Tilos Island Hotels

Tilos is an island in the middle of the Aegean, with its rocky hills, migratory birds and slow-moving time, a little distant from the world and very close to itself. The shades of green and blue here transform into an unpretentious but profound beauty. The traces of dwarf elephants from thousands of years ago on its soil merge with rare bird species soaring in the sky. There is the sound of silence on this island. Not for those who are overwhelmed by the crowds, but for those who want to get enough of silence. There is no airport on the island, transportation is provided entirely by sea. It is possible to reach by ferries departing from Kos and Rhodes, but it is important to determine the return time in advance. Otherwise, Tilos may keep you a little longer, not unwillingly, but willingly. Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of this island is its spontaneity, which forces you to go beyond the plans. The ferry schedules may vary, the most up-to-date information can be obtained from the local port offices or companies such as Blue Star Ferries. The heart of Tilos beats in Livadia. This tiny seaside settlement, with its harbor, beach, shabby tavernas and cozy pensions, is both a starting point and a finish line you won't want to go back to. As you walk along the beach, you might catch a glimpse of fresh octopus or a glass of ouzo waiting for you at the table closest to the sea.There are more houses than hotels here, and the islanders share a few rooms of their houses with their guests. This makes Tilos feel more like a home than a destination. There are only two main settlements on the island: Livadia and Megalo Chorio. Megalo Chorio is a village a little higher up than Livadia, a little more traditional, with old stone houses and narrow streets where time moves even more slowly. If you're interested in history, the museum here has Tilos' most amazing secret: the fossils of dwarf elephants. These fossils tell the story of the island's terrestrial past, thousands of years ago, when it had a different coastline. Not only the people of Tilos are hospitable, but also the nature. Birdwatchers know that the island is one of Europe's most important natural protected areas and is under the Natura 2000 network. Especially in places like the Eristos Valley you can see eagles, hawks and rare migratory bird species. The food is nothing fancy but authentic. The seafood is fresh, the portions are large and the prices are reasonable. When you eat in Tilos, you don't just eat something, you taste someone's labor, the fertility of the land and the generosity of the sea. Tilos is small, quiet but full of life. Sunrise in a seaside village, sunset in an old Byzantine church, stars in a quiet valley... Everything is small but in its place. Maybe you didn't have big plans, but when you arrive in Tilos, you don't need any. The island has only one wish for you: slow down and follow your heart.