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Things To Do In Tilos Island Greece – Travel Guide

A travel guide to Tilos island in Greece. Includes what to do, the best beaches in Tilos, how to get there, and everything else you need to know about Tilos!

Tilos Greece – A quiet island in the Dodecanese

Tilos is a small island in Greece, and belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands. It’s located between the famous Rhodes and Kos. Unlike its better known neighbours, it’s one of the quietest and most authentic islands in the Aegean Sea.

The whole island belongs to the Natura 2000 network. This means that Tilos is committed to the protection of its natural environment. It has fully embraced recycling and green energy.

Tilos is an excellent example of sustainable tourism – or rather sustainable living – in Greece. Due to its visionary mayors, the late Tasos Aliferis and Maria Kamma-Aliferi, the small Greek island has its own distinct character, and is truly one of a kind!

Tilos in Greece remains under the radar

If you haven’t heard of Tilos, you are not alone! We visited in late spring 2022, and it was really quiet, with only a handful of visitors. Yet, although Tilos has mostly remained off the beaten path, it has dedicated fans who visit every summer.

Strictly speaking, there isn’t a lot “to do” on Tilos. There is only the port town, Livadia, a small village, a couple of museums, a number of interesting hiking trails, and some lovely beaches for swimming and relaxing.

I’ll say this again: You are unlikely to enjoy Tilos if you are looking for a cosmopolitan feel, beach bars with loud music, upscale restaurants and lots of activities. You’ve been warned!

What to do in Tilos Greece

Tilos will appeal to visitors looking for nature, tranquility, quiet beaches, and an overall peaceful atmosphere. It is an ideal island to go if you want to take it easy and get away from everything!

Here are some of the best things to do when you visit Tilos:

• Explore Tilos on the various hiking paths
• Enjoy the wild, tranquil beaches
• Hang out with the locals at the port town, Livadia
• Walk around the whitewashed alleys in the capital town, Megalo Chorio
• Discover the abandoned village, Mikro Chorio
• Learn more about the dwarf elephants in the Elephant Museum
• Check out the monastery of Agios Panteleimon

Let’s dive in everything that Tilos has to offer!

1. Explore Tilos on the various hiking paths

Tilos is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. There are about 54 kms (33.5 miles) of trails and old pathways. They lead you to beautiful beaches, small churches, and summits with spectacular views.

A large part of Tilos Island is a Permanent Wildlife Refuge. Nature enthusiasts can observe the various types of plants and trees, or go bird-watching. If you are lucky, you can see rare species such as the Bonelli’s eagle or Audouin’s Gull.

People who are planning to go for long hikes should consider visiting Tilos in spring or autumn, when temperatures are milder. In spring, they will be rewarded with tons of colourful flowers, such as sea daffodils, rare orchids and chamomile!

Hiking paths in Tilos

Here are some of the most popular hikes in Tilos. Make sure you have good shoes, a hat and plenty of water for the longer hikes:

• Megalo Horio village – Eristos beach (20 – 30 minutes)
• Livadia port town – Mikro Horio village (30 minutes)
• Megalo Horio – Castle / Kastro (30+ minutes uphill)
• Livadia – Tholos beach (about 1 hour)
• Livadia – Lethra beach (about 1 hour)
• Livadia – Agios Ioannis – Despoti Nero (about 2 hours)

2. Enjoy the wild, tranquil beaches in Tilos

Like all Greek islands, Tilos has its fair share of beautiful beaches. While some of them are easily accessible by car, others are more remote, and can only be reached by sea or by hiking.

Livadia beach

Of all the Tilos beaches, Livadia is the most easily accessible one. Located a short walking distance from the port town, it’s popular with visitors staying in the area.

The large white pebbles make it rather uncomfortable to sit on the beach, but there are a few cafes and hotels with basic lounge chairs. This is the easiest beach to get to on foot if you are staying by the port.

There’s also a Seatrac facility for disabled people, which I’ve only seen in a handful of beaches all around Greece! People on a wheelchair can use this system to go swimming on their own. 

Eristos beach

Eristos is a long, sandy beach a 15-minute drive from Livadia, the port town. It faces south, and therefore is usually protected from the meltemi winds that are common in the Aegean Sea.

As Tilos is one of the few Greek islands where free camping is allowed, Eristos is popular with free campers during the summer. There are even showers and toilets that you can use, plus a canteen and a restaurant.

Plaka beach

Plaka is a small pebble beach on the north coast of Tilos. It’s a beautiful beach with crystal clear waters, and fab snorkelling – probably my favourite beach in Tilos.

What makes Plaka unique are the numerous peacocks that you are likely to encounter! If you have any snacks consider putting them away or you might get attacked 🙂

Agios Antonios

Located close to Plaka, Agios Antonios is a small beach with a mix of pebbles and sand. It’s named after the nearby chapel of Agios Antonios.

If you come here, check out a highly recommended taverna, the Dolphin . Unfortunately they hadn’t opened for the season when we visited, but it’s an amazing place to see the sunset from.

Extra tip: If you like snorkeling, try to discover the underwater ancient cemetery, located close to the beach!

Remote beaches in Tilos

If you prefer quieter beaches, you can hike or take a boat trip to Skafi, Lethra, Tholos, or Agios Sergios.

Skafi was not calm on the day we visited, but you might be luckier. The hike was wonderful though. We ran out of time to explore the other beaches, so if you go to any of them, leave a comment below!

3. Hang out with the locals at the port town, Livadia

One thing I really enjoyed in Tilos was sitting at the cafes and restaurants at the port town, Livadia. As we visited early in the season, there were very few other tourists, so I could strike up some talks with the locals.

Even though Livadia town itself isn’t so special, it’s a nice coastal resort to relax for a few days. We enjoyed walking along the pedestrian road, Tasou Aliferi, and observing the people!

My favourite taverna was Omonia , right on the main square. We came back three times during our stay in Tilos! They have lovely homemade Greek food at great prices.

4. Walk around the whitewashed alleys in the capital town, Megalo Chorio

A short drive from Livadia port, you will find the capital town, Megalo Chorio. This is the main administrative center of Tilos, where the town hall and other services are located. Though it was not very lively at the time we visited, it was a picturesque place to explore.

If you walk up the hill from the village, you will get to the ruins of a medieval fortress. The views from up here are breathtaking!

Nearby, you can visit the church of the Archangel Michael, also known as Taxiarchis. The patron saint celebrates on 8 November, and locals enjoy one of the famous Greek festivals .

5. Discover the abandoned village, Mikro Chorio

One of the best things to do in Tilos is to visit the deserted village, Mikro Chorio.

Once a proper settlement, the small village was abandoned in the 1960s. Many residents moved either abroad, or to Livadia, and tore apart their houses so they could reuse the materials! Today, the settlement looks like an eerie ghost town.

And yet… there’s life in the small village! A few years ago, a former resident’s grandchildren decided to open a bar right between the crumbling buildings! They open around 22.00-23.00 in the evening, and it appears that the fun goes on for hours.

Unfortunately, as we were there early in the season the bar hadn’t opened yet for summer. Which gives me another reason to visit Tilos again 🙂

6. Learn more about the dwarf elephants in the Elephant Museum

You’ll be surprised to know that, once upon a time, Tilos was home to dwarf elephants, an endemic species! These elephants would have been no taller than about 1.5 metres tall at the shoulder. Which still makes them taller than me. Oh well.

Paleontologists discovered fossils of those elephants, along with bones of other animals, in Charkadio cave, a short walk from the museum. Scientists believe that these tiny elephants only became extinct around 4,000 years ago!!!

The Elephant museum is very small, so it won’t take you too long to have a look at the paleontological collection. We were shown around by one of the scientists, who gave us some interesting information on the ongoing research.

7. Check out the monastery of Agios Panteleimon

Originally built in the 15th century, the monastery of St Panteleimon is a lovely, peaceful place to visit in Tilos. It’s located on the western part of the island, a little past Plaka beach.

As the monastery was closed on the day we visited, we couldn’t enter the small church. Still, it was worth the drive, as the landscape is beautiful and wild. If you want, you can stay here for sunset.

The monastery celebrates on the 27th July, and locals gather here to enjoy the traditional panigiri . Unfortunately, in summer 2023 there were no buses going there, as the road was in a bad state. Before you set off, ask the locals about the current condition of the road.

Like all the islands and mainland destinations in Greece, Tilos has many more churches and religious sites all around. Take your time and explore!

How to get to Tilos

Tilos doesn’t have an airport, so the only way to get there is by ferry. The nearest islands with international airports are Kos and Rhodes, and most ferries take about 2-3 hours from either island to Tilos. Ferries from Piraeus to Tilos take about 13-15 hours!

Compare routes and book your ferry tickets here: Ferryscanner

Extra tip: There might not be a ferry everyday. In fact, a couple of ferries were cancelled on the week we were there, due to bad weather. If you are catching a flight back home from Kos or Rhodes, consider spending a night or two on these islands.

How to get around Tilos

Tilos is a great destination to explore on foot and public transportation. The municipal bus runs between Livadia, Megalo Chorio, Eristos beach and Agios Antonios. Sadly, there’s no longer a bus going to the monastery of St Panteleimon.

If you want, you can always rent a scooter or car and drive around at your own pace. If  you are going to Tilos you’ve probably driven in Greece before, but take a look at this article: Driving in Greece .

Taxis are another option, and as an example the ride between Livadia and Megalo Chorio costs 10 euro.

Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy some of the island’s lovely hiking trails!

Where to stay in Tilos

The best area to stay in Tilos is Livadia, where you will find the most rooms to let, tavernas and cafes. There’s is also some “nightlife”, for those who want a late drink.

There are also a couple of local mini-markets where you can buy fruit, veg and more staples. Yet, if you have special dietary preferences, it’s best to stock up before you get to Tilos, as variety is somewhat limited.

Plus, if the ferry from Kos / Rhodes is cancelled, there will be no fresh fruit and veg deliveries for a few days… talking from experience!

We stayed at Tilos Fantasy and loved it – super spacious rooms with everything you need, just a short walk from the beach!

Best time to go to Tilos Greece

All in all, the best time to go to Tilos Greece is between May and September, when the weather is warm. The island doesn’t get nearly as busy as some of the more popular destinations in Greece.

If you are looking for extreme peace and quiet, or your main goal is to go hiking, you could consider going outside the summer months.

We were in Tilos in mid-May, and a few of the restaurants hadn’t opened yet! The sea was ok to swim, but to be honest I wouldn’t have minded if it was a little warmer. The sun was strong though, and hiking was pleasant – I’m not sure I would have wanted to hike in July!

FAQ about things to do in Tilos Greece

People thinking to visit Tilos often ask questions similar to these:

Is Tilos worth visiting?

Tilos is definitely worth visiting, but it’s not for everyone! You will love it if you like tranquility, nature, wild beaches, and if you are into sustainable tourism.

What is Tilos famous for?

Tilos is best known for the museum of dwarf elephants. These days, the island is famous for its recycling policies and use of green energy.

Do you need a car on Tilos?

While it won’t hurt if you have your own wheels on Tilos, having a car isn’t strictly necessary. Instead, you can use the public buses, or hike around the island.

Is there an airport in Tilos?

Tilos doesn’t have an airport. The closest islands with an international airport are Kos and Rhodes.

How long is the ferry from Rhodes to Tilos?

The fastest ferry from Rhodes to Tilos takes about 2 hours. There are also slower ferries, which take just under 3 hours.

More guides about the Greek islands

If you are heading to the Dodecanese, check out these other island guides:

• Complete guide to Nisyros island , just an hour on the ferry from Tilos
• Best things to do in Symi island , about 90 minutes on the ferry from Tilos
• A complete guide to Kasos and why I fell in love with it
• Kalymnos – Not just for hikers
• How to get to Rhodes
• How to get around Rhodes

Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens , and I’ve been to about 60 of the Greek islands . Tilos is one of the quietest, and most suitable for nature enthusiasts. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more Greece-related inspiration!

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Things to do in Tilos: a travel guide to the quietest Greek island

Tilos is one of the quietest Greek islands. Located halfway between Kos and Rhodes, Tilos is the fifth smaller island of the Dodecanese complex. Inhabited since the early Neolithic Age (8000-7000 BC), Tilos is nowadays home to 750 people. The small Greek island is known for its slow rhythms and is ideal for a relaxing vacation. However, there are a few interesting things to do in Tilos to keep you occupied, and that’s what this travel guide covers.

