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Tilos

Tilos is a Greek island, south of Nissiros and north of Chaliki, part of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean.

Tilos is an arid and mountainous island of 65 km. The population is 780 inhabitants and is concentrated in the two main villages of the island: Megalo Chorio, located inland and seat of the town hall of the island, and Livadia where most of the island is located, Tourist activity of the island. Other hamlets exist in different parts of the island.

Livadia is the main port of the island. Most residents are engaged in tourism or agriculture. The port is located 7 km south of Megalo Chorio, the capital.

Traditional houses are set in the green valley, around the natural bay, hemmed by a beautiful white pebble beach bordered by Tamaris. The beach of Livadia is known for its crystal clear waters. It extends to Agios Stefanos, which was the ancient port during the Middle Ages. The church of Agios Nikolaos is also worth a visit.

Megalo Chorio, the capital of the island, is located inland in the north of the island. It is built in amphitheater, on a hillside. Its white houses are dominated by a Venetian fortress, built by the Hospitallers of Saint John. Megalo Chorio includes the location of the ancient city, as can be seen in the vestiges still visible between the houses. Within the Town Hall, one can find a collection with objects taken from the excavations carried out on the island. The church of the archangel Michael, the most famous of the island, deserves a visit.

One of the main attractions of the island is the Tilos park where the fauna and flora are impressive in many places. The Charkadio Cave is another interesting place. Next to the cave, visit the museum filled with prehistoric vestiges, where fossilized bones of elephants, deer and turtles of 70,000 years are exposed.

The monastery of Agios Panteleimon dating from the 15th century is abandoned but offers a splendid view to the sunset. It contains interesting paintings and icons.

Micro Chorio is a small village of 200 houses completely abandoned. In the evening, the ruins are illuminated.

Eristos is the largest beach on the island. It is considered the most beautiful of Tilos and is not far from Megalo Chorio. The beach of Agios Antonios has petrified remains of human skeletons. These were the remains of seamen trapped in the eruption of the Nissyros volcano in 600 BC. The beach of Plaka in the bay of Agios Antonios is special because of its eucalyptus and peacocks that parade.

Lethra is a small pebble beach with crystal clear waters and Skafi, Tholos and Agios Sergios are pretty small beaches, accessible by boat from Livadia.

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