Tilos has a unique charm that entices visitors to its shores time after time, yet it’s perhaps as its most magical during spring. With the advent of warmer weather the island becomes a nature lover’s dream, with a tapestry of wild flowers and herbs blanketing the landscape and migratory birds circling above.
Here are our top five reasons to visit Tilos in spring.
1. Migratory Birds
As a designated Special Protection Area with a ban on hunting birds, Tilos benefits from incredible bird life year round, with species including long legged buzzard, Bonelli’s eagle, European shag and little owl. But springtime is extra special as flocks of migratory birds swoop in.
Barn swallows, common and alpine swifts, house martins and colourful European bee-eaters crowd the skies on their arrival from Africa, while European rollers and golden orioles head back to their favourite breeding grounds.
Other spring species seen on migration or arriving to breed include Cretzschmar’s bunting, black-eared wheatear, lesser whitethroat, Eleonora’s falcon, Temminck’s stint and squacco heron.
2. Carpet of Flowers
If you mostly visit Greece in summer, you could be forgiven for thinking its landscape rather barren and void of colour. But spring is another story altogether.
Thanks to wet winters and natural water sources, Tilos is carpeted in green during spring while the warmer weather encourages an explosion of colour as myriad wildflowers bloom and the scent of wild herbs permeates the air. It’s a beautiful sight to behold, while wild plants and herbs are foraged for spring meals.
3. Ideal Climate for Walking
April and May are two of the best months to visit Tilos for walking and hiking. Cooler winter days are a thing of the past, while the harsh, dry heat of summer is yet to arrive. With temperatures in the 20s, this is perfect walking weather.
For such a small island, Tilos has an abundance of excellent walking routes. The route to Lethra and walk to Skafi are ideal for bird lovers, while you can catch a glimpse of Tilos’s recent past by wandering around the abandoned village at Mikro Horio. For amazing views and historic ruins, spring is the ideal climate to attempt the challenging climb to Kastro above Megalo Horio.
4. No Competition for the Best Beach Spot
As one of Greece’s small, unspoilt islands, Tilos rarely reaches the point of feeling overcrowded, though it can get busy in July and August, especially during the festival of Ayios Pandeleimonas, the patron saint of Tilos.
But visit Tilos in spring and you may find you’re all alone on one of its beautiful, wild beaches. You’ll even find a quiet spot to yourself on the popular sweeping bay at Livadia or sandy shores of Eristos. And while the sea hasn’t quite hit the warm, bath-like waters of summer and autumn, a refreshing dip provides the ideal respite after a long, dusty walk.
5. Experience True Island Life
With fewer travellers, a visit to Tilos in the spring gives you the opportunity to experience the daily rhythm of island life, something often obscured during the hectic summer months.
In early season, the locals are refreshed and revitalised after their winter break and philoxenia – Greek hospitality – is at its height. Taverna owners and restaurateurs have more time to sit and chat between orders, giving you an insight into local life and culture. If you’re on the island for early festivals, such as Orthodox Easter or St George’s Day, you’ll see islanders dancing as an expression of joy rather than the performances you may see in the height of the tourist season.
Book Your Visit to Tilos in Spring
If you’ve been inspired to pack your bags and visit Tilos this spring, check out our fantastic range of Tilos accommodation.
To find out more about the island, see our Ultimate Guide to Tilos.
To book your holiday to Tilos, contact Nissia Holidays on 01455 289421 or email us: info@nissiaholidays.com.
