There are those who want a vacation on the big well-known islands and avoid trying their luck in the smaller hidden corners of Greece. And there are those as well, who plan each summer to be better than the previous one and try their luck in as a few square kilometres of an area as possible. If you belong to the second category, it’s time for you to meet a small, but fancy Aegean island. Tilos is not an island that you will just have a pleasant time. Tilos is a quiet emerald island in the Aegean Archipelago. The island that will live its mark in your soul.
Artists, scholars, poets and painters who made her their muse and inspired many of their creations there, surely knew better. An untouched by human hand natural landscape, authentic experiences and atmosphere, in a unique combination worth living it personally.
Tilos, the quiet emerald island of the Aegean Sea
Usually, two things get our attention on an island. The beaches and Chora (main town and capital). Tilos boasts for both of them. Regarding the beaches, we have singled out Lethra which is the absolute mirror of the island. Why is that? Because it is small and as far away as you need it in order to feel like you’re spending a few hours in paradise. You’ll probably be lucky enough to swim completely alone in the endless blue water of the Aegean Sea. On the same category fall the beaches that you need a boat to get to. Look for them under the names Tholos, Agios Sergios and Skafi. You will board the boat from Livadia (the port of the island) and if you get lucky, the way we did, you will meet a boatman with good taste who will tell you about the hidden beauties of the island.
Regarding its most famous beaches, Tilos basically has a long and impressive sandy beach with clear blue water and golden sand. We are talking about Eristo. If you happen to feel like seeing something you would not often encounter, you should go to Plaka. Swimming together with peacocks isn’t a bad idea, is it?
Chora… a Big Village
Photo Source: Spanos Giannis/Spanos77
Each island is “judged” to a large extent by its Main Town (Chora) and Tilos is proud of its own. The Great Village, as it is called, has been the capital of the island for many years. If you want to see from above the Big Village, you will have to climb the steep hill of Agios Stefanos, at the foot of which are built the small white houses. When you come down from there to explore it, you will meet the epitome of Dodecanesian architecture. Whitewashed walls, blue windows, and flowery courtyards. You can find a bougainvillea and take the most beautiful picture of your summer vacation.
The island has a great ratio of monuments per inhabitant if we can say such a thing. Each resident takes great care to maintain this fact in order to provide an incentive the attraction of more visitors. In every place, caves, Byzantine monuments, and medieval castles pop up in front of you.
Meet the ghost village
Photo Source: aegeanislands.gr
That’s exactly what a boatman in Tilos jokingly called it. We are talking about the Small Village, which was abandoned relatively recently, after World War II. There you will see what an Aegean village looks like if it is uninhabited. All that remains, are the walls of the houses and a “living surprise”. And we are speaking of the Mikro Chorio Bar, the unique bar of the settlement with a unique view and the special experience it offers you, to have a drink in a ghost … village. The bar is essentially flanked by the ruins of the abandoned village and with the proper lighting, it creates a mysterious and somewhat eerie setting.
Did you know?
Photo Source: aegeanislands.gr
Ask where the Charkadio Cave is. There, in 1971, the remains of dwarf elephants were discovered. Since the excavations continue, you may not be able to enter but you will enjoy an amazing view! If you want to see the fossilized bones of the dwarf elephants that lived on the island 50,000 years ago, visit the small museum located in the town hall of the island.
Tilos is the Aegean island that will surprise you pleasantly this summer…
External photography source: irinoula.gr
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tilos is a quiet emerald island in the Aegean Archipelago known for its untouched natural landscape, authentic experiences, and unique atmosphere. Unlike well-known islands, Tilos offers hidden corners and peaceful surroundings that have inspired artists, scholars, poets, and painters throughout history. It's an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more intimate and personal connection with Greek island life.
Tilos offers several exceptional beaches. Lethra is considered the absolute mirror of the island, offering a small and secluded paradise where you might swim alone. Eristo is the island's most famous beach, featuring long sandy shores with clear blue water and golden sand. For a unique experience, visit Plaka where you can swim with peacocks. Boat-accessible beaches include Tholos, Agios Sergios, and Skafi, which can be reached from the port of Livadia.
Chora, also called the 'Great Village,' is the main town and capital of Tilos. It features quintessential Dodecanesian architecture with whitewashed walls, blue windows, and flowery courtyards. Visitors can climb Agios Stefanos hill for panoramic views of the village. The area is rich in monuments including caves, Byzantine monuments, and medieval castles, with a remarkable ratio of historical sites per inhabitant.
The ghost village, officially called Mikro Chorio or Small Village, was abandoned after World War II. It offers visitors the unique experience of seeing an uninhabited Aegean village with only house walls remaining. The settlement features the Mikro Chorio Bar, a one-of-a-kind bar situated among the ruins that provides a mysterious and atmospheric setting for enjoying drinks while surrounded by ancient structures.
Tilos is notable for the Charkadio Cave, where significant paleontological discoveries were made in 1971, including the remains of dwarf elephants. These fossils are an important part of the island's geological and historical heritage, demonstrating that Tilos has been inhabited and studied for its scientific importance beyond its natural beauty.
Yes, Tilos is ideal for travelers who prefer to explore smaller, less touristy areas rather than crowded well-known islands. The island offers quiet beaches where you can swim alone, a peaceful main town with authentic Greek character, and hidden natural landscapes. It's perfect for those who want to spend their summer vacation discovering as few square kilometers as possible while experiencing authentic, untouched beauty.
