Tilos, situated between Rhodes and Kos, is one of the smaller Dodecanese Islands. Its diverse landscape features towering mountains, lush coastal plains, rugged rocky shores, and 19 beautiful beaches, mostly accessible from the sea or via footpaths.
In addition, Tilos Island serves as a sanctuary for rare bird species such as the Bonelli’s eagle, the Eleonora’s falcon, the long-legged buzzard, the European shag, the European bee-eater, and herons, among others. With over four hundred types of flowers and herbs, it boasts an impressive range of botanical diversity. Tilos also proudly holds the distinction of being the first energy-efficient green island and is recognized as a significant nature reserve under international protection.
The island’s past is equally fascinating, as it was once home to the last remaining European elephants. Dwarf elephants first appeared on Tilos around 45,000 years ago, but they vanished roughly 4,000 years ago. To learn more about Tilos’s natural history, you can take a tour in the Museum of the Elephants, situated at Megalo Horio – the island’s capital – almost 8km away from the main port, Livadia.
Some interesting places to visit are the Monastery of Agios Panteleimon and the Medieval castle of Mesaria, and if you happen to be on Tilos in August, make sure not to miss the local music festival, featuring a variety of musical performances and events.