Moreover, apart from the things to see and enjoy, you’ll also find info about how to reach the island. In addition, you’ll read about the best beaches on the island and up-to-date information about the best hotels in Tilos. Last but not least, I’ll share info on how to budget and various Tilos travel tips to make the most of your stay.

So, let’s start with the best things to do in Tilos and the travel guide to this quiet Greek island.

Table of Contents

*Some of the links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

How to get to Tilos

The journey to Tilos is a long one. The island is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, very close to Turkey. The distance between Tilos and Piraeus is 222 nautical miles, and you currently have two ways to reach it. So, let’s break down your options.

To Tilos by ferry

Tilos connects twice per week with the port of Piraeus, and travel times vary depending on the ferry’s itinerary. The journey lasts between 13 and 15 hours, but delays might occur because the ferry stops at several islands before finally reaching Tilos. Therefore, a delay of twenty minutes to the previous ports can easily extend the journey by one or two hours.

For such a long journey, I always recommend booking a cabin. Instead of trying to fit in uncomfortable seats, a cabin provides you with a bed to sleep in, and for a small surcharge, you’ll have a window to the open sea. All cabins come with an ensuite bathroom, so practically, you won’t have to leave your room before reaching your destination. Of course, the open deck will be just a few steps away, so you can get some fresh air and enjoy the breeze. You can read my Blue Star Ferries cabin review here .

Regarding booking your ferry tickets and cabins, the best option is to head to FerriesInGreece . That’s the best ferry price aggregator and is always up-to-date on routes. Price changes occur often, but you should expect to pay approximately 65 euros one-way for a plain seat from Piraeus to Tilos and almost double for a cabin. You can use the interactive planner below to find the prices for your journey to Tilos.

To Tilos by airplane

Tilos doesn’t have an airport. However, if you don’t want to travel for 13-15 hours on the ferry, you can fly with Aegean Airlines to one of the bigger Dodecanese islands, like Kos or Rhodes, and from there, take the ferry to Tilos. The flight between the Athens International Airport and Kos or Rhodes is approximately an hour.

From Rhodes to Tilos , the journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes with the catamaran and 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry. There are daily connections between the islands, but keep in mind that traveling from the airport to the port takes some time, so it’s better not to plan everything too tight. That said, make sure to have a couple of hours between the landing time and your departure from the port.

From Kos to Tilos , travel times are almost the same as from Rhodes. The catamaran takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, and by ferry, it’s slightly less than 3 hours.

You can find the best prices and a detailed flight timetable between Athens and Kos or Rhodes directly at Aegean’s website . Alternatively, you can use the interactive planner below.

Things to do in Tilos: a travel guide

While there are not many things to do in Tilos , the island compensates for the lack of activities with nice beaches and some unique places you won’t find anywhere else in Greece. Most people visit Tilos for its quiet rhythms and old-fashioned style, which guarantee a relaxing vacation.

Tilos has four settlements. These are:

• Livadia . The port and the island’s biggest settlement, where most accommodations are.
• Megalo Chorio . The village lies on the mainland, and it’s much quieter. Its name means “Big Village.”
• Agios Antonios . That’s a small settlement of fewer than 40 people, straight at sea. It has one cafe and one taverna in case you want to have a more secluded island feeling.
• Eristos . Located on the biggest beach of Tilos, Eristos is not really a settlement but a bunch of scattered houses.

So, now that you have an overview of the settlements, let’s proceed to things you can see in Tilos.

Discover the ghost village of Mikro Chorio

Just a couple of kilometers away from Livadia, you can visit the remains of a once-thriving village. Mikro Chorio (Greek: Μικρό Χωριό), which translates to “Small Village,” once hosted more than 700 inhabitants. However, its inhabitants started migrating in the 1930s to the USA, Australia, or Greek cities like Athens and Rhodes, and a few years later, it was abandoned entirely. Nowadays, it is a ghost village, and you can only see standing walls but no roofs.

Mikro Chorio has more than 200 houses, and in many, you’ll see the surnames of their owners written on the destroyed walls. It was most likely first settled by the Knights of the Order of St John ( famous for their presence in Malta ) during the 15th century, and the village once served as the island’s capital.

Wandering through the Mikro Chorio is an eerie experience. Although you can still feel the people’s presence, you will just see a couple of tourists. On-site, there’s a church dating back to the 1860s, and on the village’s edge, you can still see the cemetery. Lately, some people have started rebuilding some of the houses, but the village is nowhere near being inhabited again.

At Mikro Chorio, you’ll find one of the eeriest bars in Europe . At the village’s entrance, some locals restore an old building every evening for a couple of hours you can enjoy a drink with a view of the abandoned settlement. That’s hand down one of the quirkiest things to do in Tilos.

See the dwarf elephants that once lived in Tilos, Greece

Tilos has some weird attractions, and the dwarf elephants are definitely one of them. The small Greek island is where the last European elephants once lived . They most likely came swimming to Tilos more than 45,000 years ago and disappeared 3,500 years ago. The tiny Tilos elephants have their own species name, Palaeoloxodon tiliensis , and they were the last paleoloxodontine that walked on European soil.

The majority of the elephants were discovered at the nearby Charkadio Cave , which is closed to the public, but you can see it from the outside. However, there’s a brand new museum next to Charkadio Cave, dedicated to the Tilos Elephants, and there you can see various exhibits. Specifically, you can see 3D elephant models and bones excavated in the area. More than 90 elephants were discovered in Tilos, and they became smaller in size, probably due to the lack of food.

One might rightly wonder about their extinction. According to the knowledgeable lady working in the museum, this was probably due to a natural disaster. While it’s still unknown what exactly happened, the dwarf elephants searched for shelter in the Charkadio Cave but were unfortunately trapped inside. The museum also presents photos from the excavations, and it’s a must-see for your Tilos holiday.

The Elephant Museum of Tilos is open between 09:00 and 13:00 and also between 18:00 and 20:00. You can see the Elephant Museum location on Google Maps here .

The Knight’s Castle at Megalo Chorio

Despite being smaller than Livadia, Megalo Chorio (Greek: Μεγάλο Χωριό) is the administrative center of the island. You can still visit the Castle of the Knights on a rock above the village . That’s not the first castle that existed on the spot: it replaced a Byzantine Castle, which has also taken the place of a Hellenistic period acropolis.

The Castle’s shape is triangular, and you can see ancient and medieval ruins on its premises. A 14th-century church (“Taxiarches”) also survives on-site, and it has probably replaced an ancient temple. While the acropolis no longer exists, you can still trace some minor parts, including a wall and a gate.

It was only in the 1830s that the inhabitants actually left the castle and built the Megalo Chorio. A walk through the streets of Megalo Chorio is a nice thing to do any time of the day, but make sure not to visit the castle when the sun is too intense. Walking to the rock’s top requires some effort, and it’s better to do it early morning or late afternoon.

Tilos tip : At Megalo Chorio, you can also visit the Agios Panteleimon monastery , the patron saint of the island and Tilos’ most important church.

Go hiking in Tilos

Featuring several kilometers of pathways, Tilos is a paradise for hiking. A protected area under Natura 2000, the island features plenty of designated paths that will take you to unspoiled corners of the island. You can ask for maps at your hotel, and you will see how proud the locals are of their island. Abandoned buildings, endless sea views, and goats jumping around will accompany you throughout your path.

Ecology matters a lot on the island, and here’s a Tilos fact: it’s the first Green Island in Greece. Tilos produces the energy it needs with renewable electricity from solar and wind power, making it one of the most sustainable places in Europe. You can learn more about the Just Go Zero project here .

Swim and get a suntan on the beaches of Tilos

Despite its compact size and odd S-shape, Tilos has some beautiful beaches. Specifically, Tilos has a total of 19 beaches , although not each deserves a visit. Therefore, I’ll split this section into several short subsections and write about the ones you should visit while vacationing on the island.

So, here are the best beaches in Tilos .

Eristos beach

Eristos is hands down the best beach on the island. It is a long, wide sandy beach located on a beautiful bay with crystal clear water. Its size guarantees enough space for everyone: you’ll find families, campers, and nudists, while the small beach bar has a handful of sunbeds. It’s a place of stunning beauty and definitely the one to swim in Tilos. Lastly, it’s easy to reach it by local bus or car. Don’t miss it.

Livadia beach

That’s the beach straight at the quiet port of Tilos and the island’s bigger settlement. Livadia is the only organized beach on the island, and you will find sunbeds and umbrellas to rent. It is not the most spectacular Tilos beach, but it’s a great option for families with kids or if you want to swim close to your hotel. At the waterfront, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes.

Lethra beach

Straight after the port, you can hike to Lethra beach. It’s a small pebbled beach that usually doesn’t get crowded. I found more deserving of the hike toward it than the beach itself. Have water and some food with you.

Skafi, Tholos and Agios Sergios

I add these three beaches together because you can’t access them on foot. However, if you’d like to see them, you can ask at the Livadia port for the small vessel’s itineraries: it’ll bring you there and pick you up late in the afternoon.

• Skafi is a wide beach without shade.
• Agios Sergios is totally isolated but has a beautiful pebbled beach with crystal clear water.
• Tholos , on the other hand, is a mixture of sand and pebbles and has some grey rocks on the edge.

Plaka beach (the peacock beach)

Located a few kilometers away from Agios Antonios Bay, Plaka is one of the most special beaches in Tilos. The tamarisks provide a natural shade, and the water is slightly colder than elsewhere. However, what makes Plaka beach unique is that peacocks from the nearby farm often visit the beach and show off their colorful feathers. You might also come across some free campers, but it hardly gets packed.

Agios Antonios beach

Finally, close to Plaka, you’ll find the fishing village of Agios Antonios (cover image in this Tilos travel guide). The beach in front of it is nice, but it’ll be hard to swim when it’s windy. I found the scenery extremely beautiful, but I think Plaka and Eristos are much nicer. However, it’s a great place to stop for lunch, so if you’re on this side of the island, make sure to stop at the village and swim if the sea is calm.

Eat local food at Gorgona restaurant

While this is not really an activity, I thought of recommending Gorgona restaurant . I found the food in Tilos relatively bland, but this restaurant at the port of Livadia proved to be a gem. Located on the top of a mini-market and overlooking the bay of Livadia, Gorgona has the nicest atmosphere from every restaurant or taverna I visited on the island. The food is delicious, and if you’re lucky enough to find a table straight at the bay, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of this side of Tilos.

You can see Gorgona restaurant on Google Maps and save it for your visit to Tilos. Don’t miss it.

How to get around Tilos

Despite its size, Tilos has an impressive road network. Traveling around Tilos shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t have a car: the local bus operates several itineraries daily and brings you to the most important places. The small bus runs from Livadia to Megalo Chorio, Eristos beach, and Agios Antonios -and back. On Sundays, there’s usually an extra stop at Agios Panteleimon monastery. You’ll find the time schedule at the bus stops; expect it to run every 2-3 hours.

Of course, a car (or a moped) will make your life easier. Tilos is a small island, and renting a car will give you flexibility, especially if you want to visit the island’s off-the-beaten-path locations. You will find a few car rentals at the port, and you ask directly for a car there. During the low season, you won’t pay more than 30 euros per day to rent a car in Tilos; however, the prices are much higher in July and August, and finding a vehicle is more complicated.

Ask them to help you pre-book a car when you book your hotel room. They will do it for you, and you can pick it up straight at the port the day you arrive.

The best hotels in Tilos, Greece

Tilos has a fair amount of accommodations , but most are simple. That said, luxurious rooms or fancy hotels are non-existent in Tilos. As I stated a couple of times, that’s an island for a lazy, relaxing vacation without big city comforts. In this section, you will find the best hotels in Tilos, and I’ll also share where I stayed.

Where to stay in Tilos

Stefanakis Villas – Car included . This was the place I wanted to stay in Tilos, but unfortunately, it was unavailable. Stefanakis villas consist of four fully-equipped independent villas, each having its own entrance and sun terraces with breathtaking sea views. What makes it even more remarkable is that when you rent a villa, you get a car for free for your entire stay. Therefore, the car is included in your room price. The villas are located about a kilometer away from Livadia, but it takes about 10 minutes to reach it by car due to the road’s design. See prices and availability for Stefanakis villas .

Utopia Boutique Hotel . That’s the closest you can get to luxurious accommodation in Tilos. Utopia Boutique Hotel is just two minutes from Livadia Beach, and it even has a small private beach. The reception is open 24/7, and all rooms have air-conditioning and a seating area. Breakfast included. See prices and availability for Utopia Boutique Hotel .

