The 8 things to do in Tilos • Wanderlix

Visit Tilos: what are the best things to do and see on this peaceful island of the Dodecanese Archipelago?

Don’t wait another minute to discover and visit Tilos. This tiny Greek island of 64 km2 is part of the 160 islands and islets of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located between Kos and Rhodes exactly, and has no more than 500 inhabitants.

A true little haven of peace in the heart of the Aegean Sea, the island of Tilos is ideal for relaxing and enjoying a romantic holiday. This authentic island, with arid and mountainous landscapes, is known for its conviviality. The inhabitants, as welcoming and warm, favour green tourism on their land, respectful of nature, environment and heritage.

Discover the picturesque beaches of the island, its small traditional fishing port, and its ancient sites, for a holiday under the sign of tranquility and conviviality.

What are you asking about Tilos? Follow our guide! We reveal the 8 essential things to do on this island with incredible charm.

1. Livadia

If you come to visit Tilos, arriving by boat, you will arrive at Lividia, because it is here that the main port of the island is. You will immediately fall under the charm of this traditional little port, and of this vast bay, surrounded by mountains.

Lividia has some hotels along the bay, as well as tavernas and tavernas to eat, and taste local specialties.

2. The monastery of Agios Panteleimon

What are you looking for in Tilos? The monastery of Agios Panteleimon is undoubtedly worth a visit. St Pantaléimon is the patron saint of Tilos. His monastery, the most important of the island, was built in the 15th century.

It is now abandoned, but still of great beauty, with its frescoes and beautiful courtyard paved with pebbles. It is located near the top of the island. The route to access will offer you absolutely incredible views!

3. The Museum of Tilos

If there is a place not to miss if you come to visit Tilos, it is his museum! It is located in Megalo Chorio, right next to the Charkadio Cave. This museum contains numerous and incredible paleontological findings, resulting from the excavations of the Charkadio Cave in 1971.

Thanks to these excavations and the remains of bone found, it was discovered that dwarf elephants lived on the island more than 40,000 years ago and disappeared 4,000 years ago.

You will discover in this museum incredible prehistoric vestiges, such as tools or fossilized bones of dwarf elephants, deer and turtles, dating from 70 000 years . A real must to do in Tilos, without the shadow of a doubt.

4. Megalo Chorio

You can obviously not visit Tilos, without discovering its capital, Megalo Chorio. The village is built at the foot of a hill, dominated by the ruined castle of the Knights of Saint John.

The traditional architecture of the village is typical of the Dodecanese Islands. You will discover, along the narrow alleys, charming houses bleached with lime. Don’t miss visiting the church of Taxiarchies and its sublime frescoes dating from the 16th century.

5. The beaches

Visiting Tilos without relaxing on its sand or pebble beaches, it wouldn't really be a vacation. The most accessible and well-known beaches are certainly those of Eristos and Lethra , on the southeast coast of the island.

Eristos is a large golden sand beach, 2 km from Magalo Chorio. A bus can drop you there, about every hour. The beach of Lethra is a pebble beach, less frequented as accessible only on foot. You can also enjoy the sea in Livadia, Plaka or Aghios Antonis.

A tip, let yourself be guided by your walks along the paths of the island. You will necessarily fall on pretty little deserted beaches, for a romantic moment.

6. The Knights Castle

Today there is only one piece of exterior wall of this castle, which was once the fief of the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century. It is located at the top of the hill, just above the capital of the island, Megalo Chorio.

A small path will take you there, at the end of which a breathtaking view awaits you. Not to be missed if you come to visit Tilos.

7. Mikro Chorio

We don't really know the date this little village was built, deserted by its inhabitants since 1930. Located a few kilometers above Livadia, Mikro Chorio is today an abandoned village.

It is a place to see in Tilos, because even if the houses deteriorate little by little, there is a particular atmosphere, and a certain charm emerges from it. The church is still in very good condition.

In the season, there is even a little discotheque that opens its doors! If you come to visit Tilos during the summer, you are obliged to come and get rid of yourself in this unique box.

8. The discovery of the islands around

For a day, board a boat and explore the other islands of the Dodecanese. The charming Symi, Nisiros, or Chalki are not very far.

Learn about it the days and times of the ships which arrive on the island of Tilos, and then continue their way to the islands around.

How to go to Tilos?

You want to go to Tilos and ask yourself how to get there? They tell you everything here!

By plane from France

You knew it, but there is no airport in Tilos. From France, the easiest one is to take a flight for Rhodes . To find interesting prices, don’t hesitate to use a comparison of flights as Skyscanner , which will help you in your search. You will then have to take a boat to reach Tilos.

By boat from Rhodes

Arriving in Rhodes, you can take a boat from the port of Mandraki, located in the city of Rhodes, less than 20 km from the airport. To get there, you will have the choice between:

• the bus, for 2,20€ and 40 minutes Transport
• the taxi, which will cost you around 30 € for 20 minutes of travel

The crossing lasts between 2h and 3h According to the ferries. On the other hand, you can only be advised to provide information in advance on marine connections. Indeed, not every day, only 2 or 3 per week .

Getting around on the island of Tilos

The island being small, and very involved in green tourism, the best way to discover it is above all on foot. But you also have the possibility to rent a bike. You will thus be free to travel according to your desires on this charming island of 64 km2.

The island has some local buses, some taxis, and a boat to take you to some inaccessible beaches.

Where to stay in Tilos?

You will have understood it, the island is small, and has two villages: Livadia which is the port of the island, and Megalo Chorio, the capital. As a result, there is a fairly limited housing offer. But this is what makes all the charm of this island, preserved from mass tourism. So if we have a good advice to give you, it is to book your accommodation in advance if you want to visit Tilos.

You will have a choice of about 20 pretty little hotels, which you can easily find on one Compare hotels at very affordable prices. Individuals also offer to rent charming apartments or lovely houses, listed on Airbnb .

You now have all the cards in hand to visit Tilos in the best way! So it's gone?