Getting from Santorini to Tilos

Tilos is a small Dodecanese island between Rhodes and Kos with a reputation as one of the most environmentally progressive islands in Greece. It was the first island in the Mediterranean to run entirely on renewable energy, powered by a combination of wind and solar with battery storage, and it takes that identity seriously. The island is quiet, green for the Dodecanese and has good walking trails connecting the main village of Livadia to the medieval hilltop village of Megalo Chorio and the beaches around the coast. It also has an unusual distinction in the fossil record: dwarf elephant bones from a species that survived here until remarkably recently were discovered in a cave on the island in the 1970s.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Santorini to Tilos. The island is connected to the wider Dodecanese ferry network through Rhodes, Kos and Piraeus, served by Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways. The most practical approach from Santorini is to fly to Rhodes via Athens and then take the local Dodekanisos Seaways ferry from Rhodes to Tilos, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively the Blue Star Ferries service from Piraeus stops at Tilos on its way through the Dodecanese but the total journey from Santorini by this route takes the better part of a day.

What about flying?

Tilos has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. The journey from Santorini goes Santorini to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes, followed by the ferry to Tilos. Total travel time is around 5 to 6 hours. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Rhodes via Athens and take the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry across to Tilos. It is the most time efficient approach and the crossing from Rhodes is manageable. Check the schedule on Ferryhopper before booking as the Rhodes to Tilos service does not run daily.