Getting from Mykonos to Tilos

You're heading to one of the quietest islands in the Dodecanese. Tilos sits between Rhodes and Nisyros and has made a name for itself in recent years for all the right reasons. It was the first island in the Mediterranean to run entirely on renewable energy, it has a strong conservation ethic, and the landscape reflects that. Walking trails cross the interior, the beaches are uncrowded, the village of Livadia is relaxed and unpretentious and the castle above the abandoned settlement of Mikro Chorio is one of those places that stays in your memory long after you leave.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Tilos. The connection goes via Piraeus and the total journey by sea is around 14 to 16 hours depending on the service and the stops along the way. Tilos is part of the Dodecanese route so ferries do pass through but not every day. Most people reach Tilos from Rhodes, which has regular connections and is just a couple of hours away by boat. Flying to Rhodes and taking the ferry across is the most practical approach from Mykonos.

What about flying?

Tilos does not have an airport so flying directly to the island is not an option. The nearest airport is Rhodes, from where ferries run to Tilos regularly through the summer season. The journey would be Mykonos to Athens, Athens to Rhodes, and then the ferry across to Tilos. It adds a step but it is far faster than the long haul from Piraeus by sea.

Your best option

Fly to Rhodes and take the ferry across to Tilos. It is the way most people do it and it works well. Give Tilos at least two or three days. Walk the trails, swim at Eristos beach and take the short trip up to Mikro Chorio in the late afternoon when the light is right. It is an island that rewards the people who slow down and pay attention.