Ellibay Hotel . The newly built Elli Bay is straight at sea, just a couple of steps from Livadia beach. All apartments come with a balcony, and the rooms are fully equipped. In addition, a mini market, the main square, and several restaurants are just a few meters away, making it an ideal spot for your accommodation in Tilos. See prices and availability for Ellibay Hotel .

Milios Studios . Finally, if you prefer to stay on the mainland, there’s a great option. Milios Studios is located at Megalo Chorio, and although the rooms are not close to the sea, you’ll be just a short drive away from Eristos, the island’s most famous beach. The property has a quiet garden, and all rooms come with a fridge, a kettle, an oven, and private bathrooms. See prices and availability for Milios Studios .

Where I stayed in Tilos

Since Stefanakis Villas was not available, I decided to stay in Tilos Fantasy . It turned out to be a great choice, and I had a wonderful time. Located on a side street just a few meters from the main square, Fantasy Rooms consist of a few separate units with garden and sea views. The rooms on the ground floor have a nice veranda, while the ones on the upper floor of each unit have a small balcony. The owners were extremely polite and picked me up from the port at 3 am.

Each room has a double bed, and some come with an extra bed in case you are more people visiting. They also have fully-equipped kitchens with a kettle, stove, and fridge so you can have breakfast or cook. There’s no breakfast included in the price, however, a mini market and a traditional bakery are just five minutes on foot. Fantasy Tilos offers free parking spaces to its guests. Livadia beach is just 400 meters away.

I highly recommend Fantasy Tilos, and when I return to the island, I’ll definitely stay there. See prices and availability for Fantasy Rooms .

Please use the interactive map below for all other accommodation options in Tilos.

How to budget for Tilos

Greece doesn’t seem to have cheap islands anymore, but fortunately, Tilos is an exception. If you find the Cyclades overpriced, in Tilos, you’ll find a genuinely affordable island . Traveling to Tilos in the shoulder months (June and September) translates to a really cheap vacation: you can find spacious rooms for just 30 euros per night. Even during the high-season months (July-August), the prices won’t exceed 50 euros per night unless you choose more upscale accommodation.

As I wrote earlier, renting a car in Tilos is also reasonable . In June and September, car prices for smaller cars are around 30 euros per day, while bigger cars cost slightly more. There’s no reason to choose a bigger car for two people: the island is small, and the road network is in fairly good condition.

Finally, the food is reasonably priced too . While I wasn’t that impressed by the taste (I expected something more local), the prices are competitive and at least 30% cheaper than in the Cyclades. Even Gorgona restaurant, where I found the food delicious, was within the normal Tilos price range.

Overall, you can spend two weeks in Tilos for less money than five days in Santorini .

Finally, in the last section of this Tilos travel guide , I’ll share some travel tips about the island that didn’t fit in the previous lines. Consider these as Tilos travel tips that will help you to decide about your vacation.

When it’s the best time to visit Tilos?

The best time to visit Tilos is June and September . July and August tend to be hot, and that’s when most people visit the island. It won’t be packed even during the high season, but if you can manage an early or late vacation, it’ll be much nicer to visit during the shoulder months.

Can everyone have a great time in Tilos?

Well, no. If you want a very relaxing holiday without any organized activities and just a few restaurants, you’ll have a fantastic time. On the other hand, if you’re after some nightlife or endless sightseeing, Tilos is not for you. The island has just one or two quiet bars that usually don’t stay open long.

Therefore, Tilos is only for people looking for a quiet vacation . If that’s not you, skipping it and going to Kos or Rhodes is better.

Can I go on day trips from Tilos?

Day trips from Tilos are almost impossible. In most cases, you’ll have to spend a night on another island before heading back to Tilos. But, in general, Tilos is a place to enjoy staying there.

What to buy in Tilos?

Apart from its green energy policies, Tilos produces award-winning honey . The mini-markets at Livadia sell honey, and it’s something to enjoy while on the island but also to bring back home. I also bought honey, and it was delicious.

What is Tilos famous for?

Tilos is famous for its dwarf elephants, the abandoned village Mikro Chorio, and the ancient Greek poet Erinna. Nowadays, Tilos is renowned for being a 100% Green Island and for its high-quality honey.

Do I need a car in Tilos?

A car will make your life easier; however, the bus service is reliable, and you can see Tilos’ main sights without a car.

How many days are enough for Tilos?

Two days are more than enough to see every place of interest in Tilos and swim at Eristos beach. However, if you are searching for a place to relax, it’s up to you. I met people that stayed two or even four weeks and wished to stay more. In my opinion, if you want to see the island at a slow pace and enjoy its tranquility, four or five days in Tilos sound good.

And that’s it with the best things to do in Tilos and the travel guide to this quiet island. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below, and I’ll do my best to help you.

More Greek islands : Anafi , Donoussa , Schinoussa , Crete , Sikinos , Amorgos , Astypalaia

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Last Updated on May 12, 2023 by George Pavlopoulos

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Hey George, I interviewed Jennifer Barclay, a great author who lives in Greece. She wrote a fantastic book called Falling in Honey that focuses on the island of Tilos. If you or anyone visiting this page wants to check it out here’s the link: Jennifer Barclay Interview: Author who loves Greece

John, what an excellent resource! Thanks for sharing it here. I will definitely search for Jennifer’s book about Tilos; it sounds like a must-read. The interview is fascinating, and Jennifer’s story is unique. Tilos is beautiful and has lots of exciting places to see. Once again, thanks for sharing the interview and the book!

Utopia Hotel is does not have a beach and is a walk from the narrow strip of stony beach next to the public walkway much of which belongs to the tavernas and hotels that overlook it. I think you are confusing Utopia with Ilidi Rock Hotel which does have a secluded private beach and also has amazing rooms with beautiful panoramic views of the bay.

Hello Martin,

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’ll make sure to cross-check it as soon as possible and make a correction. I probably got confused -but I’ll go through my Tilos notes and update the article. Thanks again, Martin.

Best regards, George

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Visit Tilos, Greece: Travel Guide

Travel Guide to Tilos Island – Visit the Remote Island of Hiking and Relaxation

Visit Tilos , where do we start with the Greek island of Tilos ?

A small, remote, beautiful island situated between the bigger and well known Kos and Rhodes.

A visit to Tilos is a brilliant addition to any Dodecanese Island itinerary. This is especially the case if you are a big fan of relaxing AND exploring in the form of walking/hiking/running . Don’t go there expecting a party island however.

There’s a good chance you have never even heard of this island, neither had I until the day before going, researching where to go after Kos. Spontaneous travel is my forté and as usual did not disappoint. So here’s to inspiring you to take a short visit to Tilos, the stunning little island you maybe haven’t heard much (if anything) about.

Why visit Tilos?

How long to visit tilos for.

• When to visit Tilos?

How to get to Tilos?

Where to stay on tilos, how to get around tilos.

• Mikro Chorio walk
• Livadia to Paralia Lethra walking trail
• Livadia to Gera walking trail
• Paralia Tholos walk

The charm of Tilos lies in the fact it’s not as touristic as some of the other Greek islands, yet the natural beauty is striking . As a remote island, it takes a little extra time and effort to get there, which is undoubtedly why it may initially seem a ‘less popular’ island. The key point is that it’s not less beautiful than other islands, just more remote. That is a very good thing.

Tilos is a natural beauty where there is not a lot to do in a typical sense, yet there is a lot to explore despite its small size. It simply is what you decide to make of it. This island can be the ultimate place of tranquility and relaxation, while also an active haven thanks to the quiet roads, trails and never-ending views you won’t want to miss. The best of both worlds – my kind of place. I love the beach, I like to chill out but I’m also a runner and lover of hikes, at least when the views are as good as those on Tilos. I’ll delve a little deeper into some of the walking opportunities further down this post, as, for me, they are the highlight. You need to go out and see how beautiful it is out there.

Tilos was the kind of place that my soul needed when I visited. I feel like it has part of my heart and maybe, just maybe, it will be what you need too.

Being a very small island a short trip is perfect. On my visit to Tilos I spent 2 nights, 3 days there, which worked out super well. I wouldn’t have said no to an extra day or two to be honest! But all in all, a short trip is perfect in providing a lovely retreat from the bigger islands you will be coming from/heading to.

When to visit to Tilos?

My visit to Tilos took place in mid June and I would very much recommend going around this time. The weather was perfect, just before it got overly hot. A visit at this time also provided the true tranquil essence of the island, the way it is the majority of the year. That’s to say I don’t doubt more people visit the island during the peak of July and August, but even then I don’t *think* it is ever busy busy. For being able to enjoy the walks peak summer would be too hot though. Try to go a little off season if you can – May, June or September, October .

So, how to get to a remote Greek Island? A visit to Tilos is easily done, it’s just a little more time consuming to reach than other islands. This is because there is no airport on the island. Therefore, you have to live the Greek island dream of island hopping to get there. The closest ‘main’ islands from where you can access Tilos are Kos and Rhodes . International flights are available from many countries to either of these, less so during the winter months but spring/summer/beginning of autumn flights are readily available.

I flew into Kos where I spent 4 nights before heading to Tilos for 2 nights, then continuing on to Rhodes for 3 nights, flying out from there. That makes for a pretty good explore of the Dodecanese Islands.

You can check for flights to Kos/Rhodes below:

So, you have reached Kos or Rhodes, the next step to get to Tilos is to take a ferry .

Omio – search ferries to Tilos

You can search for and book the ferry online here .

It is super easy to find the cheapest, fastest, best options for your island hopping experience. If you are a spontaneous traveler like me, don’t worry you can book the ferry the night before/day of. In peak season the fast ferry could sell out a little in advance however. Off season, no stress!

That being said about being spontaneous, direct ferries to Tilos from either Kos or Rhodes do not run daily . Bare that in mind – you might need to check in advance that you can go on your desired day. They do run most days but not EVERY day.

There exist smaller, faster ferries, and larger, slower ones. The journey time between the islands is not too long on a direct ferry whether the fast or slow:

• From Kos to Tilos the journey ranges from 1h35min to 3h10min depending on the ferry booked
• From Rhodes the journey ranges from 1h55min to 4h10min depending on the ferry booked

How much does the ferry to Tilos cost from Kos/Rhodes?

• Good news, the ferry can very much be included in even a budget trip. It is not expensive at all, that is coming from a budget traveler.
• I paid €11 for my trip from Kos to Tilos , and €29 from Tilos to Rhodes . The latter was more expensive for me as it was the fast ferry. You can also reach Rhodes for as little as €13 . So affordable and very worth it.

Note : the fast ferry is of course (significantly) smaller than the slower one. Having experienced both, I can say the big ferry is much more comfortable . The one I took to Tilos was super big and therefore smooth sailing. There was so much space to walk around and lounge about. The fast ferry I took to Rhodes however was the opposite. You could feel every wave and essentially had to sit more crammed in. There was not much space for leg stretching. Of course the faster the better when on a limited time scale, just a warning it won’t be as ‘comfortable’.

Below you can see the big ‘Blue Star Ferries’ docked at Tilos port.

The ferry will take you to the main town on the island, Livadia . To make it simple, this is where you will want to base yourself.

Most accommodation in Livadia is in the form of apartments , which is lovely. They all seem to be somewhat in competition with each other – all pretty decent and very reasonably priced. Greece can in fact be surprisingly affordable, that’s got to be an incentive to visit! Have a search and see for yourself..

A super nice touch on your arrival is that most, if not all, the accommodations do a pick up and drop off service at the ferry port . For someone who usually walks everywhere possible when travelling, this seemed crazy to me – there is no need for them to do this – the accommodations are all so close-by. So lovely though! The accommodation will arrange with you in advance to see what ferry you will be arriving on and await your arrival at the port (even if you book while ON the ferry there – yes I know that from experience!).

On this trip I traveled with a friend, so being two of us we were able to half the cost. This made it very affordable. So much so, that we booked an extra night so as to have the apartment during the day before taking a later ferry to Rhodes. Staying in an apartment in Livadia is literally as cheap, if not cheaper (split between two) than in a hostel bed in a ‘main city’ elsewhere. Even is travelling solo, you would get that extra luxury of your own space for still a ‘reasonable’ price – honestly cheaper than some hostels during peak season. Travel slightly more off season – for example March/April and you can easily be paying the same as hostel prices but for an apartment!

