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Tiny Tilos (pop. 550), midway between Rhodes and Kos, is the most enlightened Greek island we know and leads the way in environmental protection and eco-tourism. The islanders, led by a progressive mayor, realised years ago that the way forward was in limited, high quality tourism a world away from the mass market. To this end they dedicated their efforts to sustainable tourism – becoming the first island in Greece to ban hunting was a bold start – and have never looked back.
The island’s 64 sq kms, together with its surrounding archipelago of 16 uninhabited islets, have been designated an Important Bird Area, an EU-registered Special Protection Area and a Natura 2000 site amongst others. What this all means is that visitors here will find a protected natural environment with a wonderful diversity of flora and fauna, especially birds (there are 155 documented wild species, including the rare Eleonora’s Falcon).
Tilos is therefore a paradise for walkers and now boasts 67km of signed walking trails (many being restored cobbled mule paths) which run through untamed countryside, linking rugged mountains with fertile valleys of wild flowers, pine, oak and almond watered by the island’s many underground springs. From the heights, the views to six neighbouring islands and Turkey are stunning. A walking map is available locally.
And there are certainly things to explore whilst out and about – some 200 Byzantine country chapels, seven Crusader castles, abandoned villages, a Byzantine monastery, and one of the most important archaeological finds in recent history – a cave full of dwarf elephants, the last of their kind to survive in Europe. The small museum here is a must-visit.
Many walking trails start from the main port of Livadia. This sleepy, traditional and overwhelmingly friendly little village boasts a lovely long pebble beach, shaded by tamarisk trees, lapped by the clearest of seas and backed by a car-free walkway. It also has some dozen very good tavernas and the same number of café-bars, five mini-markets (will deliver), a bakery and a bank with an ATM. Cars can be rented and some organised trips do run, including (last year) a Tilos Highlights tour and Monastery and Sunset, both by bus. A regular bus runs to Megalo Chorio and (in high season) to sandy Eristos beach. Tilos has 19 beaches, many of which can be reached only on foot or by boat as they have been purposefully left road-free.
Of course all the usual benefits which make Greece such a great destination for a relaxing holiday are present in abundance on Tilos – sun, sea, tavernas, village life etc. But Tilos offers so much more, and is a shining example to other small islands under similar economic pressures. By visiting you will not only have a splendid holiday, you will be supporting the island’s initiative and helping others to see that an alternative to mass tourism can work.
Wednesday flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham to Rhodes (other regional airports may be available).
After several years without a direct boat connection on a Wednesday, we are pleased to advise that a service has been reinstated, operating in 2018 from mid-May. The local boat Panayia Spiliani is operating from the small port of Kamiros Skala on Rhodes’ west coast, an approximate 35 minute transfer time from the airport.
On arrival, if your flight lands before 13.00, we shall transfer you to Rhodes Town where luggage storage will be made available at our agent’s offices, allowing you time for a short visit to Rhodes Old Town, with onward transfer to Kamiros Skala. If your flight lands after 13.00 you will be transferred directly to Kamiros Skala.
On departure, we will either transfer you directly to the airport (for flights departing before 15.00) or onwards to Rhodes Town (1 hour – see above).
Should your flight not connect with this boat service, or for any reason (e.g. weather, technical, end of season) it does not operate we will overnight clients in Rhodes Town on arrival and/or departure with ferry transfers to Tilos on Thursday morning and from Tilos on Tuesday afternoon. Final arrangements will be advised locally by our Rhodes agent.
We have our own local representative based on Tilos. However please note that transfers are not escorted.
Available locally - please see our representative.
With any other island served by flights to Rhodes or Kos. However should ferry schedules remain as last year an overnight will be required in the middle of the holiday except for combinations with Nissyros, Kos, Kalymnos and Halki which had a direct ferry connection on Tuesday and Thursday.
GMT + 2 hours
Euro
Greek
3 hours 40 minutes (Flight to Rhodes). Then transfer on to Tilos.
Average rainfall
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Those of our clients who have, over the last 20 or so years, visited Tolon in the Peloponnese will know Jackie; our very knowledgeable and passionate representative. Having decided to return to the UK, she has joined our reservations team and, needless to say, knows Tolon, a resort we have featured since 1973, inside out. It will come as no surprise to know that the Peloponnese is her favourite region in Greece.
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