Pronunciation | Tee-los |
---|---|
Alternate Spelling | Telos |
Transportation | Ferry, catamaran |
Main Attractions | Walking, birdwatching |
Food | Good choices |
Accommodations | Good choices |
To the north of Rhodes, 290 nautical miles from Piraeus, off the beaten track and a well kept secret, lies Telos. If you are looking for authentic Greek Island life, Tilos can provide it.
With only 63 sq. km of land mass and 63 km of coastline Tilos appears barren at first glance. Inland however, groves of almond, walnut, fig, pomegranate and olive trees thrive, watered by fresh springs.
This is one of the few islands left in the Dodecanese that has a tourist-free traditional flavor. Most tourists are interested in the scenic walks, with vistas of high cliffs, rocky inlets, the sea, cypress-filled valleys, and walnut and almond groves.
Scientists have discovered skeletons of a species of prehistoric mini-elephant (mastodons) in the island's Charkadion cave. It is inexpensive and the islanders are very hospitable. The land is fertile, but there are not many farmers. Many young Tiliots have migrated to the mainland or to Australia or the USA rather than take up farming. Tilos is on a migration path, so there are often good birdwatching opportunities.