We simply searched on booking.com and easily got accommodation organised about an hour before reaching the port. There were still a good few options available. The apartment we ended up in was absolutely fine but nothing to shout home about (so I won’t recommend it as such). That being said, the over-sized balcony overlooking Livadia was a big highlight! Each accommodation will have there own little charm, see which suits or go for the cheapest! I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed – especially if you get one with that balcony view!

The island is a little slice of walking/hiking/trail running heaven . With main roads so quiet they are safe to walk on (of course stick in to the side and be ‘sensible’), and walking trails found in all areas of the island, the best way to get around is without a doubt on foot . For such a small island there are more trails than you will manage to cover in your time there, and some you will just want to keep going on but won’t have the time. The walking trails are a big big draw to Tilos. Amazing for the trail runners out there too.

So be sure to have some comfortable shoes packed – trainers are all good, no need for hiking boots.

Alternatively, or better, additionally, there is a public bus which traverses the island. The bus timetable is posted at the bus stop in the village square, however is not the most informative. It tells what time it leaves Livadia but not at what time it arrives/leaves from elsewhere. If you have extra time taking the bus to a different point on the island and exploring around there – on the walking paths of course! – is an excellent idea.

There is also the option to rent a car or motorbike to explore the island at a faster pace and on wheels. This can be done from the port in Livadia.

What to do on a visit to Tilos?

On the approach to the island by ferry, you get an overall view of the hub of the island – Livadia .

From that initial look, you already know it is going to be a wonderful little place. You will cast your eyes over the beachfront, lined by a flat promenade home to restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea. Just a stone’s throw away, situated among the main amenities of the town from supermarkets to pubs, restaurants, a bank, the bus stop and more, is the village square. You will be surprised by the buzz that little square holds even later at night.

A little note on the supermarkets : there are surprisingly a few supermarkets/mini markets. There’s not much difference between the these to be honest. Of course, they are not your mainstream big supermarkets. This is remote island living! That’s to say prices are augmented and products somewhat limited . So little tip: anything you KNOW you are going to want/need, bring from a ‘main’ supermarket on Kos/Rhodes if you can. Especially the budget travelers out there, I wished I had thought to do that.

But what to DO in Livadia?

Relax, stroll, dine out, eat a picnic on the beach, view the ferries coming and going, simply watch the world go by …. in other words, not a whole lot, but in the best kind of way. Don’t worry there is a plenty to do (see) from Livadia… we’ll get to that.

The most accessible place to relax on the island itself is no doubt the long stretch of pebble beach in the bay of Livadia. Don’t want to sit on the beach? There are several benches along the promenade from where you can gaze out to sea and watch the world go by.

The beach itself stretches for around 1.4km – quite significant for such a bay on a small island. You don’t have to just ‘relax’ though – the Aegean Sea from Livadia beach is very inviting, and great for some ‘proper’ swimming. The generally calm water of the long bay is prefect to swim back and forth in. So, pack your goggles!

Want to go for a stroll? You can take a nice easy walk is to simply walk along the waterfront . This will also be your flattest running route on the island for the runners out there – around 1.5km of flat promenade (then the uphill begins).

Now what to do FROM Livadia….

With Livadia as your base you are in a great spot from where to explore other areas of the island. I made the most of my time and would highly recommend the walks, and therefore places, I got to experience.

Visit Mikro Chorio

Take a walk from Livadia to Mikro Chorio , an abandoned village on the island. This is a ‘must do’ on Tilos. The deserted village, now lying in ruins, makes for an interesting explore you can’t get just anywhere. The church still stands and is therefore the focal point of Mikro Chorio, while the views on offer are a sight to feast your eyes on. There is also a functioning bar which you wouldn’t expect to find, however it is not open all year – just peak season.

Since Tilos is so quiet in general, the abandoned village really does feel abandoned – it is not swarming with tourists. This gives a more authentic feel. There were a few, as in literally a few, people also exploring when I was there.

How to get to Mikro Chorio?

A couple of cars pulled up when I was there – you can drive all the way up . If planning to hire a car you can of course add this to your driving itinerary. The best and most adventurous way to get there however, is of course to walk from Livadia :

• Around a 40-50 minute (uphill) walk from Livadia, shorter on the way back thanks to the downhill.
• Although it is uphill all the way, it isn’t super steep. The route is a gradual climb of around 200m. I found it pretty enjoyable!
• No designated walking path from the town – follow the main road that goes up from the bus stop in the square. When you are a little uphill there is actually a trail which I only found on the way back. The trail essentially follows the road, so whether you find it or follow the road up as I did it’s much the same. Honestly it’s easier to just follow the road on the way up (the trail only goes a certain distance), you will however come across a couple a trail paths further up the road which you can kind of ‘cut through’ instead of on the road. Mikro Chorio is sign-posted at one point as you can see in an image below. I just used Google Maps and it got me there perfectly fine – yes you are going the correct way just following the road. No, there will not be many others out walking there too!

I put Mikro Chorio at the top of my list for places to visit, drawn to the fact there is actually something to see/explore. As in, more than beautiful views (but there is that too!) and beaches. Therefore I headed there my first morning (I spent the first day when we arrived in Livadia at the main beach, walking was for the next two days!). As it’s not too long a walk it’s a super nice way to start the day and introduce yourself to walking on Tilos. I spent more time at Mikro Chorio than expected – I just kept wandering through the ruins and also came to one of my favorite little viewpoints. It’s just stunning up there, looking over the island below.

I will leave a little map here of my Strava so you can take a closer look (you can zoom in if you log in on the app). The next walk I am about to talk about is on there too!

Livadia to Paralia Lethra

This was my first proper WOW walk on Tilos. Proper trails and unreal views .

After I’d been to Mikro Chorio I was heading back down to Livadia. As I said I found a trail, and the trail then led me to a road with a beautiful view over Livadia itself. Continuing along the road I again reached a trail – the start of the Paralia Lethra walk.

• reach the trail quickly thanks to a questionable ‘path’ just next to the port. Takes you directly up to the road which leads to the trial. Easier found on the way back – I came back down that way but did have to be careful underfoot. Doable though!
• Follow the main road up past the bus stop, take one of the roads on your right and go up from there. Depends on where your accommodation is as to the easiest way! Whichever way you take to get the the trailhead you will be quickly rewarded with beautiful Livadia views before you reach the official walk. Even just walking through the streets is pretty, as pictured below.

• Don’t worry, you won’t be tired of the views and will be happy it’s out-and-back. On the way out you get the vast expanse of the Aegean Sea, the way back you get to see Livadia coming into view – a treat in both directions.
• If you don’t have 2 hours for whatever reason, don’t fret! It is 100% worth just walking as far as time allows. I speak from experience here – I (accidentally because it was too beautiful out) continued onto this trail from Mikro Chorio. Living remote work life I had to get back to the accommodation to work. Covering less than half of the walk still gave me heart eyes at the sights on offer. Had I had another day I would have gone back and done the whole walk – go do it for me!

• Reaching Paralia Lethra will give you a very tranquil beach experience – as it’s so remote and only reachable on the trail it will be very quiet. Take any supplies you might need.
• Make sure to have some stops to take time to truly admire the scenery, and snap some photos of it. You won’t want to (actually you just won’t!) forget those views.

The crazy thing is despite the beauty of this trail, there was no one out there. I passed only a local man outside his home on the road to the trail. He seemed surprised/happy to see me out exploring and had a little chat.

If you go back to the Strava map from Mikro Chorio, you can see how I extended my walk from there onto this one, and have a little look again at the road/trail location. I took the sneaky little dodgy path on the way back which took my down to near the ferry port, so you can do that and end up right back down in Livadia.

Livadia towards Gera

My favourite route !! PLEASE do this one – awesome trails with breathtaking views.

I ran this route and claim it as the ‘coolest run of my life’ as the title on the map below shows. If you are a runner – run the trails for an even better thrill than walking. I am a road runner not a trail runner, but I sure would be tempted to become a trail runner if all trails were like this one. Road shoes are fine!

• Head along the bay in the opposite direction of the port , past the long stretch of beach. At the end of the promenade you will begin the climb . The view over Livadia from here is beautiful, remember to turn around and admire it. Of course it’s even better on the way back, when it’s directly in your sight.

• Many people will perhaps only walk this far. It’s a great little uphill walk to there with lovely views so that’s okay. BUT the best part comes after the church…
• Image below shows the chapel (white building) overlooking the bay (photo taken looking back towards Livadia direction).
• I actually intended to only go about as far as the church BUT there was no way I was stopping there when I saw the beginning of a trail. NO REGRETS.

• The uphill is made easier by your mind being focused on the neverending views (and keeping your feet on the trails – be careful, you are essentially on a cliff edge).
• The trail just keeps going, mixing uphill and downhill always with stunning scenes alongside.
• Continue on to Gera , another abandoned village on the island, if you want an ‘end’ (turn around) point, or you can simply go as far as you wish. Even better go further than Gera, I know I wish I had had time to!
• Return the same way you came.

The views are just unreal, stunning, beautiful, causing you to say ‘wow’ on repeat. Or maybe that was just me. I had no idea I was going to embark on a trial at all never-mind one like this, but I am pretty sure you will agree the natural beauty is just wow . The pictures give a good sense but still don’t quite do it justice. Take time to enjoy the scenes on offer!

Whether you choose to walk or run this trail, you will not be disappointed. I was injured and had barely ran for some months, but there was nothing stopping me when I got going on this route. No injury, no lack of fitness, no hills my legs were definitely not used to at that point.. Running it allowed me to get further and experience more since again, I was on a time limit. I turned around just short of Gera without even knowing at the time where I was. Had I had more time I would have kept going!

Livadia to/towards Paralia Tholos

Paralia Tholos is a secluded beach located on the opposite side of the island. It is around a 9km return walk from Livadia. This walk is a lovely addition to a Tilos itinerary, however I recommend the other three walks in this post before this one. If you have time add this on for sure, but prioritize the others. You can view the route below and I will give you a little more information on it:

• Paralia Tholos is located essentially opposite Livadia – up the mountain and down the other side.
• Walk begins on road from Livadia . Facing towards the water, take the road on the right before the bus stop in the main square (if coming from the waterfront, take the second road on the left after the bus stop). Alternatively you can walk along the promenade before taking one of the roads to your right (heading away from the port), which joins on to the uphill road you want to walk. Soon after leaving Livadia you already get to see the town from yet another perspective.

• Follow the road and keep going up. There is one bit you do a little zig-zag – come back slightly on yourself onto the dirt track road. I’ve pictured it below so you can see. You also get a nice little view from here of course!

• A bit further up there is a lovely ‘view point’, well I’d call it that anyway. Stop there and snap some pictures just as I did like the below images show – remember to take in the scenes around you.

• Not too long after this point you will reach the top of the road. Here you want to cross the road you now encounter and you will find the beginning of the trail to Paralia Tholos .
• The trail is very easy to begin with – continue straight along it (the first picture below).
• The final part of the walk then comes when the straightforward trails turns into a rocky descent to Paralia Tholos (second picture was taken on this part). Take CARE on this part, especially if you are alone. Don’t descend all the way if you don’t feel up for it – remember you will have to come back up the same way.

Note: I did NOT descend the whole way to the beach. I decided to be sensible – I was losing daylight (it doesn’t look like it in the pictures but it was evening), I was completely and utterly alone out there besides for some goats. That last bit really is rocky and quite steep. It wasn’t worth risking something happening out there. Remember you still need to return back to Livadia and there are no streetlights (or people) out there either. So just a note, enjoy the journey, you don’t NEED to make it to the ‘destination’. It’s about seeing and appreciating as much of the island as possible – which I did on the walk.

• Return to Livadia the same way. The way back will be more of a breeze and quicker as when you get back to the road it’s all downhill.

I did this walk on the same day as visiting Mikro Chorio and walking part of the Paralia Lethra trail. I finished work after my morning explore and needed to see more of this amazing island. On a whim I decided I would head to the Paralia Tholos trail. I almost didn’t head out, thinking it was getting a bit late, but I am SO glad I did. It’s amazing how much you can discover if you just get out there.

It was a bit eeries at times. Eerie, but pretty awesome. It was evening, I was out there alone. There was no one other person out walking here, just me, the goats and a few passing cars. One car actually stopped to ask if I wanted a ride, definitely out of kindness but just be careful out there. Sometimes you have to be the person who is crazy enough to just KEEP exploring. I always just want to see as much as possible when travelling!

A visit to Tilos does not end there…

There are more walks out there than those that I mentioned so go and discover them too should time permit. You can also hop on the bus and do some exploring in other areas that are a bit further from Livadia.

