Tylos island

General info:

Tilos is a small island situated between Rhodes and Kos, covering an area of 65 square km approximately and having a population of some 550 residents

Though it has preserved its low profile and thus it remains unknown for many, Tilos is popular  among nature –lovers for its beauty.
Combing harmoniously mountains and hills, fertile valleys, meadows of wild flowers, caves  and few yet beautiful beaches, the island has all the features of an ideal alternative destination; pure nature, serenity, a laid-back way of life and choices for trekking,  bird-watching, climbing among others. 
Apart its natural beauties, the island is dotted with traditional settlements ancient ruins, medieval castle and Byzantine churches that witness the island’s history.
Tilos offers several accommodation facilities, taverns, some coffee-bars and a few night clubs.

Historical profile:

Tilos has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age and it was strongly influenced by the Minoan civilisation as excavation finds witness. The island flourished around the 4th century BC and came under the authority of Rhodes with which shared the same fate. In later centuries Tilos was integrated in the Byzantine Empire while in 1036 it passed into the hands of the Knights of St. John until 1552 when it was occupied by the Ottomans. In 1912 the Italians took over the island followed by the Germans in 1942. Tilos gained its freedom and it was incorporated in the Greek State in 1947. 
 
Villages:

Capital of the island   is Megalo Chorio (Horio), a traditional mainland village of stone- houses and narrow lanes, built on the slopes of hill.  The ruins of the ancient city and the relics of the acropolis at the top of the hill, the medieval Castle of the Knights, the Church of Taxiarhis, in which remarkable icons are saved  as well as  the medieval  Castle of Mesaria that crowns a rocky hill , are some of its  most worth-seeing sites.
Don’t fail  to  pay a visit to the impressive Cave of Harkadio in which finds of great archeological value have been uncovered and  also to the fortified Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas, that lies among a scenic and verdant landscape, with outstanding wall paintings and an excellent wooden temple.

Livadia, at a distance of some 8 km from the capital, is the port of Tilos.  Its traditional houses spreading along a peaceful bay and among a small verdant valley present a beautiful picture themselves.  Livadia has several remarkable churches with most prevailing the one of Agia Anna with fine frescoes and  the Church of Agiou Petrou and Pavlou (St. Peter and Paul) with excellent wall paintings.

Beaches:

Tilos offers several pristine beaches of crystal –clear waters. Most of them are serene and non- organized offering thus a unique opportunity to enjoy sun and sea in  an absolute natural environment.
The Livadia   beach,is the only  organized one, with sand, pebbles and crystalline waters is the most popular one. The beach of Plaka located in a peaceful bay with sparkling waters and some trees for shade and the long, sandy beach or Eristos , ideal for relaxation are also worth-visiting.
 
Access:

Tilos   is connected via scheduled trips  with the  port of Piraeus and also with the     islands   of Kos, Kalymnos, Nisyros, Astypalea and Rhodes.

 

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