Tilos is one of the quietest Greek islands. Located halfway between Kos and Rhodes, Tilos is the fifth smaller island of the Dodecanese complex. Inhabited since the early Neolithic Age (8000-7000 BC), Tilos is nowadays home to 750 people. The small Greek island is known for its slow rhythms and is ideal for a relaxing vacation. However, there are a few interesting things to do in Tilos to keep you occupied, and that’s what this travel guide covers.
Moreover, apart from the things to see and enjoy, you’ll also find info about how to reach the island. In addition, you’ll read about the best beaches on the island and up-to-date information about the best hotels in Tilos. Last but not least, I’ll share info on how to budget and various Tilos travel tips to make the most of your stay.
So, let’s start with the best things to do in Tilos and the travel guide to this quiet Greek island.
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How to get to Tilos
The journey to Tilos is a long one. The island is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, very close to Turkey. The distance between Tilos and Piraeus is 222 nautical miles, and you currently have two ways to reach it. So, let’s break down your options.
To Tilos by ferry
Tilos connects twice per week with the port of Piraeus, and travel times vary depending on the ferry’s itinerary. The journey lasts between 13 and 15 hours, but delays might occur because the ferry stops at several islands before finally reaching Tilos. Therefore, a delay of twenty minutes to the previous ports can easily extend the journey by one or two hours.
For such a long journey, I always recommend booking a cabin. Instead of trying to fit in uncomfortable seats, a cabin provides you with a bed to sleep in, and for a small surcharge, you’ll have a window to the open sea. All cabins come with an ensuite bathroom, so practically, you won’t have to leave your room before reaching your destination. Of course, the open deck will be just a few steps away, so you can get some fresh air and enjoy the breeze. You can read my Blue Star Ferries cabin review here.
Regarding booking your ferry tickets and cabins, the best option is to head to FerriesInGreece. That’s the best ferry price aggregator and is always up-to-date on routes. Price changes occur often, but you should expect to pay approximately 65 euros one-way for a plain seat from Piraeus to Tilos and almost double for a cabin. You can use the interactive planner below to find the prices for your journey to Tilos.
To Tilos by airplane
Tilos doesn’t have an airport. However, if you don’t want to travel for 13-15 hours on the ferry, you can fly with Aegean Airlines to one of the bigger Dodecanese islands, like Kos or Rhodes, and from there, take the ferry to Tilos. The flight between the Athens International Airport and Kos or Rhodes is approximately an hour.
From Rhodes to Tilos, the journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes with the catamaran and 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry. There are daily connections between the islands, but keep in mind that traveling from the airport to the port takes some time, so it’s better not to plan everything too tight. That said, make sure to have a couple of hours between the landing time and your departure from the port.
From Kos to Tilos, travel times are almost the same as from Rhodes. The catamaran takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, and by ferry, it’s slightly less than 3 hours.
You can find the best prices and a detailed flight timetable between Athens and Kos or Rhodes directly at Aegean’s website. Alternatively, you can use the interactive planner below.
Things to do in Tilos: a travel guide
While there are not many things to do in Tilos, the island compensates for the lack of activities with nice beaches and some unique places you won’t find anywhere else in Greece. Most people visit Tilos for its quiet rhythms and old-fashioned style, which guarantee a relaxing vacation.
Tilos has four settlements. These are:
- Livadia. The port and the island’s biggest settlement, where most accommodations are.
- Megalo Chorio. The village lies on the mainland, and it’s much quieter. Its name means “Big Village.”
- Agios Antonios. That’s a small settlement of fewer than 40 people, straight at sea. It has one cafe and one taverna in case you want to have a more secluded island feeling.
- Eristos. Located on the biggest beach of Tilos, Eristos is not really a settlement but a bunch of scattered houses.
So, now that you have an overview of the settlements, let’s proceed to things you can see in Tilos.
Discover the ghost village of Mikro Chorio
Just a couple of kilometers away from Livadia, you can visit the remains of a once-thriving village. Mikro Chorio (Greek: Μικρό Χωριό), which translates to “Small Village,” once hosted more than 700 inhabitants. However, its inhabitants started migrating in the 1930s to the USA, Australia, or Greek cities like Athens and Rhodes, and a few years later, it was abandoned entirely. Nowadays, it is a ghost village, and you can only see standing walls but no roofs.
Mikro Chorio has more than 200 houses, and in many, you’ll see the surnames of their owners written on the destroyed walls. It was most likely first settled by the Knights of the Order of St John (famous for their presence in Malta) during the 15th century, and the village once served as the island’s capital.
Wandering through the Mikro Chorio is an eerie experience. Although you can still feel the people’s presence, you will just see a couple of tourists. On-site, there’s a church dating back to the 1860s, and on the village’s edge, you can still see the cemetery. Lately, some people have started rebuilding some of the houses, but the village is nowhere near being inhabited again.