I am highly satisfied with how much I did manage to see in my 2.5 day visit to Tilos. Another day would have been another hike and I would have welcomed that, but it was time to move on. I hope you visit this beautiful island and appreciate the beauty of it as much as I did. Please walk walk walk if you can, that is the best way to discover Tilos!

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Effective Greece Travel

Travel to Greece with the best possible information

Ultimate Travel Guide to the Island of Tilos

Your Guide To Greece

Updated on: October 26, 2019

Featured image taken by @kamichablo on Instagram

Stationed roughly halfway between the larger islands of Kos and Rhodes, the small, rugged island of Tilos offers visitors an unforgettable escape from the rigors of everyday life.

A member of the Dodecanese island chain in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Tilos has remained relatively untouched by development, with its unspoiled landscape and laid-back way of life creating a haven for travelers seeking an unstructured vacation in a natural retreat. Like its Dodecanese neighbors, Tilos features craggy limestone mountains, volcanic valleys, rich soil and coarse sand tinted red by ancient lava flows.

With fewer than 1,000 year-round residents, Tilos has a larger population of rare birds and plant species than it does humans, and yet the locals pride themselves on extending the Mediterranean spirit of filoxenia—hospitality—to the thousands of tourists arriving on its shores each year. If you’re looking for a less crowded, more free-spirited alternative to the manicured beaches of the Cyclades, consider planning a visit to Tilos.

Best Time to Visit Tilos

With its tiny local population, it’s no surprise that many of the island’s restaurants and hotels only operate for a fraction of the year. For the best selection of activities, lodging and dining, the summer high season is the ideal time to visit, although late spring and early fall offer nearly as many opportunities. The busiest months on the island are May, June and July; prices are also at their peak during this time.

Weather-wise, you can expect pleasant temperatures from April through October. Spring high temperatures average between 62 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with relatively little rainfall. Summer temperatures can be quite warm—anywhere from 85 to 100 degrees on average—with almost no precipitation. The warm weather extends into the fall, when rain picks up a bit and average temperatures range from 68 to 90 degrees.

Getting to Tilos

This tiny 25 square-mile island doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll need to catch a ferry to get there. The closest airports are on the islands of Rhodes and Kos, which receive flights from Athens and other major European cities. You can opt to take the ferry from Athens or fly to one of the closer islands and set sail from there.

Ferries from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Tilos operate roughly three times a week, but the trip is lengthy: about 17 hours each way. Taking the ferry from Kos or Rhodes is significantly less time-consuming, with these trips taking between one and two hours depending on weather conditions and the size and power of the vessel. Ferries are also available for day trips between Tilos and several of its Dodecanese neighbors, including Simi, Patmos and Leros.

Places to Stay in Tilos

• Annas Studios : With panoramic views of the port city of Livadia, the studios and apartments of Annas studios offer spacious air-conditioned accommodations for travelers seeking both comfort and convenience. All units include kitchenettes with a microwave and mini fridge as well as private bathrooms, balconies and free Wi-Fi. The hotel sits less than a quarter-mile from the beach as well as popular cafés, tavernas and shopping.
• Dream Island Hotel : The luxurious one- and two-room apartments of the Dream Island Hotel in Livadia include air conditioning, kitchen facilities and cookware, flat-screen TVs and dining areas, allowing guests to prepare their own meals as they desire. The property is surrounded by colorful gardens visible from each unit’s private balcony or terrace, and the beach is just a few steps away.
• Eristos Beach Hotel : Situated right on the sandy beaches of Eristos, this three-star hotel is just a short walk from a bus stop with transportation to port city Livadia as well as the popular tourist attraction of Megalo Chorio. The 22 studios and six larger apartments are fully equipped with air conditioning, kitchen, dining furniture and private balcony/terrace with garden or sea views. Guests will also appreciate the acclaimed on-site restaurant, sparkling pool and beach chairs and umbrellas.
• Faros : This attractive beachfront hotel features lush gardens and an excellent restaurant with waterfront views. Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators and private balconies overlooking Livadia Bay.
• Ilidi Rock : This hillside hotel is perched above Livadia harbor, with stairs and a rugged path leading into the main village as well as immediate access to two small beaches. Each suite, studio and apartment includes a generously-sized terrace with views of the bay, and the facility offers an onsite fitness center, snack bar, business center, game room and free Wi-Fi.
• Stefanikis Villas : The owners of these luxurious Livadia beach villas operate a full-service travel agency , making it easy to arrange car rentals, ferries and other services. Each air-conditioned villa includes two TVs (one in the living room, one in the bedroom), a fully equipped kitchen, desk with computer, fax and copy machine, daily cleaning service and lounge chairs and beach umbrellas for sunbathing in the garden

How Long to Stay in Tilos

Given its remote nature and relatively small size, activities on Tilos are limited, so if you’re the kind of traveler who loves constantly exploring and seeing new things, you’ll probably want to stay four or five days before hopping to another island or visiting the mainland. However, if you’re simply looking for a peaceful place to relax and decompress in a stunning natural setting, you could easily spend a week or more here.

Getting Around Tilos

Most of the island’s hotels—as well as the main port—are located in Livadia, but if you want to explore the rest of the island, you have several options.

• Walking : It’s possible to see much of this small, picturesque island on foot, with more than 30 miles of trails and footpaths of varying difficulty levels crisscrossing Tilos.
• Biking: Several hotels offer bicycle rentals, as do a few small rental companies in Livadia.
• Bus: The municipal bus service on Tilos is reliable and affordable, although not always on time.
• Rental car: Renting a car is the easiest way to set your own itinerary and explore the entire island; be sure to make your reservation well in advance if you’ll be visiting during the summer high season, when demand is at its peak.

Things to Do on Tilos

Medieval castle of tilos.

Located north of Megalo Chorio village, the Medieval Castle of Tilos was erected by the Knights of St. John in the late Byzantine period. The castle was designed to hold the population of an entire village to protect its inhabitants from the pirates running rampant across the Aegean Sea during the Middle Ages.

Today, much of the original structure has crumbled, leaving only the external wall, a few cisterns and the ruins of the Church of Archangel Michael once contained within the castle. Still, it’s fascinating to explore the artifacts that remain, and its hilltop location makes it an outstanding site for watching the sun set. Just east of the castle, you can also tour the ruins of the Messaria fortress, another project of the Knights of Saint John dating back to the mid-14 th century.

Monastery of Agios Panteleimon

At the end of the island’s only major road lies the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon in Megalo Chorio. Completed in 1480, the dome-topped church is encircled by a stone wall with a three-story defensive tower on its southeast side. Within its walls stands a mighty cypress tree planted by the monastery’s abbot in 1800 as well as a thick curtain of plane and walnut trees. The monastery proper is flanked by impressive Greek columns and adorned with religious frescoes and wood carvings. In late July of each year, the monastery hosts a three-day festival marked with food, dancing and traditional music, drawing pilgrims from around the world.

Charkadio Cave

About a mile south of Megalo Chorio, Charkadio Cave was discovered in 1971 and has since been the source of several exciting excavations, including Neolithic hunting tools and pottery. The cave is most famous for its animal fossils, which include turtles, deer and an unusual species of dwarf elephant thought to have gone extinct about 4,000 years ago. Scientists theorize that the dwarf elephants evolved from larger elephants that arrived on Tilos about 6 million years earlier via a land bridge from Asia Minor; stranded by rising sea waters, the elephants gradually shrank in size due to a dwindling food supply and lack of natural predators before finally disappearing altogether.

Tilos Beaches

The island’s most popular beach, Livadia is located close to the main port as well as most of its hotels and restaurants. This well-developed beach features a combination of sand and pebbles and is outfitted for tourists with lounge chairs and umbrellas.

Eristos, a more secluded beach south of Megalo Chorio, lacks commercial development but offers total tranquility and crystal-blue waters.

Located on the island’s northern tip, Agios Antonios beach is one of the longest stretches of sand on Tilos. The seabed can be deep and rocky in some places, so use caution when swimming. No facilities are available at this beach, although the fishing village of Agios Antonios is close by.

Not far from Agios Antonios is Plaka beach, notable for its fragrant eucalyptus bushes and the colorful peacocks that wander the area.

Ghost Villages

Mikro Chorio, once the island’s bustling capital city, is now known as a “ghost village.” After World War II, its roughly 800 residents gradually dispersed to Livadia, Rhodes, Athens, Australia and even America, leaving behind 220 empty residences that are now little more than bleak external walls. An abandoned watchtower once guarded the city’s inhabitants; climb to the hilltop to examine its ruins and you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the town’s impressive organization and network of roads. The whitewashed Agia Zoni church, built in 1861, is the village’s best-preserved structure.

A second ghost village, Gera, is located in southeast Tilos not far from Livadia. The village was once the agricultural outpost of Megalo Chorio, fed by the nearby springs and rich volcanic soil; today, it stands empty just like its sister village.

Festivals and Customs

If you visit Tilos during the popular spring and summer months, you may be present for one of the island’s major festivals, most of which feature excellent food, live music and dancing. Mark your calendar with the following religious and cultural observances:

• Last Sunday of Lent: Carnival
• Easter: Resurrection of Lazarus
• July 25-27: Festival at the monastery of Αgios Panteleimon
• July 28: “Cup Dance” in the courtyard of the monastery of Agios Taxiarchis
• August 23: Festival of Panagia Kamariani and Panagia Politissa
• August 31: Festival of the Holy Belt in Μikro Chorio

Places to Eat in Tilos

• Best Breakfast: For an invigorating early meal, visit Omonoia Café behind the post office in Livadia. In addition to freshly-squeezed juices, hearty omelets and pastries, guests are treated to friendly service and shaded outdoor seating overlooking the harbor.
• Best Lunch: In Livadia’s town center, Pizzeria UP&UP serves a variety of oven-fired Italian pizzas in a laid-back setting. Pasta, sandwiches and a modest wine selection round out the menu.
• Best Dinner: For more than two decades, Armenon has been the island’s go-to for farm-to-table cuisine and fresh seafood. Local ingredients feature heavily on the Mediterranean-influenced menu, including local meats, seafood, vegetables and legumes along with herbs, honey and olive oil pressed from the fruit of the island’s own trees. Recommended dishes include seafood chowder, veal baked in parchment, braised goat and beef tenderloin ambrosia; house-made desserts like lemon pie and rich cakes provide a sweet ending to an already unforgettable meal.

Top Photo Spots in Tilos

• The pebbled shores and azure blue waters of Agios Antonios beach
• Whitewashed houses with brightly-colored accents in Megalo Chorio
• The majestic church of Agios Nikolaos in Livadia
• The vibrant colors of the peacocks roaming Plaka beach
• Abundant fruit trees heavy with lemons and pomegranates
• The craggy cliffs and wild goats of Agios Sergios beach
• Brilliant sunsets over Livadia beach
• The twinkling lights of the boats along Livadia bay after dark

Final Thoughts

Unlike some of its more glamorous distant neighbors in the Aegean Sea, Tilos has a rustic, laid-back vibe that matches its pebbled beaches and rugged landscape. If you enjoy venturing off the beaten path and prefer peaceful small towns to glitzy beach resorts, Tilos is the Greek island for you.

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Tilos: Your guide for a lovely trip to this heavenly island of the Aegean

One of the few places in Greece that remain still untouched by the rapid expansion of the tourist sector

BY ANASTASIA TOUROUTOGLOU

Translated by avgi daferera, published 02 july 2022, the path that leads to lethra from livadia. /photo: shutterstock.

A small “smudge” on the map, somewhere between Nisyros, Chalki and Symi; a place that remains still untouched by the rapid expansion of the tourist sector in Greece and the Mediterranean; a place with a huge history that goes back to the Neolithic times: Tilos, a virgin and wild place that at the same time is hospitable and welcoming to visitors, is one of the last “unexplored” islands of the Aegean sea.

There are boats from Piraeus to Tilos 2-3 times a week, arriving at the beautiful, quiet Livadia after a 14-hour trip, while there’s also the option of flying to Kos and then taking the boat across that only takes about 1 hour. Livadia is probably the most convenient place to stay on the island, since there you have access to all facilities and public services.

There are few places in Greece that maintain the intoxicating charm of a remote heaven on earth, so small that, if you’re in the mood and physically up to it, you can explore its every corner, going up steep hills on the island’s few trails. You can take in the ancient air of the island, swim in almost every remote beach, feel the energy of the medieval landscape, staring at Kastro ton Ipoton (Knights’ Castle) up to the deserted Mikro Horio and from there to the Museum of Dwarf Elephants, a unique attraction, not just for Greece but on a European level.

