Tilos Island - Dodecanese

elcome to Tilos! The island of the dwarf elephants...
Dodecanese means the most beautiful garden of Aegean... Dodecanese is the most beautiful garden of Aegean... in which there is a quiet heaven called Tilos, with many natural gifts and a great history.

isitors to the island will enjoy the clear sea, the numerous beautiful beaches, the peaceful lifestyle, the superb climate, and its warm and friendly residents.

The first inhabitants of the island, traces of whom can still be found today, are thought to have first settled here during the Stone Age. Their lives seem to be intertwined with that of the elephants that roamed the island in during this period, and which over time, evolved into a smaller species of dwarf elephants, adapting to the limited food supply available on the island. Fossils of these elephants can still be found today in the Chalkadio cavern, between Mikro Chorio and Megalo Chorio. According to scientific calculation, these fossils are dated between 4.500 and 3.500 BC.

he majority of monasteries on the island date back to the period between the 13th and 16th centuries, and are stone-built, single room structures, with narrow doors which force the visitor to enter almost in a kneeling position. Symbolically, this represents the need for humility before God, for those visiting the monastery.

The Monastery of Agios Pandeleimon is an impressive structure, adorned with ancient Greek columns and a large number of religious murals. The existing structure, in its present form, was built between 1470-1480. At the end of the 19th century the monastery also functioned as a bank, printing banknotes of 5,10,20 and 40 "paras" (the currency used during that period). The area surrounding the monastery is lush and green, with enormous chestnut, cypress and oak trees which date back to the 1800's. On the 25th of July, a yearly three-day festival takes place, with food, traditional music and dancing, and with pilgrims from around the world visiting the monastery.

ith its 220 abandoned stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets and unique amphitheatrical layout on the slope of the mountain, Mikro Chorio is a village of unique beauty. Most of the residents of the village have now moved to Livadia, while others have emigrated. Nevertheless, many of the elder members of the community have never forgotten the land they grew up in, and teach the younger generations to love and respect their heritage. They in turn convey these sentiments to all the people who visit the village.
verlooking the village is the impressive church of the Holy Virgin with its antique mosaic courtyard. Every August 14th, the Day of the Holy Virgin, the church opens its doors and welcomes visitors to the festivities which include food and dancing. Nine days later, on the 23rd of August, the "Politissa" Festival takes place at the old church just outside the village of Leivadeia. In its large courtyard, visitors and pilgrims can enjoy traditional music from the island of Tilos, the local cuisine, and traditional dancing and music until the early morning hours.

n the island of Tilos one can find many beaches -large and small- with clear, clean waters. Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends you can enjoy many of the island's beaches, which are only a short walk away: Lethra, Armokosti, Tholo, Agios Sergios and Stavros.
On the other side of the island, you can find the beautiful sandy beach of Plaka.

The beach at Leivadeia is beautiful, with clear waters and and only a handful of swimmers. Shady trees line the pebble stone beach, where you can relax and enjoy the splendor of your surroundings, away from the hot sun.

Click here to see a detailed map of Tilos Island

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