A gloriously tranquil island of flowers, birds, green valleys and beautiful beaches, Tilos is the ideal place to go, to strip away the cares of modern life and really relax. Pack a picnic and set to explore by day, taking in a tucked away beach or two. Walk, hire a bicycle or moped, or chug along the main road by bus. Then return to the pretty harbour town of Livadia to sit back and unwind with a glass of retsina and mouth-watering mezze. Enjoy a taste of traditional Greece on holidays to Tilos and lap up the picturesque setting in an unhurried atmosphere.
Named after a mythical character who came to the island to look for herbs to cure his mother’s illness, Tilos embodies the phrase: ‘Good things come in little packages’. An S shape, it is about nine miles long and no wider at any point than five miles. With an interior of limestone, volcanic lowlands, pumice beds and red lava sand, it is supplied by numerous springs which make Tilos an unusually fertile island. So it’s no surprise this mythical character chose Tilos, when you see the abundance of wild flowers and a biodiversity which attract birdwatchers and nature lovers from all around the world. With some rare species to be found here, the island is now a protected area.
Fundamentally, Tilos is all about scenic beauty, peace and tranquility. You can spend time equally well exploring via a network of trails which will take you through green valleys, over mountains and through meadows, or enjoy the seclusion of a deserted sandy beach lapped by a clear blue sea. You may even catch sight of a seal or sea turtle as you do so.
Chill out in Livadia, a pretty harbour-side resort with a tree-lined main square, where locals and holidaymakers mingle in the tempting tavernas.
Try the Kleftiko at the Taverna Trata with a view of the mountains turning amber in the sunset. Other options are octopus, mussels, shrimps or veal. At Mikro Kafe you’ll find salads, sandwiches and meatballs, and Omonoia cafe offers seafood, salads, grilled meats and other temptations - for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Spitico, overlooking the main square offers coffee, pies and local sweets. In Megalo Horio, visit Kastro Tavern for organic pork dishes, fresh calamari and whitebait. At Michalis tavern enjoy a meal in a beautiful garden area, a wide menu and a speciality of lamb or goat on the spit, with a good range of quality Greek wines for lunch or dinner.
Tilos is a perfect place for nature lovers and ramblers to discover vistas new, or just somewhere to unwind away from the pressures of daily life - a back-to-nature destination to die for. It delivers plenty of wildlife for certain, just not of the dancing ‘til dawn variety.
