Step onto hidden Tilos with Sunvil

In partnership with the Greece National Tourism Organisation

Sunvil crafts itineraries that take travellers off the beaten track, offering stays in locally owned properties within authentic, small resorts across Greece. Agents also have the chance to win a holiday, making it the perfect time to learn more about the country’s lesser-known destinations.

Tucked between Rhodes and Kos in the Dodecanese, tiny S-shaped Tilos is an island you’ve likely never heard of, and that’s why your clients will love it.

With no airport (clients catch the ferry from Rhodes or Kos), fewer tourists and a dedication to sustainability, Tilos is perfect for those seeking an authentic slice of Greek island life.

Tilos was the first island in Greece to run almost entirely on renewable energy. Today, the island boasts a recycling rate of more than 90%, and has embraced solar power with its white-washed homes powered by the wind and sun. Buses and other council-owned vehicles are electric.

With 27km of marked trails, Tilos is a hiker’s dream and a trip in April, May, and September is ideal, given the lower temperatures.

In spring, the island is bursting with colour from wild orchids and rock roses. By autumn, the hills glow golden and the sea remains warm enough for a refreshing dip.  Trails weave past ancient terraces, hidden coves and up to a mountain village of Mikro Horio.

One thing you won’t get on Tilos is crowded beach bars. It is home to a mix of shingle and volcanic sand beaches including Plaka and Lethra. Eristos beach is a favourite with local and visitors alike, due to its wide bay and tamarisk trees.

Livadia is the busiest area, with its picturesque harbour and a long pebble beach, town square and welcoming tavernas.

Tilos is also a designated nature reserve and is home to over 100 bird species, including the endangered Bonelli’s eagle. Beyond the birdlife, it is a sanctuary for monk seals and turtles.

Expect to taste real Greek flavour when it comes to cuisine. It’s all about slow food and local ingredients, and meals are served in simple tavernas where guests are treated like family.

Tilos is perfect for clients looking to escape the hustle and bustle and embrace authentic Greece.

Sunvil offers a selection of handpicked accommodation in Livadia and beyond, with expert local reps on hand to help visitors make the most of this unforgettable island.

Tips from the experts…

Sunvil Marketing Executive Jonathan Lewis said:  “Tilos is a tiny, quiet, and unassumingly beautiful island. As it is the ecological park of the Dodecanese, there is a good selection of wildlife including many species of birds. My highlights for visitors include Charkadio Cave, where dwarf elephant fossils were found. You can discover the history at the dedicated museum.  I’d also recommend the Castle of the Knights, a medieval fortress, which offers panoramic views over the island.”

Sunvil local representative Ian Hogg said: “The whole island is like one community, one big family (even though there are more than one) and everyone looks out for each other and everyone helps each other in times of need.  From the children playing in the square, unsupervised, to assisting tourist visitors every year, the Tilos residents always look after you.  Repeat visitors are part of this family.”

Win a trip to Greece

We’re shining a spotlight on some of Greece’s hidden gems – and giving you the chance to win an unforgettable holiday! Courtesy of Sunvil the trip includes return flights, 20kg hold luggage per person, shared transfers, and seven nights’ self-catering accommodation. You could be heading off to one of several beautiful Greek islands, including Corfu, Ithaca, Paxos, Kefalonia, or Alonissos.