Photo: Shuterstock

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Tilos is one of the few places on earth where you can see how everyday life was thousands of years ago, and have ancient myths come to life, as if they were real. A few days on this tiny South Aegean island are enough for an unforgettable experience of this remote place that’s almost on a parallel universe.

What to see

Walking on the island’s lovely trails.

Tilos is a small island where, due to its unique, bumpy terrain, it’s useful to have your own vehicle, for easy transportation, unless you plan to spend most of your trip in Livadia. It’s also good to know that there aren’t many rental cars on the island, so it’s best to book in advance.

Impressive view of the Aegean from the Tilos mountain range/ Photo: Shutterstock

Hiking afficionados however, can disregard the above and just let themselves get carried away by the beautiful landscape of mountainous Tilos, on wild trails with breath taking views, that connect the port and the island’s north part, as well as some of the best, unspoiled beaches, including the gorgeous Limenari and Agios Petros, that are only accessible on foot. 54km in total –though not all of them marked– of incredible trails waiting for you to explore them, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience in one of the most unspoiled parts of the Aegean. Stop at the deserted village Gera to admire the amazing view of the open sea, and if you’re up to it, on the return, go down to the small, extremely beautiful beach of Agios Zaharios.

Another incredible path will take you to the medieval Kastro ton Ipoton (Knights’ Castle) one of the local landmarks. The view from there is stunning, but make sure to hike there in the afternoon, when the sun is not too hot. And no matter what time you go, make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and bring water with you.

The small amphitheatre by Harkadio cave, not open to the public. Photo: Shutterstock

Museum of dwarf elephants.

Tens thousands of years ago, when the Earth’s morphology was quite different from today, the last European elephants , as they were named by palaeontologists, took advantage of a sudden withdrawal of the sea and of the fact that the mainland was closer to the islands, to get to the Dodecanese. Many of them reached Tilos, and settled in the Harkadio cave, in Mesaria, creating a community 50.000 years ago. In 1971, the Palaeontology and Geology professor Nikolaos Simeonidis and his team discovered a number of fossils inside the cave, and you can seem them on display at the Museum of Dwarf Elephants (also known as the Palaeontological Museum) that is open daily, except Mondays, between 9am and 8pm.

Elephant skeletons, of around 1.40m height, as well as the skeleton of a baby elephant are among the interesting exhibits of the museum. The municipality aims for the museum to be associated with the Harkadio cave, which ideally will be open to the public soon.

Ruins at the medieval village of Mikro Horio, one of the most impressive attractions to be seen on Tilos/ Photo: Shutterstock

Mikro horio.

A very very old settlement in the heart of Tilos keeps the memory of the past alive. The village of Mikro Horio was a vibrant settlement whose population started to gradually decline in numbers in the 1940s, until it was abandoned completely in the ‘50s. Nowadays, you’ll only see decrepit houses and ruins of a different world that is born again every night at 11, when the only building in the village still in operation opens its doors to the public: a lovely bar with an amazing view that stays open till early in the morning and is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise.

The monastery of Agios Panteleimonas

This monastery – hallmark of the island’s religious history is built on the steep slopes of Tilos and is a great attraction for brave, experienced hikers who manage to climb there. The building dates back to the 14 th century, while inside you’ll see some marvellous frescoes and priceless works of arts, as well as the imposing, tall dome. Each summer, on July 26 & 27, one of the largest festivals on the island take place at the monastery, on the day of the celebration of Agios Panteleimonas.

Where to go swimming

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Livadia, Tilos’ best-known beach, is situated next to the harbour/ Photo: Shutterstock

The best-known beach on Tilos, and definitely the most easily accessible on an island where reaching a beach can prove tricky. Right next to the port, Livadia is a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters, and sunbeds and umbrellas. And if you don’t want to pay for an umbrella or sunbed, there are also many trees on the beach offering shade. Very close to the beach you’ll find shops and cafés as well as some of the best restaurants in Tilos.

Eristos beach/Photo: Shutterstock

A beloved beach on the west edge of the island, with fine soft sand. Eristos is surrounded by impressive rocks and is divided in two parts, one managed, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and one completely free where you can do as you wish. It’s a large, wide beach and is one of the more diverse parts of the island, as there’s a place here for everyone: families with small children under large umbrellas, large groups drinking beer and playing music on their guitars staying on the beach till late at night, as well as nudists at the edge. Beware of the very cold water in Eristos, since two cold springs come out in the sea.

Agios Antonios

The beach of Agios Antonios, one of the prettiest seaside villages on the island, will bring the long lazy summers of childhood to mind. It’s pebbled and has lovely bright blue waters, while the impressive palm trees offer nice shade even during the hottest hours. There are cafés and restaurants nearby, overlooking the small bay with the lovely waters.

If you’ve heard of the bay with the proud wild peacocks then you’ve heard of Plaka, the small beach about 4km from Agios Antonios. It has small pebbles, heavenly waters, and a few trees providing shade, creating an exotic setting. Plaka is particularly popular with campers who set their tents here.

Start from the port, in Livadia, and head to Lethra on a narrow, impressive path with an incredible view of the Aegean sea. After about 40min you’ll reach a truly stunning beach on the east part of Tilos. The perfect place for remote dives in turquoise waters.

The beautiful beach of Vlihada is near Livadia and has crystal clear waters providing more peace and quiet than Livadia beach. You’ll need to walk on a mountainous, relatively bumpy path and it’s not a great route if you’re afraid of heights and steep downhill descents, however, there’s also the option of the boat, that leaves the port daily, taking you to the less accessible beaches of Tilos.

Tholo, Skafi and Agios Stefanos

From the beautiful beaches of Tilos that you can only reach by boat, we recommend Tholo, Agios Stefanos and Skafi. Boats take you there from Livadia, but make sure you’ve brought provision as there’s no shade or any facilities to get any food or water.

Where to go for food and drinks

The traditional restaurant “Kritikos” has large, filling servings of well-made casserole dishes, as well as fresh fish and seafood.

Right above the beach in Livadia, you’ll find the traditional restaurant “Kritikos” that has large, filling servings of well-made casserole dishes, as well as fresh fish and seafood. Try the amazing shrimp saganaki, the refreshing avocado salad, as well as the lovely fried cheese served with honey. The view from “Kritikos” is amazing and, if you’ve already eaten, you can enjoy the view with a drink.

“Mediterranean Delights” taverna

Mediterranean delights.

Another popular restaurant in Livadia, “Mediterranean Delights” is located very close to the sea and opens early in the morning offering a wide range of breakfast choices and continues with a good variety of dishes throughout the day, with options ranging from seafood to delicious well-grilled souvlaki. All the ingredients are sourced from local producers, and the fruit comes straight from their own private orchard.

Terrace dining at “Kastro” taverna.

Leaving busy Livadia, we head to the island’s capital, the scenic and beautiful Megalo Horio, in the mountains. There, an old restaurant with a large balcony, surrounded by verdant fields, serves the most authentic version of the most traditional dishes on the island. If there’s a dish you must absolutely try then it is the goat stuffed with rice and liver, cooked in the wood burning oven, one of the most typical local dishes. This dish alone is worth visiting “Kastro” for.

Relax by the sea at“Ino” bar.

Tilos, in its entirety, is undoubtedly an alternative island, unspoiled and uncompromised, a place still far away from the heavy tourist development. You’ll feel the heart of this alternative place beat at “Ino”, the lovely bar in Livadia, a stone’s throw from the sea. The atmosphere here is so laidback that it will bring memories of summers in the ‘90s to mind. You’ll put your phones away and have a drink enjoying the company of your friends, listening to rock music.

The bar in Mikro Horio opens daily at 23.00, switching on its yellow lights that scatter a mystic gleam on the empty houses around it.

The bar in Mikro Horio

It has no name, but it is, without doubt, one of the most recognizable spots on the island. In the abandoned Mikro Horio village, there is wonderful bar, hidden among the deserted houses. It’s a lovely refuge with a view of an otherworldly, truly unique place in the Dodecanese. The bar opens daily at 23:00, switching on its yellow lights that scatter a mystic gleam on the empty houses around it. If you don’t have a car, you can get to the bar easily on a bus provided by the bar, that makes regular trips until 5 in the morning on Fridays and Saturdays.

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The Best Things to See and Do in Tilos Island, Greece

An island far from the crowds of the more popular Rhodes, the little island of Tilos, with its rugged mountains, verdant hills and picturesque beaches, is one of the few remaining islands where visitors can experience authentic island life. Tilos, in the Dodecanese, is one of the greenest places in Greece, and seduces travelers in search of respite and tranquility. Here are the best things to see and do in Tilos.

Take a walk in mikro chorio.

A deserted village between Livadia (the main port) and Megalo Chorio (the island’s capital), Mikro Chorio boasts ruins of imposing buildings and stone houses. Abandoned after the 1940s, this ghost town has a small bar that only runs during the summer, as well as a stunning whitewashed church that overlooks the settlement. Don’t visit without exploring the 14th-century castle built by the Knights of the Order of Saint John.

Spend the day at Livadia beach

Discover archaeological and paleontological finds in Megalo Chorio

While the construction project for an archaeological museum in Tilos is underway, you can still enjoy archaeological and paleontological finds at the museum Tilos, housed in the town hall in Megalo Chorio. Get acquainted with statuettes, sculptures from the Classical and Hellenistic periods, and ancient inscriptions and pottery. The paleontological collection includes fossils of dwarf elephants, the only extinct species of elephant found in Europe. These were discovered in the Charkadio Cave, near Megalo Chorio. Once you are done, make sure to stroll around the alleys and streets and get lost in the small capital.

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Explore Charkadio Cave

Located 2 kilometers south of Megalo Chorio, at the centre of the island, the Charkadio Cave has become an important sight after a phenomenal discovery of 1971 by the geologist and speleologist Nikolaos Simeonides. His team brought into light Neolithic artifacts, including hunting tools and pottery. But the most important discoveries were of the fossilized bones of elephants, turtle and deer within the cave. According to scientists, dwarf elephants lived on Tilos 45,000 years ago and disappeared about 4,000 years ago.

Visit Taxiarchis Church

The Taxiarchis Church, also known as the church of the Archangel Michael, is one of the oldest monasteries in the Dodecanese. This peaceful haven, built in 1425, is located within the castle of Megalo Chorio, and stopped operating in the 19th century. You will be charmed by its pebbled yard, as well as by its carved wooden iconostasis from the 19th century and impressive bell tower.

Explore the medieval Castle of Tilos

Located on top of Megalo Chorio, the castle was built by the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century, while the church of Archangel Michael located within was built later on. Once home to an entire village, the castle was deserted around the 18th century, when piracy was prohibited. While not much remains of the castle, the external wall, the cisterns and the ruins of the nearby Messaria fortress, built around 1366, are visible. This is also an excellent place to watch the sun sets over the Bay of Agios Antonios.

Perfect your tan at one of the beaches

Crystal-clear waters, idyllic stretches of sand and pebbles: this is what you get in Tilos. While the most popular beach is Livadia, there are plenty of other beaches to discover, such as the quaint Agions Antonios, with its small fishing harbor, or the beautiful Plaka, tucked in the western part of the island. Eristos beach is also a favorite, thanks to its golden sand, but we are pretty sure the pebbled shores of Lethra will still charm you. You will also find beaches accessible only by boat, such as Skafi, Agios Sergios or Tholos.

Visit the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas

Undeniably the most important church on the island, the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas, dedicated to the protector of the island, is worth a look. Standing at the end of the only road on the island, this important site of pilgrimage was built in the 15th century and includes spectacular Byzantine frescoes. Set in a lush area, the monastery is also home to a wooden iconostasis dating from the 18th century.

Take advantage of the old pathways

Tilos is a paradise protected under the Natura2000 network, and the best way to explore it is hiking. Thanks to the networks of old marked tracks , you can wander inland, discover the fascinating and unspoiled nature of the island and quickly understand why ecology is dear to the locals. Take it all in, smell the local flora and open your eyes. You may come across abandoned churches at the bend of a track or stumble upon forgotten ruins. You may never want to leave this green paradise.

Do some birdwatching

Since the whole island is an ecological park, Tilos is home to over 100 bird species, some of which are endangered or rare. Come with your gear and you may catch a sight of a peregrine, a Bonelli’s eagle or an Eleanora’s falcon. Just remember not to be a nuisance to them.

