Tilos Island Greece, General Information

Livadia

The island’s main port and hub of all the touristic activity on Tilos. Livadia was established around 1930 as a village although it had existed as a harbour before that. Most of the buildings are modern mixed with a few traditional ones. Livadia has a lovely horseshoe bay which is excellent for swimming and snorkelling, there is also shade along the beach beneath the Tamarisk trees. These trees were originally planted as a windbreak to protect the crops grown in the very fertile soil along the front. The North winds are so dry they can ‘burn’ crops. Above the village is the remains of a 15th century castle – Agriosikia and in the valleys below the old monastery Politissa which hosts a festival in August.

Megalo Horio

The capital of the island with just 180 full-time residents. Megalo Horio (Big Village) is much older and more traditional Greek village with winding alleyways and traditional buildings. There is one road that runs past the village but the majority is inaccessible by car. There are some beautiful churches here – the Church of Archangel Michael (Taxiarchis) opposite the Island Council Offices and Panagia on top of the village. On the summit above the village is the most complete of the seven Crusader castles on the island. It’s a steep climb up with no shade but stunning views from the top. Also here is the Elephant Museum – where finds from the Harkadio Cave are displayed – if the museum is closed, ask at the council offices (go up the stairs to the left of the museum). Vicky the guide is usually around to fill you in on all the necessary details! Also in Megalo Horio is another pharmacy/doctor’s surgery.

Mikro Horio

Mikro Horio was the original capital of the island and was once home to 1700 people. The village is now deserted – the residents either emigrated or moved down to the Livadia to be closer to the developing port. Nowadays the village is like a time-capsule a witness to a life that no longer exists. It is very atmospheric
to wander around. The bus does not go to Mikro Horio but it is not too long a walk.

Harkadio

On the left hand side of the road to Megalo Horio is the Harkadio Cave where the remains of dwarf elephants were discovered in 1971. The cave is not open to the public as excavations are still continuing. However, the view from outside the cave is wonderful and underneath is a small amphitheatre which is host to concerts during the summer months. Stand in the centre to experience the perfect acoustic! Nearby the entrance, you will see the construction of the new museum which will eventually contain the finds made in the cave. Some are presently on display in the small museum in Megalo Horio but the majority are in Vienna. The bones of thousands of elephants have been found in the cave and the discovery was on of the first to establish the existence of elephants in Europe - it is thought that they swam here from Africa and the dwarfism developed due to a gradual decline in the population due to hunting by man.

The auditorium at Harkadio

Eristos

Eristos Beach is easy to get to by bus or you can walk from Livadia (about 2½ hours). Eristos is the largest beach on the island and still largely unspoilt. For shade there is a wonderful row of tamarisk trees along the beach (NB: In August the beach is filled with campers so shade may be hard to get!). Beware of a variable seabed and a rocky reef – swim with caution. However, the water here is often warmer and you will can while away a peaceful day swimming, sunning and reading. There are a few tavernas nearby for lunch. The far end of the beach tends to be a nudist area.

Eristos Beach

Agios Andonis (San Antonio)

Agios Andonis is an interesting site since just below the sea level is the remains of a Byzantine cemetery. Indeed along the access road on a calm day you can make out the indent of bones in the rocky seabed. It was this area which drew palaeontologists here in 1971. The sea here tends to be colder and often rougher but when calm it is good for swimming. There is also a small harbour area with a couple of tavernas – a very peaceful spot.

Plaka

Plaka Beach is a quiet unspoilt beach (except in August when campers can take over!) which is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Behind is the Plaka Garden area which the Mayor rents from the church – he has preserved the area and brought in a variety of birdlife (including peacocks). Again the far end is a nudist area (don’t be deceived by the “Nuddism is Forbidden” sign. The bus doesn’t go here but you can walk from Agios Andonis or get the bus to drop you off on the way to the Monastery on a Sunday (high season only).

Plaka Beach

Agios Pandeleimonas

This beautiful Byzantine Monastery is rather a “must-see” place. It is a haven of tranquillity tucked just under the highest point of the island (651m above sea level). The Monastery was named after the patron saint of the island and building commenced in 1430. Various stages of renovation have taken place – most notably the frescoes added in the 17th and 18th century. It is no longer a working monastery – a caretaker is appointed by the Church. Before the present church there was a temple dedicated to the god of the sea – Poseidon (Neptune).
Beaches

There are many other little beaches which are accessible only on foot – Lethra, Red Beach, Skafi, Tholos and Stavros are the most accessible (details of walking routes are available from the Little Island office). Often you may find you have the beach to yourself
for the day.

Things to Do: Visiting Other Islands

Nisiros is the nearest neighbour to Tilos. It is an interesting island to visit because it has an active volcano. It is possible to walk on the caldero (the crust of the lava) at the centre of the volcano which is quite a spectacle. There are jets of steam which create sulphur crystals and bubbling mud pools. The ground is very hot so wear some sturdy shoes and be prepared for an eggy smell! The Sea Star does a regular afternoon trip to Nisiros (see me for details). You may also be able to visit Symi or Rhodes. Please ask me for details

Walking Days

Iain and Lyn Fulton are the licensed walking guides on the island and walking is a wonderful way to uncover Tilos’s charms. Iain and Lyn have lived on the island for several years and are very knowledgeable. Whether you enjoy a very challenging walk or want a simple, short stroll, they can accommodate you.

Boat Trips

There are now two boats running beach barbecue trips available (high season only). Costas has a glass-bottomed boat and Stelios has a traditional fishing boat trip to either Skafi or Sergios. Check the weather with me before signing up!