions are at the forefront. This offers each visitor an almost homely experience. You can take a look at the accommodation options in our Tilos Hotels Guide.
The list of things to do in Tilos does not end with a list, because here it is more important to “be” than to “do”. Reading a book in the shade of an olive tree is an activity, as is quietly looking at the sea at sunset. And perhaps the best part is that the island calls you to its own rhythm.
Be prepared, the simplicity of Tilos can change you from the inside.
For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Tilos Island Hotels page.