At Mikro Chorio, you’ll find one of the eeriest bars in Europe. At the village’s entrance, some locals restore an old building every evening for a couple of hours you can enjoy a drink with a view of the abandoned settlement. That’s hand down one of the quirkiest things to do in Tilos.
See the dwarf elephants that once lived in Tilos, Greece
Tilos has some weird attractions, and the dwarf elephants are definitely one of them. The small Greek island is where the last European elephants once lived. They most likely came swimming to Tilos more than 45,000 years ago and disappeared 3,500 years ago. The tiny Tilos elephants have their own species name, Palaeoloxodon tiliensis, and they were the last paleoloxodontine that walked on European soil.
The majority of the elephants were discovered at the nearby Charkadio Cave, which is closed to the public, but you can see it from the outside. However, there’s a brand new museum next to Charkadio Cave, dedicated to the Tilos Elephants, and there you can see various exhibits. Specifically, you can see 3D elephant models and bones excavated in the area. More than 90 elephants were discovered in Tilos, and they became smaller in size, probably due to the lack of food.
One might rightly wonder about their extinction. According to the knowledgeable lady working in the museum, this was probably due to a natural disaster. While it’s still unknown what exactly happened, the dwarf elephants searched for shelter in the Charkadio Cave but were unfortunately trapped inside. The museum also presents photos from the excavations, and it’s a must-see for your Tilos holiday.
The Elephant Museum of Tilos is open between 09:00 and 13:00 and also between 18:00 and 20:00. You can see the Elephant Museum location on Google Maps here.
The Knight’s Castle at Megalo Chorio
Despite being smaller than Livadia, Megalo Chorio (Greek: Μεγάλο Χωριό) is the administrative center of the island. You can still visit the Castle of the Knights on a rock above the village. That’s not the first castle that existed on the spot: it replaced a Byzantine Castle, which has also taken the place of a Hellenistic period acropolis.
The Castle’s shape is triangular, and you can see ancient and medieval ruins on its premises. A 14th-century church (“Taxiarches”) also survives on-site, and it has probably replaced an ancient temple. While the acropolis no longer exists, you can still trace some minor parts, including a wall and a gate.
It was only in the 1830s that the inhabitants actually left the castle and built the Megalo Chorio. A walk through the streets of Megalo Chorio is a nice thing to do any time of the day, but make sure not to visit the castle when the sun is too intense. Walking to the rock’s top requires some effort, and it’s better to do it early morning or late afternoon.
Tilos tip: At Megalo Chorio, you can also visit the Agios Panteleimon monastery, the patron saint of the island and Tilos’ most important church.
Go hiking in Tilos
Featuring several kilometers of pathways, Tilos is a paradise for hiking. A protected area under Natura 2000, the island features plenty of designated paths that will take you to unspoiled corners of the island. You can ask for maps at your hotel, and you will see how proud the locals are of their island. Abandoned buildings, endless sea views, and goats jumping around will accompany you throughout your path.
Ecology matters a lot on the island, and here’s a Tilos fact: it’s the first Green Island in Greece. Tilos produces the energy it needs with renewable electricity from solar and wind power, making it one of the most sustainable places in Europe. You can learn more about the Just Go Zero project here.
Swim and get a suntan on the beaches of Tilos
Despite its compact size and odd S-shape, Tilos has some beautiful beaches. Specifically, Tilos has a total of 19 beaches, although not each deserves a visit. Therefore, I’ll split this section into several short subsections and write about the ones you should visit while vacationing on the island.
So, here are the best beaches in Tilos.
Eristos beach
Eristos is hands down the best beach on the island. It is a long, wide sandy beach located on a beautiful bay with crystal clear water. Its size guarantees enough space for everyone: you’ll find families, campers, and nudists, while the small beach bar has a handful of sunbeds. It’s a place of stunning beauty and definitely the one to swim in Tilos. Lastly, it’s easy to reach it by local bus or car. Don’t miss it.
Livadia beach
That’s the beach straight at the quiet port of Tilos and the island’s bigger settlement. Livadia is the only organized beach on the island, and you will find sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. It is not the most spectacular Tilos beach, but it’s a great option for families with kids or if you want to swim close to your hotel. At the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Lethra beach
Straight after the port, you can hike to Lethra beach. It’s a small pebbled beach that usually doesn’t get crowded. I found more deserving of the hike toward it than the beach itself. Have water and some food with you.
Skafi, Tholos and Agios Sergios
I add these three beaches together because you can’t access them on foot. However, if you’d like to see them, you can ask at the Livadia port for the small vessel’s itineraries: it’ll bring you there and pick you up late in the afternoon.
- Skafi is a wide beach without shade.
