Guide: Your Tilos Island Holiday
Brief holiday guide to Tilos island
Tilos is a haven for nature lovers, ramblers, and those seeking a glimpse of traditional Greek island life. Wild natural beauty, rugged mountains, verdant valleys, charming villages, pristine beaches, and an abundance of rare plants and birds. This brief guide to holidays in Tilos is here to help you plan your next trip. Check out our Tilos accommodation if you’re ready to book, and please get in touch if you have any questions.
An overview of Tilos Island
Part of the Dodecanese archipelago, the tiny seahorse-shaped island of Tilos sits in the south-east Aegean Sea, midway between Rhodes and Kos. Blessed with an abundance of natural springs, it’s a fertile island where wildflowers carpet the ground and the scent of herbs drifts in the gentle breeze.
The island’s unique environment has led to fascinating biodiversity, including over 400 species of plants and a number of rare birds such as Bonelli’s eagle, Eleonora’s falcon, Audouin’s gull, and Mediterranean shag. The entire island and surrounding islets are a protected ecological park, meaning tiny Tilos leads the way in environmental protection and ecotourism.
Highlights on the Island of Tilos
Although just nine miles long and less than five miles wide, Tilos is filled with treasures for the curious traveller to explore. There are 12 mountains and 19 beaches, ranging from a popular sweep of pebble beach in Livadia to a chilled-out sandy stretch in Eristos, and some secluded beaches and coves that can only be reached on foot or via boat.
Seven crusader castles dot the hilltops, and there are 200 churches and chapels including the spectacular Byzantine monastery of Agios Pandeleimonas, which clings to the slopes of the island’s highest mountain. The deserted village of Mikro Horio is a fascinating place to wander amongst atmospheric crumbling houses, while the Harkadio Cave was the final resting place of the last dwarf elephants in Europe. The pretty, pint-sized capital of Megalo Horio houses a dedicated museum with findings from the cave.
The sleepy harbour-town of Livadia is the largest settlement on the island and home to our Tilos accommodation. Life revolves around the laid-back square and the long stretch of pebble beach backed by tamarisk trees, which provide valuable shade in the heat of summer. Traditional tavernas line the square and harbour, and there are a number of shops, supermarkets and a bank with an ATM. If this small-island life sounds ideal, you might also like to check out our Nisyros and Halki accommodation.
Things to do on Tilos
Ancient mule tracks form part of the walking trails on the island, ensuring Tilos’s reputation as a hiker’s paradise. There’s a walking guide available, featuring walks for all hiking abilities, so you can hike through the craggy landscape, exploring mountains, meadows and valleys, before finding a secluded stretch of beach to cool off and relax.
Migrating birds pass through Tilos in spring and autumn, when the island becomes a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Over 155 species of birds have been spotted on the island of Tilos, making it one of the best locations in Greece for birdwatching.
Relaxing on the beach is a popular pastime for visitors to Tilos, and there are boats running from Livadia, helping you explore some of the more remote, inaccessible beaches.
Book your holiday to Tilos with Nissia Holidays
As dedicated specialists for holidays to Tilos, Nissia offers a selection of hotels and apartments in Livadia. Our island representative, Ian, has intimate knowledge of Tilos and an infectious love for the island. He will meet you at the airport, accompany you on your transfers between Rhodes and Tilos, and is always on hand to answer any problems or queries.
For unrivaled personal service, choose Nissia Holidays for your holiday to Tilos.
Discover more about this fascinating island in our Ultimate Guide to Tilos.
For accommodation options, see our Tilos accommodation page.
To enquire about a holiday to Tilos or to make a booking, contact Nissia Holidays on 01455 289421 or email us: info@nissiaholidays.com.