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Ferry to Tilos

Book online your ferries to Tilos

Get informed about ferry schedules to Tilos and book online your ferries to Tilos. Important note: Schedules for summer routes of some companies are officially announced around March.

The ferry to Tilos from Athens, particularly from Piraeus port is long and takes from 15 to 17 hours, depending on the intermediate stops and the vessel. As the trip is long and tiring, many visitors choose to fly to Rhodes or Kos and then take the ferry to Tilos. In summer, there is a daily ferry to Tilos from other Dodecanese islands.

Except from Piraeus port in Athens, there are also ferries to Tilos from: Astypalea - Chalki - Fourni - Ikaria, Ag.Kirikos - Kalymnos - Kastelorizo - Kos, Port - Naxos - Nisyros - Paros - Rhodes - Santorini (Thira) - Symi, Port - Tinos. Note that these ferry connections can be available only during some summer months and can vary from year to year. The most popular ferry routes to Tilos are from the ports of Rhodes , Symi and Halki . Note that Rhodes has an international airport therefore, visitors can get to Rhodes by plane and then reach Tilos by ferry. For information about these locations and organise a Greek island-hopping trip, visit our travel guides . For more information about ferry companies to Tilos, vessels types and ports of departures in Athens, check our Ferries main page.

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Tilos Travel

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About Tilos Travel

While some islands are now reachable by plane or are connected to the mainland with a bridge, ferries remain the only way to reach some of the most beautiful and amazing islands, hidden beaches, or other seaside destinations. Larger and slower car ferries carry vehicles and passengers around the world, but in certain cases, you will need to opt for a smaller yet faster express high speedboat or catamaran to reach your destination. While the latter does save you time, caution should be taken if you are prone to seasickness. When the sea is, rough high-speed boats which actually cut the waves are a better option than catamarans that ride the waves instead hence turning your journey into a rock-and-roll trip. To prevent or beat motion sickness, we recommend taking a special medication – consult your doctor prior to the journey. While on board, grab a seat on an open-air deck wherever possible.

Ferry trips offered by Tilos Travel can be booked online – in an easy and hassle-free manner, without wasting your time visiting the booking office.

Tilos Travel Main Piers

Here is a list of some of the main piers you can reach with Tilos Travel ferries. Check the complete station guide before you go:

• Chios Erturk
• Rhodes Port
• Kusadasi Port
• Bodrum Castle Port
• Fethiye Port

Tilos Travel Popular Destinations

The most popular shipping routes covered by Tilos Travel include but are not limited to:

• Bodrum - Kos
• Fethiye - Rhodes
• Kos - Bodrum
• Rhodes - Fethiye
• Samos - Kusadasi
• Chios - Cesme
• Kusadasi - Samos
• Cesme - Chios

Tilos Travel Ferry Types & Tickets Prices

High-speed fast ferries always hit the hardest on your pocket. If you need to save money, check whether some slower options are available on your route – usually the rates are much more affordable. It is a rule of thumb to check the length of the trip before booking. On longer routes, the difference in travel time can be huge. Note that not all ticket fares or classes are always available on any route. During peak seasons it is a good idea to make your booking in advance as the availability of more expensive private cabins is often limited. Opting for walk-in tickets on the most popular routes during these periods can result in long waiting queues. Some destinations have more than one pier or different piers for different ferry companies hence goes the recommendation to check the pier you leave from/dock at before your trip. Leave enough time before the departure to find your boat and check in. These procedures may take up to a couple of hours on international routes. Last but not least, some piers impose their own ‘pier fee’ on all arriving passengers. This fee is normally not included in your ticket price – keep this in mind.

Travel by Ferry: Pros & Cons

Pros of ferry travel.

• Taking a ship allows you to get to some of the islands, beaches, or seaside destinations which otherwise cannot be reached. While ferry travels can be time-consuming and sometimes make you suffer from sea sickness, the possibility of visiting the most paradise, secret, off-the-beaten-track destinations they bring you to usually compensates.
• Ferry tickets can be booked online. It saves you time and secures your travel itinerary goes as planned. The advanced booking option is especially convenient when travelling during peak season periods, national holidays, or long weekends when there is high demand for tickets and on routes served by a limited number of vessels.
• On some routes, you are able to choose the class of the ticket or cabin. There are private compartments or standard cabins with a number of extras included or not. Always check the conditions of your fare to take most of your trip.
• Ferry travel is always fun. It allows you to see the places you visit or just pass by from a different angle. The majority of places look terrific – and totally different! – when viewed from the water. Sailing provides a great opportunity to shoot nice and unique pics and videos – do jump at it!

Cons of Ferry Travel

• The major concern while travelling by water is motion sickness, which is a very annoying and unpleasant thing. Even if you have never experienced it before, there is no guarantee that the next ferry trip will run smoothly as well. Rough seas and speedboat journeys can make even the strongest stomachs beg for mercy. Follow our recommendations above and take your medicine half an hour prior to your trip. Taking a light meal before travel also helps – more chances to get seasick with an empty stomach.
• Delays and cancellations are common for ferry trips as they highly depend on weather and sea conditions. It especially concerns travel during shoulder months or off-season. Rains, mossy seas, and stormy weather may interfere with your travel itinerary – try to keep it flexible and do not plan tight flight connections even during the ‘usually-good-weather’ season.

Tilos Travel Popular Routes

Tilos travel schedule & timetable, tilos travel stations.

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• Fethiye Rhodes Ferry Ticket

Rhodes Fethiye Ferry Ticket

Fethiye Rhodes Ferry Ticket Prices

Thousands of tourists come from Fethiye to island of Rhodes by ferry services every year.  Fethiye Turkey is a very beautiful town in the south east. The weather in Fethiye always warm and sunny.

You can take your ticket from ferry company and spend a few hours in a day trip in Fethiye before going to the island . Fethiye has an unique beaches. You can have fun in beach clubs while sunbathing.

The frequency of ferry services and the cheapness of ferry tickets are another attractive issue. Rhodes is known as the largest of the 12 Greek islands. Rhodes fascinates its visitors with its ancient historical sites. The island is situated at the point where the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea mix and is very close to Fethiye, which gives Turkish tourists a great advantage.

The island has been taken over by Rome, Byzantium and Knights throughout its history. The Knights invested heavily in Rhodes. They built castles on the island and built the Palace of the Great Masters.

Rhodes was then ruled by the Ottomans for 400 years. It is possible to find traces of the Ottomans on the island. This means Rhodes has variety of traditions for long years. This situation provide the kindness between people from every nation. 

The Rhodes town is the largest settlement on the island. Lindos is also an important city located on the island. There is a Schengen visa requirement for tourists coming to Rhodes.There is also a visa application at the gate for those who come from Fethiye Marmaris and Bodrum . To obtain a gate visa, you must contact tourism or travel agent three days in advance.

Ferry services to the island are organized every day of the week from Fethiye. Going to the island by ferry is quite popular and common. In the high season ferry operators has ferry services to all Greek islands. There are some alternative routes to go to Rhodes like airport transfers but ferry services are the best. Because many tourists have faster access to ferry tickets, and as a price, ferry tickets are much more convenient.

The journey from Fethiye to Rhodes takes about an hour with ferry services. From Fethiye, it is possible to easily reach Rhodes. You can get your ferry ticket much cheaper by booking early. Also with booking early you can spend less money to hotel accommodation.

You can use public transport when you get off the ferry on the island. Buses depart from many places outside the castle to various parts of the island. The island has developed significantly in terms of transportation.

As for the island, the most logical place to stay is in the castle reagion. Because if you stay in the inner city, you don't need to rent a car. Also, all the exciting activities and places are located in this area. The Old City area in the centre of the island is an important point for Rhodes. This region, which bears traces from the Middle Ages, is surrounded by fortifications. The streets are always lively and crowded.

The area has very sweet restaurants, quaint gift shops,bars and mosques. You must also visit the Palace of the Great Masters. This building is located at the end of Socrates Street, at the highest point in the inner castle.

We suggest that you to take your ticket to Fethiye Rhodes ferry and see this hidden paradise island as soon as possible. As mentioned earlier, ferries from Fethiye to Rhodes are reliable. The fact that ferry tickets are cheap is also an important advantage for tourists. We recommend buying your ferry ticket as a round trip.

The island is on the Unesco World Cultural Heritage list. The area is quite touristic and crowded. We recommend adding it to your must-see list before you die.

The extraordinary beauty of the island will begin to take you as soon as you get off the ferry. Then you will see the unique beauty of Rhodes. Also we promise that you will want to come to Rhodes every single year. We wish you a happy holiday in advance.

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• Ferry from Nisyros to Tilos

Tickets, Prices & Schedules

• Ferry Tickets
• Ferry routes

Ferry schedules

Is there a ferry from Nisyros to Tilos?

Yes, there are normally year-round ferry crossings to Tilos from Nisyros. You can usually find 6 weekly ferry crossings from Nisyros to Tilos.

The 3 ferry companies normally operating on the Nisyros - Tilos connection are Blue Star Ferries , Dodekanisos Seaways and Saos Ferries .

What’s the ferry schedule from Nisyros to Tilos?

The first ferry usually departs from Nisyros at 10:35 and reaches the port of Tilos (Livadia) around 12:05.

The last ferry usually leaves the port of Nisyros at around 17:05 and arrives in Tilos at 17:45. Occasionally, there are also later departures after midnight, at around 02:00-04:00 in the morning.

Bear in mind that ferry timetables are subject to change depending on the season. You can check real-time ferry schedules and ticket prices on Ferryhopper.

Ferry Tickets, Offers & Discounts

How much is the ferry from nisyros to tilos.

Standard Nisyros - Tilos ferry tickets usually range from €6.60 to €16 .

The final ticket cost depends on the ferry company, available discounts and offers, seat type, as well as vehicle selection.

On Ferryhopper, you can find all active offers for ferries to Tilos. Take a look at available ferry routes in the Dodecanese, find the lowest prices, and book your ferry tickets easily and quickly .

For more info, take a look at our relevant blog post about cheap Greek ferry deals .

Note that current offers are automatically applied when booking your ferry tickets.

You can travel by ferry between Nisyros and Tilos with cheaper ferry tickets thanks to available discounts. Ferry companies offer discounts up to 50% to certain passenger categories , such as:

• Children from 5 to 10 years old
• Students (Greek Public University and ISIC card holders)
• People with disabilities
• Island residents (holders of Unique Islander Number)

Note : infants and toddlers up to 4 years old normally travel free of charge . However, keep in mind that available discounts may vary from one ferry operator to another.

Ferry Route Info

How long is the ferry ride from nisyros to tilos.

The Nisyros - Tilos trip duration ranges from 40 min to 1.5 hr . Ferry time may vary depending on the type of vessel, the ferry itinerary, and the weather conditions.

Tip : worried that weather conditions might affect your time of departure? You can see any changes and track your ferry in real time on the Ferryhopper App .

Is there a high-speed ferry from Nisyros to Tilos?

Yes, there are fast ferries (Dodekanisos Seaways) traveling from Nisyros to Tilos. The fastest ferry reaches the island in 40 min .

What’s the distance between Nisyros and Tilos?

The distance between the port of Nisyros and the port of Tilos (Livadia) is around 15 nautical miles (around 28 km).

Ferry Trip Tips

Useful tips for your ferry trip from nisyros to tilos.

Here are some useful tips for your ferry trip from Nisyros to Tilos:

• The port of Nisyros can be busy in the summer months, as the island is connected to many islands in the Dodecanese. We recommend reaching the port at least 45 min before the trip , especially if you bring along your vehicle.
• Tilos is a small island in the Dodecanese with beautiful wild nature, and is a great option for a quiet vacation in the Greek islands. Take a look at our Tilos travel guide and plan your trip with the best holiday tips.
• Tilos is also a great starting point for island hopping in the Dodecanese and the North Aegean . Indicatively, some destinations that you can reach from Tilos are Kos, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Symi, and Ikaria. On our Map of ferries , you can find all connections from Tilos to easily organize and visualize your ferry adventure.

Where to take the ferry from Nisyros to Tilos?

Ferries to Tilos depart from the port of Nisyros which is located in Mandraki , the capital of the island. The port is easily accessible on foot from the town center.

Near the port, you can find hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other visitor amenities.

Can I travel on the Nisyros - Tilos ferry with a car?

Yes, you can board your vehicle on Blue Star Ferries and Saos Ferries vessels traveling to Tilos from Nisyros, as they have car decks . You can’t bring along your car on Dodekanisos Seaways ferries.