- Agios Sergios is totally isolated but has a beautiful pebbled beach with crystal clear water.
- Tholos, on the other hand, is a mixture of sand and pebbles and has some grey rocks on the edge.
Plaka beach (the peacock beach)
Located a few kilometers away from Agios Antonios Bay, Plaka is one of the most special beaches in Tilos. The tamarisks provide a natural shade, and the water is slightly colder than elsewhere. However, what makes Plaka beach unique is that peacocks from the nearby farm often visit the beach and show off their colorful feathers. You might also come across some free campers, but it hardly gets packed.
Agios Antonios beach
Finally, close to Plaka, you’ll find the fishing village of Agios Antonios (cover image in this Tilos travel guide). The beach in front of it is nice, but it’ll be hard to swim when it’s windy. I found the scenery extremely beautiful, but I think Plaka and Eristos are much nicer. However, it’s a great place to stop for lunch, so if you’re on this side of the island, make sure to stop at the village and swim if the sea is calm.
Eat local food at Gorgona restaurant
While this is not really an activity, I thought of recommending Gorgona restaurant. I found the food in Tilos relatively bland, but this restaurant at the port of Livadia proved to be a gem. Located on the top of a mini-market and overlooking the bay of Livadia, Gorgona has the nicest atmosphere from every restaurant or taverna I visited on the island. The food is delicious, and if you’re lucky enough to find a table straight at the bay, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of this side of Tilos.
You can see Gorgona restaurant on Google Maps and save it for your visit to Tilos. Don’t miss it.
How to get around Tilos
Despite its size, Tilos has an impressive road network. Traveling around Tilos shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t have a car: the local bus operates several itineraries daily and brings you to the most important places. The small bus runs from Livadia to Megalo Chorio, Eristos beach, and Agios Antonios -and back. On Sundays, there’s usually an extra stop at Agios Panteleimon monastery. You’ll find the time schedule at the bus stops; expect it to run every 2-3 hours.
Of course, a car (or a moped) will make your life easier. Tilos is a small island, and renting a car will give you flexibility, especially if you want to visit the island’s off-the-beaten-path locations. You will find a few car rentals at the port, and you ask directly for a car there. During the low season, you won’t pay more than 30 euros per day to rent a car in Tilos; however, the prices are much higher in July and August, and finding a vehicle is more complicated.
Ask them to help you pre-book a car when you book your hotel room. They will do it for you, and you can pick it up straight at the port the day you arrive.
The best hotels in Tilos, Greece
Tilos has a fair amount of accommodations, but most are simple. That said, luxurious rooms or fancy hotels are non-existent in Tilos. As I stated a couple of times, that’s an island for a lazy, relaxing vacation without big city comforts. In this section, you will find the best hotels in Tilos, and I’ll also share where I stayed.
Where to stay in Tilos
Stefanakis Villas – Car included. This was the place I wanted to stay in Tilos, but unfortunately, it was unavailable. Stefanakis villas consist of four fully-equipped independent villas, each having its own entrance and sun terraces with breathtaking sea views. What makes it even more remarkable is that when you rent a villa, you get a car for free for your entire stay. Therefore, the car is included in your room price. The villas are located about a kilometer away from Livadia, but it takes about 10 minutes to reach it by car due to the road’s design. See prices and availability for Stefanakis villas.
Utopia Boutique Hotel. That’s the closest you can get to luxurious accommodation in Tilos. Utopia Boutique Hotel is just two minutes from Livadia Beach, and it even has a small private beach. The reception is open 24/7, and all rooms have air-conditioning and a seating area. Breakfast included. See prices and availability for Utopia Boutique Hotel.
Ellibay Hotel. The newly built Elli Bay is straight at sea, just a couple of steps from Livadia beach. All apartments come with a balcony, and the rooms are fully equipped. In addition, a mini market, the main square, and several restaurants are just a few meters away, making it an ideal spot for your accommodation in Tilos. See prices and availability for Ellibay Hotel.
Milios Studios. Finally, if you prefer to stay on the mainland, there’s a great option. Milios Studios is located at Megalo Chorio, and although the rooms are not close to the sea, you’ll be just a short drive away from Eristos, the island’s most famous beach. The property has a quiet garden, and all rooms come with a fridge, a kettle, an oven, and private bathrooms. See prices and availability for Milios Studios.
Where I stayed in Tilos
Since Stefanakis Villas was not available, I decided to stay in Tilos Fantasy. It turned out to be a great choice, and I had a wonderful time. Located on a side street just a few meters from the main square, Fantasy Rooms consist of a few separate units with garden and sea views. The rooms on the ground floor have a nice veranda, while the ones on the upper floor of each unit have a small balcony. The owners were extremely polite and picked me up from the port at 3 am.
