Tiny Tilos is a pioneer. This remote Dodecanese island is leading the way when it comes to sustainability, becoming the first island in the Mediterranean to be entirely self-sufficient in energy.

Back in 2017, we reported on the inception of the TILOS Project. Now let’s take a look back to see what’s happened since then. How has our authentic little Greek island become a champion of sustainability and gained the moniker, ‘the Green Island of Greece’?

Updated May 2023

Part of the Dodecanese archipelago, Tilos is midway between the popular tourist hotspots of Rhodes and Kos, but life on this tiny island is a far cry from the bustling resort ambience of its busy neighbours.

Tilos is a haven of tranquillity. Home to craggy mountains, secluded beaches, carpets of wildflowers, rare birds, medieval castles, sublime sea views, a remote monastery, and a cave of dwarf elephants.

There are no big hotel developments here, and little in the way of noisy nightlife. This is an island people visit to step back in time to a more authentic way of life. Unsurprisingly it’s popular with nature lovers and walkers, but this tiny island is also a pioneer in environmental issues with a reputation for being very open-minded, as we’ll explain later in this guide to Tilos.

While the island has been spared the trappings of mass tourism, those who visit tend to return year after year. To find out more about this beguiling island, read on for our ultimate guide to Tilos.

In a recent blog post, we gave you some advice on how to decide which Greek island to visit, for those of you having trouble deciding between our small, authentic Greek islands of Halki, Tilos and Nisyros.

But what if you’re still having trouble deciding? Perhaps you’re drawn to two of our islands and can’t make up your mind, or you’re stuck in discussions with your family or significant other, as you all fancy something different. Maybe you’ve been coming to Halki or Tilos for years and want to try something else… but also don’t want to miss out on your favourite island.

Luckily, when it comes to holidays, one size doesn’t have to fit all. If you can’t decide, don’t! We can arrange multi-centre holidays in the Greek islands, so you get to explore twice the amount of beaches, restaurants, landscapes and attractions – and keep everybody in your travelling party happy!

There’s more to holidays in Greece than soaking up the sunshine and eating all that delicious food! With such a wide variety of landscapes – from coastal paths to forested mountain views, ancient sites to traditional villages, all criss-crossed with ancient mule trails – Greece offers incredible walking opportunities.  

If you fancy lacing up your hiking boots and exploring on foot, here’s our guide to ten of the best Greek islands for walking.

With over 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, choosing which Greek island to visit can be somewhat daunting. Obviously it’s subjective, based upon your personal preferences and what you’re seeking from your holidays.

If you’ve found your way to the Nissia Holidays website, we assume you’re looking for an authentic Greek island offering peace and tranquillity. Each of our three islands – Halki, Tilos and Nisyros – has that in abundance. But each has its unique attractions, too.

To help you decide which Greek island to visit, here’s an overview of Halki, Tilos and Nisyros.

Tourism is booming in Greece, with holidaymakers drawn here to admire the dazzling colours, relax on sun-kissed beaches, explore archaeological sites and savour traditional cuisine. But many people don’t venture beyond cosmopolitan islands, like Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes.

If you want to know the real Greece then it pays to get off the beaten track and seek out the lesser-known gems. Here are seven of the most authentic Greek islands.

The Greek islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations – although that popularity can come at a price. If you adore Greece, but don’t wish to spend your holidays jostling for a sunbed on the beach or queuing for the optimum sunset shot, it’s time to get off the beaten track and turn your attention to more sustainable destinations.

Luckily, with almost 6,000 islands, there are plenty of opportunities to find a quiet, unspoiled spot, untouched by mass tourism. If you’re keen to find out more about the best non-touristy islands in Greece, we’ve put together this guide to the most tranquil islands in our little corner of Greece, the Dodecanese.

If you want to enjoy near-deserted beaches, friendly neighbourhood tavernas, incredible nature, picturesque towns, stunning hiking trails, and abundant charm and character, head to one of these lesser-known lovelies – and hit the reset button!

After two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s only natural that we’re looking forward to 2022 with cautious optimism, eager for our annual escape to the sun.

Pre-pandemic, the importance of sustainable travel was becoming ever more obvious, with many destinations suffering the effects of overtourism (though luckily not our peaceful, unspoilt Dodecanese islands). The recent UN Climate Change Conference, known as COP26, further heightened our awareness of the benefits of travelling sustainably.

While many people are aware of the looming climate crisis, it’s easy to feel a sense of helplessness, a feeling of ‘well, what difference can I make?’

Luckily there are plenty of small adjustments we can all make that collectively make a big difference. Here are our tips for how to travel more sustainably in 2022.

The kitchen smells of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and sweet honey. We’re getting closer to Christmas and it’s that time of the year when we start baking the Greek traditional Christmas cookies. Our favorites are Melomakarona of course!

Melomakarona are traditional Greek Christmas cookies, that are served during Christmas time throughout Greece.

The word “melomakarona” is a combination of the two words “meli”, which means honey and “makarona”. “Makarona” comes from the ancient word “makaria” and means blessed.

Find the recipe below and you can also enjoy a bit of Greek Christmas with your family too. Happy Holidays and “Kala Christougenna”!

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!