Dodecanese
Tilos
A quiet eco-island that takes its birds and its silence equally seriously.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Tilos
Tilos is one of Greece's greenest islands in every sense — it ran entirely on renewable energy, was among the first to ban hunting, and is a serious birdwatching destination. The landscape is varied and beautiful, the local food is good, and the pace is genuinely restorative. It sits between Rhodes and Kos but feels like a different world from either.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Very remote with minimal nightlife or dining variety. The quietness is the whole point.
Hidden gem
Hike to the Charkadio cave where dwarf elephant fossils were found — yes, real dwarf elephants.
Where it sits
Dodecanese, Greece
Tilos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Tilos? +
- The best months to visit Tilos are April to October. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Tilos from Athens? +
- Tilos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Tilos good for couples? +
- Tilos is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Tilos good for families with kids? +
- Tilos is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Tilos expensive? +
- Tilos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Tilos? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Tilos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Tilos? +
- Very remote with minimal nightlife or dining variety. The quietness is the whole point.