Car tickets start at around €9 , and motorcycle tickets at around €2.

Tip : we recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as car spaces are limited and sell out fast.

Ferry luggage

On Blue Star Ferries and Saos Ferries, you can carry luggage weighing up to 50 kg free of charge. On Dodekanisos Seaways ferries, the luggage weight limit is 40 kg .

Note that Greek ferry companies are usually quite flexible regarding luggage size and weight, and that there is normally no check-in procedure for luggage items .

There are cabins available on Blue Star Ferries vessels traveling to Tilos from Nisyros, starting at around €32 .

On Blue Star Ferries vessels, there are also airplane-type number seats , starting at around €10.

On Nisyros - Tilos ferries, you can travel with your pet free of charge . Make sure to check the company’s pet policy before your trip.

Make sure to carry along all necessary pet health certificates , tickets and any supplies you may need for your trip.

Book cheap ferry tickets from Nisyros to Tilos

On Ferryhopper, you can easily book ferry tickets to the Dodecanese at the best prices . Discover all available ferry connections, compare companies and fares, and book your ferry trip to Tilos in no time !

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Brazil Police Recommend Criminal Charges Against Bolsonaro

The federal police accused the former president of falsifying his Covid-19 vaccination records.

By Jack Nicas

Reporting from Rio de Janeiro

Brazil’s federal police recommended that former President Jair Bolsonaro be criminally charged in a scheme to falsify his Covid-19 vaccine card, partly to travel to the United States during the pandemic, in the latest sign of criminal investigations closing in on the former president.

Federal prosecutors will now decide whether to pursue the case. If they do, it will be the first time the former president has faced criminal charges.

Brazilian police accused Mr. Bolsonaro of ordering a top aide to obtain falsified Covid-19 vaccination records for himself and his daughter, 13, in late 2022, just before the former president traveled to Florida to stay for three months following his election loss.

Brazilian police said they were awaiting an answer from the U.S. Justice Department on whether Mr. Bolsonaro used a fake vaccination card to enter the United States, which could bring different criminal charges.

At the time, most international visitors to the United States were required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination to enter the country, and a U.S. official said even a foreign leader would have had to comply with such rules.

Mr. Bolsonaro has said he did not receive a Covid-19 vaccine, but he has denied accusations that he was involved in any plan to falsify his vaccination records. His lawyer said in a text message that he was still reviewing the accusations.

If he is convicted of forging his vaccine card, Mr. Bolsonaro could face prison time.

The federal police’s indictment is the first time the various criminal investigations into Mr. Bolsonaro have moved toward charges.

Mr. Bolsonaro has been subject to questioning and searches as part of several inquiries, including into the selling of watches and jewels he received as presidential gifts from Saudi Arabia and other countries, as well as accusations that he worked with top government officials to hatch a plan to try to hold onto power after his 2022 election loss .

Brazil’s electoral court has already ruled Mr. Bolsonaro ineligible for public office until 2030 for spreading false information about Brazil’s voting systems on state television, forcing him to sit out the next presidential contest in 2026.

During the pandemic, Mr. Bolsonaro was critical of the Covid-19 vaccine , joking that it would turn people into crocodiles and instead promoting unproven treatments, such as hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug.

His administration hesitated to secure vaccines when they were first being distributed, exacerbating the pandemic in Brazil, according to a Brazilian congressional investigation that recommended in 2021 that the former president be charged with “ crimes against humanity, ” among other charges, for his actions during the pandemic.

Prosecutors at the time did not charge him. More than 700,000 people have died in Brazil because of Covid-19, the second-highest national death count after the United States.

In May 2023, the police searched Mr. Bolsonaro’s home , confiscated his cellphone and arrested one of his closest aides and two of his security guards as part of the investigation into the fake vaccination records.

In a complaint unsealed on Tuesday, Brazil’s federal police said records showed that Mr. Bolsonaro’s personal aide, Lt. Col. Mauro Cid, and Mr. Cid’s wife used fake vaccination cards to enter the United States in 2022. Mr. Cid, who was arrested last year as part of the investigation, told the police that once Mr. Bolsonaro found out that Mr. Cid had a fake vaccine card, he ordered the aide to get him one, too, the police said.

The police said records showed that on Dec. 21, 2022, an official in a suburb of Rio de Janeiro then entered false records into the city’s health database that Mr. Bolsonaro and his daughter had received two doses of Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine earlier that year. The police said that during one of the two dates on which the records said Mr. Bolsonaro received a vaccine, the former president was not in the Rio de Janeiro suburb.

In addition to Mr. Cid, the police said, several other allies of the former president falsified vaccination records in a similar scheme, some of whom used the records to accompany Mr. Bolsonaro to the United States. The police also recommended charges against them.

Mr. Bolsonaro spent his first three months after the presidency staying in a rented home near Disney World outside Orlando.

Mr. Bolsonaro entered the United States several other times while the country required visitors to show proof of vaccination, including to attend the United Nations General Assembly and to meet President Biden in Los Angeles, though those 2022 trips preceded the plan described by investigators to falsify vaccine records.

In 2021, Mr. Bolsonaro, who was perhaps the only unvaccinated world leader at the U.N. General Assembly, opened that proceeding with a speech that said Brazil would not require anyone to get vaccinated. He added that he had recovered from Covid-19 by using “off-label” drugs.

“History and science will hold everyone accountable,” he said .

During that trip, he and his entourage struggled to enter New York restaurants that required proof of vaccination. Instead, he posted a photo of his team eating pizza on the sidewalk. Mr. Bolsonaro’s health minister, who was biting a piece of pizza in the photo, tested positive for Covid-19 hours after attending the U.N. meetings.

Flávia Milhorance contributed reporting from Rio de Janeiro, and Paulo Motoryn from Brasília.

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Covid-19 deaths in Brazil. There have been more than 700,000 deaths, not nearly 600,000 deaths.

How we handle corrections

Jack Nicas is the Brazil bureau chief for The Times, based in Rio de Janeiro, where he leads coverage of much of South America. More about Jack Nicas

Indians Top List for Increased Travel Spend — India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

March 26th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Until recently, travel was seen as a luxury and once-a-year activity by Indians. International trips were even more infrequent. The new generation of Indian travelers is changing that.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Indians have budgeted more for travel in 2024, according to Skyscanner Horizons 2023-2024 report . According to Skyscanner, 63% of Indians are planning to spend more on travel this year, the highest of any country. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is number 2, with 56% of travelers planning to spend more. 

More travel for Indians: Skyscanner’s trend report further revealed that Indians are planning to vacation abroad in greater numbers this year. Indians are also willing to spend on comfort during travel such as upgrading to business or first class or seat selection and access to airport lounges. 

For one in 10 Indian travelers, the cost of activities, such as shopping, is also an important consideration, the report noted.

Indian travelers along with those from the UAE, Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Singapore also said that they are most likely to book on a mobile device.

Chennai Airport to Get DigiYatra Facility This Week

The ministry of civil aviation’s digital initiative for airport check-ins – DigiYatra – is set to be rolled out at the Chennai airport this week. DigiYatra is a digital air travel app that uses facial recognition for quicker processing of passengers at airport entry gate, pre-security gate and boarding gate. According to Indian newspaper, The Hindu, officials of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) said that trial runs for the system were carried out over the last few weeks and no glitches had been reported. 

DigiYatra system is currently operational at 13 airports across India, and can only be used for domestic travel. Processing of international passengers is in its plan , the company has stated on its website. In January this year, the ministry of civil aviation had announced its plans to roll out DigiYatra at 14 more airports, of which Chennai was one. For 2025, the app is slated to be launched at 11 airports.

Nikhil Sharma Joins Radisson Hotel Group as Managing Director for South Asia

Radisson Hotel Group has announced Nikhil Sharma as the managing director and area senior vice president (ASVP) for South Asia. The appointment will come into effect from April 1 this year. Sharma currently serves as the market managing director Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. 

The appointment comes after Zubin Saxena’s movement in January to join Hilton as the India country head . Saxena had been with Radisson for more than eight years. 

Most Indian Travelers Mindful of Sustainable Travel

A survey by online travel platform Agoda has revealed that 87% Indians care about sustainable travel. Travelers added that factors such as financial incentives, availability of sustainable travel packages, as well as guidance on sustainable travel practices could encourage them to make more mindful travel choices. 

Earlier this month, a report by The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), professional services firm KPMG, and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) stated that the sustainable tourism market in India is expected to stand at $151.88 million by 2032. In 2022, this market was valued at $26.01 million. 

Goibibo Unveils Student GoPass Program

Online travel agency Goibibo has unveiled the Student goPass program that allows students to undertake travel on budget. With this pass, the platform aims to provide students with affordable options across domestic hotels, flights, buses, and international hotels and flights. 

Speaking about the initiative, the company’s chief marketing officer Raj Rishi Singh said that India has a student population of more than 150 million. As many of these students migrate domestically and internationally for education, a need for reliable and affordable travel options emerges, he added. 

Air India Commences Self Check-In, Baggage Drop on Bengaluru-San Francisco Sector

Full-service carrier Air India has announced the commencement of self check-in and self baggage drop facilities for passengers flying the Bengaluru-San Francisco sector. The services, which commenced at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport last week, are a part of the airline’s plans to make passenger experience and journey smooth and seamless. 

This facility is already available for domestic Air India flights at the Bengaluru airport. The airline is further working on extending these facilities to passengers flying from Bengaluru on Singapore and Male sectors. 

Donald Hunter, head global airport operations and ground handling, Air India, said that the facility reduces wait time at check-in counters, and thus, the airline has plans to extend this facility for more Air India flights at Indian and international airports.

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: agoda , air india , airlines , airport , airport security , airport technology , airports , chennai , hotels , india budget , india outbound , india travel , indian airlines , online travel , online travel agencies , online travel companies , radisson , radisson hotel group , skift india report , skyscanner , sustainability , sustainable tourism , tourism , Travel Trends

Photo credit: Indians, on an average, are planning to vacation abroad more this year. Element5 Digital / Pexels

False claim migrants in the US illegally need passports for air or land travel | Fact check

The claim: Individuals in the US illegally must now carry a passport to travel by air or land

[ En Español : Falso: inmigrantes que están ilegalmente en EE.UU. necesitan pasaporte para viajar ]

A March 17 Instagram video ( direct link , archive link ) shows a man talking about immigration documentation.

"Immigrants who do not have legal immigration status from this moment on, if you want to travel, even within the United States whether on local flights or by land by vehicle, you must carry your passport from this moment on,” says the commentator in the video.

The post garnered more than 6,000 likes in five days.

More from the Fact-Check Team: How we pick and research claims | Email newsletter | Facebook page

Our rating: False

The Transportation Security Administration accepts passports and other forms of identification, such as a driver's license, for individuals who are in the country illegally and want to travel. Such travelers without passports will need to verify identities with facial recognition to travel.

The TSA accepts passports and other forms of identification

The TSA accepts various identification from travelers , including foreign government-issued passports and state-issued enhanced driver's licenses.   

“To travel domestically in the U.S., TSA requires a valid form of identification which can be either a state- or federal-issued identification document,” Kelley Ortega , an attorney at the Jaime Barron Immigration Law Group, told USA TODAY. “A foreign passport is also often accepted. In practice, lots of individuals who are apprehended and released at the border either have no passport or have their passport confiscated and, as such, would not be able to present a valid identification to travel by plane with TSA upon their release.”

The post may be based on a report from the Associated Press on March 14 that noted the government has started requiring migrants without passports to submit to facial recognition technology to verify their identity if they want to take a domestic flight. But there are no reputable reports of passports being required to travel at all, contrary to the post's claim that they are mandatory even for land-based travel.

Fact check : Biden didn't remove bald eagle from passports; photo placed on different page

For immigrants already in the country illegally, 19 states and the District of Columbia allow them to obtain driver’s licenses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. A driver's license is a document approved by the TSA for boarding a flight.

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Our fact-check sources:

• Transportation Security Administration, accessed March 21, Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
• Kelley Ortega, March 21, Email exchange and phone call with USA TODAY
• Associated Press, March 14, Migrants lacking passports must now submit to facial recognition to board flights in US
• National Conference of State Legislatures, March 13, 2023, States Offering Driver’s Licenses to Immigrants

Thank you for supporting our journalism. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or e-newspaper here .

USA TODAY is a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network, which requires a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisanship, fairness and transparency. Our fact-check work is supported in part by a grant from Meta .