ISLAND

Between Nisyros and Halki, we can found the island with the seven castles, Tilos.  It is the ideal place for relaxing and beautiful vacation as it is one of the most isolated islands of Greece.  It has pristine beaches, lush valleys and towering mountains that will amaze you.

Historical Background

Early residents of Tilos were the Cretans during the Mesolithic era and then the Mycenaeans, who settled on the island around 1600 BC. Around 1000 BC the Dorians came, and in 700 BC the Island was inhabited by the Rhodians of Lindos.
Tilos began to flourish at the 7th century BC  and continued until the Classical era. The island’s history was connected with the history of the other Dodecanese islands, after the alliance of Tilos with Ko and Rodhes. Tilos was occupied by the Turks in 1522 until 1912, when it passed to the Italians and in 1948 Tilos was incorporated to Greece.

Villages of Tilos

Megalo Chorio: The capital of Tilos impresses the visitors, built at the base of a rocky hill with the castle on its top.  Until the beginning of the 18th century the village was inside the castle. However, the village began slowly to move its current position, while between the stone houses of the village one can found parts of the ancient wall.
The monastery of Saint Panteleimon is situated in a beautiful landscape, characterized by the huge rock, the colored flowers and the majestic cypress tree which was planted in 1800.

In Megalo Chorio there is the archaeological collection of finds from the island and the Church of Archangel Michael with art work from the 19th century.
Visit Charkadio cave, where the bones of dwarf elephants and deer came to light in 1971, which and dated from the 8th - 7th millennium BC. This is proof that Tilos was cut off Asia Minor 6 million years ago.
Above the cave, the castle of Misarias is found, where ruins of a Byzantine settlement and frescoed churches of the 13th and 15th centuries are saved.

Guests can swim in the biggest beach of the island, Eristo or if they want something different, they can visit the beach of Plaka for windsurfing!
Don’t miss the long celebration for the feast of Saint Panteleimon that begins on 25th of July and ends on July 27 with traditional dances and songs.

Livadia: This village, whose homes lie in the fertile valley, is also the port of Tilos in the recess of a bay with pebbles and crystal clear waters...
Visit the ruins of the medieval castle of Agriosikia and the churches of Saint Panteleimon, Panagia Politissa, Agios Nikolaos and the Commander of Lithos located in the old village of Gera.
It is also worth seeing the village Mikro Chorio, which is now deserted, and the interesting churches with frescoes of the 18th and 15th centuries.
Relax by swimming in the village’s beach or at Lethra, going by boat.
You will definitely have fun in the taverns, restaurants and cafes and at the festival that is held on the eve of 23rd of August in the Monastery of Panagia Politissa.

Local Products

In Tilos you will surely enjoy fresh fish and the traditional recipes of the Dodecanese.

Stay

There are a few rooms and apartments at Megalo Chorio, while at Livadia you will find hotels and rooms to let or apartments.

How to get there

Tilos be reached by ferry from Piraeus all year in 24 hours.

Internal Transport

On the island, there is a bus line connecting the settlements with each other, as well as taxi transportation.

Log in surrounding areas

Tilos is linked by ferry from it’s port to Nisyros, Kos, Kalymnos, Astypalea, Symi, Rhodes, Kastelorizo, Leros, Patmos, Syros, Mykonos Lipsi, Rhodes, Amorgos Amorgos and Katapola.

Useful Numbers

Tilos Municipality: 22460 44212
Clinic: 22460 44210
Police: 22460 44222
Port of Tilos: 22460 44350
Port of Piraeus: 210 4511310 / 4226000
OTE St. Anthony: 22460 48297
Post Office: 22460 44258

Επιμέλεια: Ναυσικά Μαυρομούστακου