Nothing works up an appetite like a leisurely day at a remote Mediterranean beach. On Tilos, you can swim at the town beach backed by tamarisk trees and enjoy traditional dishes in taverns.
Music lovers can head to Mikro Horio’s eerie music bar, which belts out loud tunes most of the night. Those with more of an archaeological bent can visit the dwarf elephant museum, which displays fossils from Europe’s last paleoloxodontins.
Livadia
Livadia is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a genuine Greek experience away from mainstream tourist attractions. This enchanting town is home to rich historical heritage and offers a plethora of cultural and recreational activities. Its association with the Oracle of Delphi makes it a must-see site for history buffs.
The taverns around town serve traditional dishes that feature local ingredients. They also offer a more laidback environment where you can enjoy face-to-face socialising and rock music. The nameless bar at Mikro Horio, a great example of this, is open nightly until 5am.
You can also sample the island’s seafood at Kritikos, where you can order casserole recipes, grilled dorado, and prawn saganaki. The restaurant is also home to the island’s only ATM and is a popular gathering spot for locals in the daytime and evening. It’s a must-visit for lovers of good-tasting food and a refreshing atmosphere. The restaurant is situated under gigantic trees in the centre of the town.
Mikro Horio
The main meals on Tilos revolve around goat, with a particular emphasis on the small, distinctive local pasta koulouria served with fried onions and goat’s cheese. Other tasty mains include kafta – grilled or stewed meat, keftedakia – minced lamb rolls and moussaka – a casserole of aubergines, potatoes and minced beef. Thyme honey is also popular on the island and is divine drizzled over thick, creamy Greek yoghurt.
In the heart of Mikro Chorio is the Country Club Hotel and Suites, surrounded by verdant fir trees. Its stylish rooms and suites feature a private balcony, work desk and contemporary amenities like free Wi-Fi.
For quick bites, try souvlaki – succulent chunks of chicken or pork cooked on a skewer and traditionally served in a pita with chips and tzatziki. Or, if you prefer something sweet, opt for spinach pie (spanakopita) or cheese pie (tiropita). This open-air bar is situated in the ruins of an abandoned village and is one of the most surprising nightclubs in the Dodecanese. It belts out music all night and attracts a fairly young crowd.
Plaka
The old heart of Tilos lies in the quaint pedestrian streets and neoclassical buildings of Plaka. During the day, it’s full of little girls selling flowers and wandering singers and street photographers but at night the Plaka really comes to life.
There are a few bars and restaurants but you can’t miss the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage on Tripodon Street which is home to an amazing collection of ancient treasures. In the basement you’ll find a 5th century BC wall and in the atrium is a marble statue of Lysicratus, the winner of an ancient choral prize, saved from the ambitions of Lord Elgin.
The restaurant here is called Filoxenia and it’s a wonderful little place run by a family with a big smile on their face and a great menu. Their saganaki is excellent but I recommend ordering the souvlaki pita for lunch or dinner. It’s like a big burger but with the best quality meat.
Agios Georgios
Known locally as Agios Georgios Pagon, or simply Agios George on the map, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on Tilos. A winner of the Blue Flag award this unique sandy beach is framed by hotels, tavernas and cafes along a horseshoe-shaped bay. The beach also has the advantage of being west-facing meaning the sunsets here are exceptional.
During the day this is a popular beach for watersports with many tavernas offering equipment rentals including jet skis, dinghies, kayaks and pedalos. The juniper studded dunes and rocky gorges make this an ideal location for walking too with the coastal section of the Corfu Trail passing through here.
For nightlife there are a number of bars in the area that stay open late but it is mainly a place for quiet Greek nights out in family-run taverns. You will struggle to find a table after 10pm in most of these though as most Greeks prefer to have their dinner when the work day is over.