With an area of just 63 km², Tilos is one of the smallest and most peaceful islands in the Dodecanese. Located west of Rhodes and connected daily by ships and ferries, it remains off the main tourist path. Its uncrowded beaches, evocative ghost villages, and postcard landscapes make Tilos the quintessential Greek island paradise. The permanent population struggles to reach 300, concentrated in its two main centers: Livadia and Megalo Chorio.
Livadia—where ferries arrive—is a coastal village that stretches along a long pebbled beach fringed with tamarisks, offering a pleasant stay. Megalo Chorio is the island’s capital. The other inhabited villages, Mikro Chorio and Gera, have since become ghost towns. A bus service links Livadia to the main beaches, although renting a scooter is recommended for full island exploration.
Stretching along the western coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese archipelago lies closer to Anatolia than to mainland Greece—a strategic position that has exposed it to invasions and occupations. Though its name means “twelve islands,” a quick look at the map shows there are many more. The term was coined in 1908 when twelve islands banded together against the Ottoman Parliament, which had stripped them of the special freedoms granted by the sultans. Those original twelve include Rhodes, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Patmos, Tilos, Symi, Leros, Astypalea, Nisyros, Kassos, and Halki. Their rich and diverse history has left them with a wealth of archaeological sites. From the lively beaches of Rhodes and Kos to the tranquil shores of Lipsi and Tilos, from the traditional lifestyle in remote Agathonisi, Karpathos, and Kassos to the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Nisyros—each island offers a unique appeal.
Tilos’s story begins around 12,000 years ago, when it separated from the Middle Eastern mainland. Dwarf elephants—used for transport—lived here long ago; their remains are housed in the small island museum. Mythology says Tilos was the son of Hele and Helios (the Sun). He built the island’s first temple to Poseidon and Apollo, thanking them for saving his sick mother with miraculous herbs. Minoan-era finds in the Lakkia area confirm its ancient civilization.
Tilos has retained its ancient name continuously through the centuries—a point of pride. Attempts by foreigners to rename it “Piscopi” were met with local resistance and failed. Positionally, Tilos lies between Rhodes and Kos, flanked by Nisyros (NW), Halki (NE), and Symi (NE). To the north, across the water, is Knidos on the Anatolian coast; off to the west is Astypalea and just south is Karpathos, with Kassos lying further off the beaten path.
The island is largely mountainous—just one significant plain lies around Megalo Chorio (about one-tenth of Tilos’s total area), once cultivated valleys vital to traditional agriculture. The rugged peaks (the highest being Profitis Ilias at 654 m) drop steeply to the sea, weaving between dramatic gorges and serene countryside. Picturesque beaches—Livadia, Eristos, Plaka, Skafi, Lethra, and Saint Anthony—along with crystal-clear streams, hidden spots like Skafi, Bathia Pighi, Agios Panteleimon monastery, Potami, Neró tou Despótis, and the cultivated fields around Megalo Chorio, collectively form Tilos’s captivating natural landscape.
The climate is dry and healthy, with hot summers tempered by refreshing northern winds. However, in winter, those same winds sweep down chilly air from the Anatolian mountains.
The island’s earliest residents—namely dwarf elephants—left indelible traces. Evolving in isolation from the Stone Age onwards, they shrank in size due to scarce resources. Today, their fossilized bones can be seen in the Chalkadio cave near the Missaria spring, where the species thrived from around 45,000 to 3,500 years ago, according to expert dating.
Later arrivals included Dorians, Minoans, and Mycenaeans—confirming Tilos’s place in broader Hellenic history. After periods of domination, it regained freedom after World War II, when the Dodecanese were finally integrated into Greece.
In modern times, life on Tilos revolves around three main villages: Megalo Chorio (the administrative center), Mikro Chorio, and Livadia (now administratively a district of the larger municipality). Once boasting over 1,100 residents, only around 300 permanent inhabitants remain today, and Mikro Chorio is entirely abandoned.
Here, visitors can experience:
Nearly untouched natural scenery
Crystal-clear waters
Historic devotion (especially at Agios Panteleimon monastery)
Traces of rich history
A calm, traditional local lifestyle with warm, welcoming people
Sadly, the famous January–February almond blossom spectacle—when fields around Megalo Chorio were painted pink—no longer blooms, since the almond trees were wiped out years ago. Yet, a new kind of spectacle has emerged: the “island of the elephants.” Thanks to paleontological discoveries, Tilos now proudly celebrates its prehistoric heritage.
Climate
Mild and temperate year-round. Summers are hot and dry with clear skies. May, June, and September are ideal for combining beach time with archaeological visits and excursions.
Travel Documents
EU citizens need a valid ID card or passport. Minors under 15 without official documents may travel with a certified birth certificate (photo included). No visa is required for residents of EU countries, the US, or Canada. For those traveling with private vehicles, Italian registration documents are sufficient. Rental car drivers must be at least 23 years old and hold a driver’s license for at least one year.
Currency
Euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Time Zone
One hour ahead of Italy. Daylight saving time is observed simultaneously.
Language
Modern Greek is the official language; English is widely spoken, and Italian is understood in some areas.
Cuisine
Mediterranean with some Eastern influences. Authentic tavernas and local eateries serve fresh specialties throughout the day.
Shopping
Handicrafts dominate: ceramics, silver, leather goods, icons, and more.
Health Advice
No vaccinations are required.
Electricity
Standard European 220 V.