Each room has a double bed, and some come with an extra bed in case you are more people visiting. They also have fully-equipped kitchens with a kettle, stove, and fridge so you can have breakfast or cook. There’s no breakfast included in the price, however, a mini market and a traditional bakery are just five minutes on foot. Fantasy Tilos offers free parking spaces to its guests. Livadia beach is just 400 meters away.
I highly recommend Fantasy Tilos, and when I return to the island, I’ll definitely stay there. See prices and availability for Fantasy Rooms.
Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Tilos.
How to budget for Tilos
Greece doesn’t seem to have cheap islands anymore, but fortunately, Tilos is an exception. If you find the Cyclades overpriced, in Tilos, you’ll find a genuinely affordable island. Traveling to Tilos in the shoulder months (June and September) translates to a really cheap vacation: you can find spacious rooms for just 30 euros per night. Even during the high-season months (July-August), the prices won’t exceed 50 euros per night unless you choose more upscale accommodation.
As I wrote earlier, renting a car in Tilos is also reasonable. In June and September, car prices for smaller cars are around 30 euros per day, while bigger cars cost slightly more. There’s no reason to choose a bigger car for two people: the island is small, and the road network is in fairly good condition.
Finally, the food is reasonably priced too. While I wasn’t that impressed by the taste (I expected something more local), the prices are competitive and at least 30% cheaper than in the Cyclades. Even Gorgona restaurant, where I found the food delicious, was within the normal Tilos price range.
Overall, you can spend two weeks in Tilos for less money than five days in Santorini.
Tilos FAQ
Finally, in the last section of this Tilos travel guide, I’ll share some travel tips about the island that didn’t fit in the previous lines. Consider these as Tilos travel tips that will help you to decide about your vacation.
When it’s the best time to visit Tilos?
The best time to visit Tilos is June and September. July and August tend to be hot, and that’s when most people visit the island. It won’t be packed even during the high season, but if you can manage an early or late vacation, it’ll be much nicer to visit during the shoulder months.
Can everyone have a great time in Tilos?
Well, no. If you want a very relaxing holiday without any organized activities and just a few restaurants, you’ll have a fantastic time. On the other hand, if you’re after some nightlife or endless sightseeing, Tilos is not for you. The island has just one or two quiet bars that usually don’t stay open long.
Therefore, Tilos is only for people looking for a quiet vacation. If that’s not you, skipping it and going to Kos or Rhodes is better.
Can I go on day trips from Tilos?
Day trips from Tilos are almost impossible. In most cases, you’ll have to spend a night on another island before heading back to Tilos. But, in general, Tilos is a place to enjoy staying there.
What to buy in Tilos?
Apart from its green energy policies, Tilos produces award-winning honey. The mini-markets at Livadia sell honey, and it’s something to enjoy while on the island but also to bring back home. I also bought honey, and it was delicious.
What is Tilos famous for?
Tilos is famous for its dwarf elephants, the abandoned village Mikro Chorio, and the ancient Greek poet Erinna. Nowadays, Tilos is renowned for being a 100% Green Island and for its high-quality honey.
Do I need a car in Tilos?
A car will make your life easier; however, the bus service is reliable, and you can see Tilos’ main sights without a car.
How many days are enough for Tilos?
Two days are more than enough to see every place of interest in Tilos and swim at Eristos beach. However, if you are searching for a place to relax, it’s up to you. I met people that stayed two or even four weeks and wished to stay more. In my opinion, if you want to see the island at a slow pace and enjoy its tranquility, four or five days in Tilos sound good.
And that’s it with the best things to do in Tilos and the travel guide to this quiet island. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, and I’ll do my best to help you.
More Greek islands: Anafi, Donoussa, Schinoussa, Crete, Sikinos, Amorgos, Astypalaia
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Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos
Hey George, I interviewed Jennifer Barclay, a great author who lives in Greece. She wrote a fantastic book called Falling in Honey that focuses on the island of Tilos. If you or anyone visiting this page wants to check it out here’s the link: Jennifer Barclay Interview: Author who loves Greece
John, what an excellent resource! Thanks for sharing it here. I will definitely search for Jennifer’s book about Tilos; it sounds like a must-read. The interview is fascinating, and Jennifer’s story is unique. Tilos is beautiful and has lots of exciting places to see. Once again, thanks for sharing the interview and the book!
Utopia Hotel is does not have a beach and is a walk from the narrow strip of stony beach next to the public walkway much of which belongs to the tavernas and hotels that overlook it. I think you are confusing Utopia with Ilidi Rock Hotel which does have a secluded private beach and also has amazing rooms with beautiful panoramic views of the bay.
Hello Martin,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’ll make sure to cross-check it as soon as possible and make a correction. I probably got confused -but I’ll go through my Tilos notes and update the article. Thanks again, Martin.
Best regards,
George