A holiday on Rhodes and Tilos can be the perfect combination. You can spend your days exploring the bustling city of Rhodes Town, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lindos, or hiking in the mountains of Filerimos. Then, you can relax on the beautiful beaches of Tilos, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mikros Yialos, or explore the island's many ancient ruins.
Here are some specific activities that you can enjoy on each island and you'll find further suggestions in our twin-centre itinerary.
Rhodes: Visit the Acropolis of Rhodes, explore the Old Town, go shopping in Mandraki Harbour, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.
Tilos: Hike to the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, swim in the natural pools of Emborios, or visit the ancient ruins of Tilos Town.
A stay on both islands is the best of both worlds.
Itinerary includes:
On arrival private taxi transfer to the Terinikos Apartments (20 mins.) for a three night stay in a studio on a self catering basis. Terinikos comprises 20 studios and apartments and are fronted by lush gardens around an attractive swimming pool. It is family-run and located in a quiet residential area in the small resort of Ialysos close to the beach and a wide choice of taverna restaurants and cafes.
Spend the afternoon settling in - perhaps a dip in the pool, take a 5 minute stroll down to the beach or explore the village and choose which taverna restaurant to dine in that evening.
Overnight at the Terinikos Apartments.
If you can tear yourself away from the pool and beach there is plenty to see and do from here. Ialysos was one of Rhodes’ three ancient kingdoms and above the modern village is the site of Filerimos, as well as a Byzantine monastery. It is up the hill - steep in parts - but you can get the Road Train from the beach area for much of the way and a taxi for the last part if desired.
A trip to Rhodes Town is a must. Only 7 kms away it is easily reached by bus or taxi. Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it can seem as if the world has indeed come to see it! But in its narrow lanes, away from the busy commercial heart, it is not difficult to imagine the ghosts of the past. Inside its massive walls, the Crusading Knights of St. John had their headquarters for over 200 years. Although the Ottomans were here for twice that time, it is the silent presence of the Knights that holds sway still.
There is also the possibility to take a guided day-tour of the island, or alternatively hire a car and explore independently - the famous whitewashed village of Lindos, crowned by its ancient acropolis high above the sea, is just an hour's drive away and highly Instagrammable!
Transfer to the port for the morning ferry to Tilos (1-2 hours depending on the vessel) for your 4 night stay at the Irini Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis This small family-run hotel stands in a quiet residential area just 2-3 minutes walk from both the beach and the centre of Livadia. The hotel has 23 rooms set in semi-tropical gardens of rose, hibiscus, palm and banana trees. Within the gardens is the swimming pool (12m x 8.5m) - still a rarity on Tilos.
Overnight at the Irini Hotel, Tilos
Tiny Tilos (pop. 550), midway between Rhodes and Kos, is an 'away-from-it-all' haven and leads the way in environmental protection and eco-tourism. The island is the first in Greece to become fully self sufficient in energy and is on course to also be the first zero-waste island.
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 67kms 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.
And there are certainly things to explore out and about – some 200 Byzantine country chapels, seven Crusader castles, abandoned villages, a Byzantine monastery, and (bizarrely) a cave full of dwarf elephant remains, the last of their kind to survive in Europe. The small museum here is a must-visit. Or simply stay put, relax and enjoy the attractions of pretty 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. Tilos has 19 beaches, many of which can be reached only on foot or by boat as they have been purposefully left road-free.
Ferry to Rhodes and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Some 7 kms to the south of Rhodes Town, the small resort village of Ialysos should provide all you need for a relaxed, comfortable and well priced stay with all facilities close to hand.
Fronted by lush gardens around an attractive swimming pool, the family-run Terinikos is located in a quiet residential area close to the beach and a wide choice of taverna restaurants and cafes.
Some 7 kms to the south of Rhodes Town, the small resort village of Ialysos should provide all you need for a relaxed, comfortable and well priced stay with all facilities close to hand.
Fronted by lush gardens around an attractive swimming pool, the family-run Terinikos is located in a quiet residential area close to the beach and a wide choice of taverna restaurants and cafes. The 20 units here are a mix of studios, apartments and Junior Suites housed on three floors (there is no lift). Furnishings are modern and simple, and decor light. Balcony views are over the village.
For anyone with walking difficulties ground floor rooms have ramps for wheelchair access so steps are avoided, and the surrounding area is flat.
The large freshwater pool measures 17m x 7m (depth 1.20m to 2.40m) and has ladder access - pool towels are provided. Set to one side is the low key pool bar which has drinks and snacks available for much of the day.
The long sandy beach, which has seasonal watersports available and sunbeds, is only a flat 5 minute stroll away (350m) where there is a choice of tavernas and cafes - more can be easily found in the main part of the large village behind (the lively centre is a 6 minute walk / 500m). If you’d like to explore or have a night out in Rhodes Town, buses are frequent and inexpensive (3 euros in 2022) and take just 20 minutes, with a late return up to 23.30, and taxis are of course always available (20 euros).
Ialysos was one of Rhodes’ three ancient kingdoms and above the modern village is the environmental park of Filerimos which holds immense archaeological and historical value, housing ancient and early Christian structures, ruins of a Byzantine castle, a medieval church and Italian monastery. It is up the hill - steep in parts - but you can get the Road Train from the beach area for much of the way and a taxi for the last part if desired.
This small family-run hotel stands in a quiet residential area just 2-3 minutes walk from both the beach and the centre of Livadia.
This small family-run hotel stands in a quiet residential area just 2-3 minutes walk from both the beach and the centre of Livadia. The hotel has 23 rooms set in semi-tropical gardens of rose, hibiscus, palm and banana trees. Within the gardens is the large swimming pool (12m x 8.5m - operational from May until 15 October) - still a rarity on Tilos.
Rooms are ground or first floor and comprise twin or double beds (usually built-in), air-conditioning, ceiling fan, complimentary WiFi internet connection, fridge, kettle, room-safe, small ensuite shower room and private balcony or terrace - views are either towards the pool (a handful have some sea views on request only) or mountains and surrounding gardens. Furnishings and décor are simple, bright and cheerful.
A continental breakfast is served inside or on the garden terrace, and within a short easy 5 minute walk you will find a good choice of tavernas, either in the centre of the village or behind the beach.
Recommended for its convenient but quiet location, large swimming pool and lush gardens.
Air Conditioning: available at a local charge of €7 per day.
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Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.
We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).
If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.
Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.
Thank you for your enquiry. A member of our specialist reservation teams will be in touch shortly.
If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.
Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.
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