Rhodes to Tilos Day Trip: A Different Choice That Is Worth It | Dodekanisos Seaways!
Rhodes to Tilos day trip is absolutely worth it - and it is a genuinely different experience. Tilos sits between Nisyros and Chalki, about 1.5 to 2 hours from Rhodes by Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran. It is the world's first certified zero-waste island and the Mediterranean's first fully energy-independent island. It has 19 beaches, two villages, a ghost village abandoned in the 1960s, the fossils of dwarf elephants, and hiking trails through sage-scented hills. Almost no one talks about it. That is exactly what makes it worth going.
What is Tilos and why is it a different choice?
Tilos is a small island of the Dodecanese between Nisyros and Chalki. It is the world’s first zero-waste island — certified by Mission Zero Academy — and the first energy-independent island in the Mediterranean, operating exclusively on wind and solar energy. Hunting has been banned here for decades. The island is a protected Natura 2000 area with over 150 rare plant species.
None of this is marketing. This is how Tilos operates. It has around 750 permanent residents and two main villages: Livadia at the port and Megalo Chorio,
the capital, 7 kilometers inland. Between them lies Mikro Chorio — an abandoned settlement that comes alive only at night in the summer, when a unique bar opens among the ruins.
There are 19 beaches around the island. Most have no sunbeds. The waters are clear. Mass tourism hasn’t discovered this island yet.
How Tilos Compares to a Typical Tourist Island
| Tilos | Typical tourist island |
| 19 beaches — most without sunbeds | Organized beaches, sunbeds, higher prices |
| World’s first zero-waste certified island | Standard waste disposal |
| Hunting banned — wildlife moves freely | Hunting seasons apply |
| Ghost village, dwarf elephant fossils | Museums with standard collections |
| About 750 residents -- no mass tourism | Thousands of visitors daily in season |
How to get from Rhodes to Tilos;
The fastest and most comfortable option is the Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed catamarans. From Rhodes to Tilos takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by catamaran — compared to 3–4 hours by conventional ferry. You board at Rhodes port, arrive in Livadia, spend your day, and return in the evening.
| Option | Effort | Flexibility | Best for |
| Dodekanisos Seaways day trip catamaran (recommended) | Very low | High — choose your day | Everyone |
| Conventional ferry | Low | Moderate | Flexible travellers |
| Hotel excursion package | Very low | Low — fixed schedule | Groups |
WHY DODEKANISOS SEAWAYS
Dodekanisos Seaways operates the catamarans Dodekanisos Express and Dodekanisos Pride and is the main local carrier for the Dodecanese. The Rhodes–Tilos route is part of the day trip schedule. Book online at 12ne.gr.
Alternative day trip: Rhodes - Chalki — See why it’s worth it
What will you do during the day?
A day in Tilos has more content than you expect from such a small island. Here’s what you can easily fit in.
1. Livadia — the port
As soon as you disembark, you are in Livadia. It is the most developed settlement on the island, with tavernas, cafés, shops, and a long pebble beach along the seafront road. The beach has tamarisk trees for shade, sunbeds in some parts, and shallow waters. It’s the only organized beach on the island.
Walk along the beach. Enjoy your coffee. Ask about buses and boats.
2. Megalo Chorio — the capital
The capital is located 7 km from the port. You get there by local bus — the ticket costs about €1.50. Megalo Chorio resembles a Cycladic village: white houses, narrow alleys, bougainvillea, pebble courtyards. Above the village stands the medieval Castle of the Knights of St. John, built on the site of the ancient acropolis.
The village hosts the Paleontological Museum, which displays fossils of dwarf elephants from the Charkadio Cave. The findings were discovered in 1971 and date between 45,000 and 4,000 years ago. Small, but truly impressive.
3. Mikro Chorio — the abandoned settlement
Between Livadia and Megalo Chorio lies Mikro Chorio, a 15th-century settlement abandoned gradually and completely deserted by the 1960s. Today you can walk among its ruins: stone houses, Byzantine churches with ancient frescoes, century-old oak and olive trees among the walls.
In summer, a unique bar operates among the ruins at night. During the day, the settlement is quiet and atmospheric.
4. Eristos — the best beach
Eristos is the largest and most popular beach in Tilos — sand mixed with pebbles, emerald waters, and tamarisk trees for shade. There is a small snack bar. Eristos is about 15 minutes from Megalo Chorio by bus.
Other notable beaches: Plaka in the northwest has pebbles, beautiful waters, and peacocks in the area — a rare sight. Kokkini has red sand, a natural phenomenon. Lethra is a secluded pebble beach about 40 minutes on foot from Livadia.
PRACTICAL NOTE
A local bus connects Livadia, Megalo Chorio, Eristos, and Agios Antonios several times daily. Ticket: approximately €1.50. For remote beaches (Skafi, Agios Sergios, Tholos), small boats operate from Livadia. Ask along the seafront.
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What should you bring?
Most beaches have no facilities. Plan accordingly:
- Comfortable shoes — for villages and trails if you want to explore
- Swimsuit and towel — Livadia beach is next to the port, Eristos by bus
- Sunscreen, hat, and water — most beaches and trails have little shade
- Cash — small businesses may not always accept cards
- A light windbreaker for the ferry if you are sensitive
If you are interested in offers and bonuses, click here!
How do you book the Rhodes–Tilos day trip?
Booking takes just a few minutes online. Go to 12ne.gr, choose the Rhodes to Tilos day trip, select your date, and confirm. You can also book by phone.
Rhodes–Tilos Day Trip Booking — Dodekanisos Seaways
TIP
Book a few days in advance, especially in July and August. Tilos is becoming increasingly known as a sustainable destination and seats fill up quickly. If traveling with children or people with mobility issues, contact the company before booking.
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5 things to remember
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Tilos is the world’s first zero-waste island and the first energy-independent island in the Mediterranean — it runs on wind and solar energy.
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Livadia is the port. Megalo Chorio is the capital, 7 km inland. Mikro Chorio is a 15th-century abandoned settlement.
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Eristos is the largest and most popular beach — sand with pebbles, emerald waters, tamarisk shade.
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Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans reach Tilos from Rhodes in about 1.5–2 hours. Book at 12ne.gr.
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Hunting is banned in Tilos — partridges walk next to hikers. That says a lot about the island.
Rhodes–Tilos Day Trip – FAQs
How long does the ferry from Rhodes to Tilos take?
With Dodekanisos Seaways high-speed catamarans, the journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. With a conventional ferry, 3–4 hours. For current schedules and exact times, check 12ne.gr or call (+30) 22410 70590.
What is Tilos known for?
Tilos is the world’s first zero-waste island and the first energy-independent island in the Mediterranean. It is also known for dwarf elephant fossils in Charkadio Cave, the abandoned Mikro Chorio, 19 uncrowded beaches, and trails in protected natural landscapes.
Is Tilos suitable for children?
Yes. Livadia beach is shallow, quiet, and next to the port. The ghost village and the dwarf elephant museum are naturally interesting for older children. The island has minimal traffic outside the main road.
Do I need a car in Tilos?
For a day trip, it’s not necessary. A local bus connects Livadia, Megalo Chorio, Eristos, and Agios Antonios. If you want maximum flexibility for remote beaches, car and scooter rentals are available at the port.
What is the best time for a Rhodes–Tilos day trip?
May, June, and September are ideal — warm but not overwhelming, and less crowded. July and August are busier, but Tilos remains quieter compared to most Dodecanese islands.
