The island of Tilos in the South Aegean offers an idyllic alternative to the busier islands of Rhodes and Kos. Boasting tranquil beaches, mesmerising history, charming villages, and astounding birdlife and landscapes, Tilos is a holiday destination for those seeking an escape from the norm. Come to Tilos to feel rejuvenated and refreshed — we promise tranquillity and natural beauty abounds here.

If you’re keen to book your escape, check out our Tilos accommodation. And then add our favourite things to do in Tilos to your itinerary. That is, unless you intend to do absolutely nothing except relax!

A volcanic land rising from the luminous blue waters of the Aegean, Nisyros is a cinematic feast for the eyes. The creation of the island of Nisyros is told in the pages of Greek mythology: the sea god Poseidon was giving chase to the giant Polyvotis when he decided to snap a piece off the island of Kos to trap Polyvotis underneath — this rock, having landed on top of its target, became the island we know as Nisyros today.

The Greek islands are world-famous for their stunning natural beauty, making for quite the desirable holiday destination. But our islands are as diverse as our visitors who come from all around the world. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil escape from the norm or a nonstop party, you’ll find a Greek island to suit your travel style.

At Nissia Holidays, we love to help visitors uncover the true, authentic Greece beyond the typical tourist spots. Our Greek Island Getaways help you find the best non-touristy destinations to bask in natural beauty, traditional culture, fascinating history, and so much more. 

Whether you visit our favourite quiet Greek islands of Halki, Nisyros, and Tilos or you opt for any of these other non-touristy Greek islands, we hope you thoroughly enjoy your escape to our lovely paradise. 

Without further ado…

Our Favourite Non-Touristy Greek Islands to Visit

It is Easter in Greece and the all the usual preparations have began. Easter, as many other Orthodox holidays in Greece, is a great opportunity for family bonding and get togethers. We’ve shared recipes from our Greek islands in the past and you love them. Remember the popular Halki pasta recipe? So, we’ve decided to share another great recipe for you, this time it’s our favorite Greek Easter butter cookies, also known as “Smyrneika”.

Our painting holidays offer the opportunity to explore the magical ‘Island of Peace and Friendship’, while learning a new skill or improving your painting technique in the company of a friendly group of people with shared interests and a mutual love of Halki and Greece.

Goats scramble around rocky hillsides, their bells gently tinkling. Bees buzz in bushes, gorging on fragrant thyme. Seabirds wheel out to sea, while raptors soar above rocky peaks. A light breeze tickles an oleander-strewn valley. The air is scented with oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil, and the floor is carpeted with wild flowers.

Walking in Tilos is a feast for the scenes. Little wonder that it’s one of the most popular activities, enticing visitors to the island time and time again. The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are perfect for rambling around the island, especially for birders, tempted here to witness migration.

The Covid-19 pandemic has touched all of our lives, and our thoughts go out to our treasured guests and trusted partners who have been affected. It feels as though the world has been turned upside down and our lives transformed in unimaginable ways.

Located about six kilometres northeast of Halki, the abandoned islet of Alimia offers an intriguing adventure. Blessed with natural water sources – unlike its barren neighbour – this pint-sized islet is sprinkled with green, giving it a somewhat gentler ambiance than Halki.

Alimia, also known as Alimnia, benefits from a large natural harbour, which played an important role in the island’s history. While Alimia has been uninhabited since the 1960s, it remains a popular picnic and swimming spot for locals and tourists from Halki and Rhodes. But the tranquil scenes you see today belie the island’s sometimes turbulent past.

Over the years we’ve been in the extremely proud position to have all of you as customers, guests and friends. Together we have supported our beautiful islands of the Dodecanese and have created some memorable holidays.

Like all Greek islands, magical little Tilos has a fascinating history – and a good ole dose of mythology! From dwarf elephants and ancient poets to becoming the most eco-friendly island in the Mediterranean, here’s an overview of the mythology and history of Tilos.