7429 Greece 2020 Dodecanese.qxp 23/11/2019 18:22 Page 213 Greece | Dodecanese Islands Patmos Lipsi T u r K e y Leros Bodrum Telendos Kalymnos • Pserimos Marmaris Dodecanese Kos • Lemnos v Nissyros The islands of the Dodecanese are the furthest grouping Symi Tilos fromIt does the exist! Greek An unspoiled mainland, island and with hug a very the Greek Turkish coastline so v Halki closelyflavour, relativelythat in somefew tourists, places excellent one could sandy seeminglybeaches, swim Rhodes betweena characterful the port, two and continents. a direct flight… Being in Greece’s far south-eastern In the 1st century AD St Paul and St But overlying all this is the islands’ corner, they not only enjoy an John visited (John eventually settling overwhelmingly Greek character. All enviable sunshine record but a very on Patmos), and in the 20th century the elements which make Greece strategic location, and it is their the islands saw fierce fighting such a wonderfully relaxed, friendly turbulent past which has resulted in between German and Allied forces and picturesque holiday destination such a distinctive history, culture and during WW2. So if you like history you are here, from the small whitewashed architecture. will not be disappointed! evidence of villages clinging to the hillside above Within the group, however, there is a most past invaders is still all around, the sea to beaches as good as you will great deal of variety, and each island from the Crusader castles – medieval find anywhere. has its own character, from Patmos in rhodes Town is the outstanding The main hubs here are popular the north – which has amore Cycladic example – to the grandiose public rhodes and Kos, which have style – to tiny, remote Kaste llorizo in buildings left by the Italians. organised tourism s erved by direct the south. Add to this a decent smattering of charter flights. But hop on a ferry for Halki Over the millennia the Dodecanese Hellenistic ruins, a myriad of an hour or two and you are have been under the control of Byzantine chapels, and atmospheric transported to an older, quieter world. harbours lined by 19th century sea Important – transfers outsiders for much of the time – rhodes apart, we feature most of the and ferrIes Persians, Macedonians, romans, captains’ mansions and you have a smaller islands either in this brochure unique and vibrant mix. We include all transfers and all ferry Crusader knights, Ottoman Turks and, or on our website. Should you wish to tickets. However please note that until 1943, Italians have all held sway. sample a selection, island hopping full ferry schedules may not have holidays are easy to arrange here – been published when your holiday is booked, in which case we base please enquire. our transfer arrangements on last As with all Aegean islands, there can year's. If there is subsequently no same-day connection we will add be strong winds - notably the overnight hotel(s) and additional Meltemi which normally blows from transfers where required - we do the north in July and August - so do not consider this to be a major be prepared for possible disruption to change to your holiday. Even once published, ferry schedules are the boat schedules. Although rare, in subject to change and can be this event we will make all affected by weather conditions, arrangements necessary at no extra delays and mechanical problems. In this event we shall amend your cost to you, which may include an itinerary on the spot at no extra unscheduled overnight in rhodes or cost. Kos. Symi 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk Greece & Cyprus | 213 7429 Greece 2020 Dodecanese.qxp 23/11/2019 18:22 Page 214 Greece | Dodecanese Islands | Tilos Nissi Island Aghios Andonis Beach Tilos • Megalo Chorio Aghios Pantelemonas eristos Tiny Tilos (pop. 550), midway between rhodes and Kos, is Beach Livadia the most enlightened Greek island we know and leads the way in environmental protection and eco-tourism. The islanders, led by a progressive underground springs. From the or on foot, including (last year) Tilos for a relaxing holiday are present in mayor, realised years ago that the heights, the views to six neighbouring Highlights and Monastery and abundance on Tilos – sun, sea, way forward was in limited, high islands and Turkey are stunning. A Sunset. A bus runs to the other main tavernas, village life etc. But Tilos quality tourism a world away from the walking map is available locally. For a settlement of Megalo Chorio and (in offers so much more, and is a shining mass market. To this end they good idea of the walking possibilities season) to sandy eristos beach. Tilos example to other small islands under dedicated their efforts to sustainable here see the website has 19 beaches, many of which can similar economic pressures. By visiting tourism – becoming the first island in www.tilostrails.com. be reached only on foot or by boat as you will not only have a splendid Greece to ban hunting was a bold And there are certainly things to they have been purposefully left holiday, you will be supporting the start – and have never looked back. explore whilst out and about – some road-free. island’s initiative and helping others The island’s 64 sq kms, together with 200 Byzantine country chapels, seven Of course all the usual benefits which to see that an alternative to mass its surrounding archipelago of 16 Crusader castles, abandoned villages, make Greece such a great destination tourism can work. uninhabited islets, have been a Byzantine monastery, and one of designated an Important Bird Area, an the most important archaeological eu-registered Special Protection Area finds in recent history – a cave full of tILos InformatIon and/or departure with ferry transfers to Tilos on Thursday morning and from and a Natura 2000 site amongst dwarf elephants, the last of their kind Getting to tilos Tilos on Tuesday afternoon. Ferry Wednesday flights from Gatwick, others. What this all means is that to survive in europe. The small information is based on 2019 schedules Manchester and a range of regional visitors here will find a protected museum here is a must-visit. and subject to change. airports to Rhodes. natural environment with a representative Many walking trails start from the A direct boat connection operates on a We have our own local representative wonderful diversity of flora and fauna, main port of Livadia. This sleepy, Wednesday from early or mid-May based on Tilos. However please note especially birds (there are 155 using the small port of Kamiros Skala traditional and overwhelmingly that transfers are not escorted. documented wild species, including on Rhodes’ west coast, an approximate friendly little village boasts a lovely 35 minute transfer time from the Car Hire the rare eleonora’s Falcon). long pebble beach, shaded by airport. Available locally – see your representative. Tilos is therefore a paradise for tamarisk trees, lapped by the clearest Departs Kamiros Skala 18.00, arrives walkers and now boasts 67km o f of seas and backed by a car-free Tilos 20.00 multi-Centre options With any other Dodecanese island (via signed walking trails (many being walkway. It also has some dozen very Departs Tilos 07.00, arrives Kamiros Skala 09.00 Rhodes). Should ferry schedules remain restored cobbled mule paths) which good tavernas and the same number as last year this will mean an overnight Should your flight not connect with this is required in the middle except for run through untamed countryside, of café-bars, seven mini-markets (will boat service, or if for any reason (e.g. Nissyros, Kos, Kalymnos and Halki which linking rugged mountains with fertile deliver), a bakery and a bank with an weather, technical, early or late season) had a direct connection on Tuesday and it does not operate we will overnight valleys of wild flowers, pine, oak and ATM. Cars can be rented and some Thursday. clients in Rhodes Town on arrival almond watered by the island’s many organised trips do run, by bus, boat 214 | Sunvil 020 8758 4758 www.sunvil.co.uk 7429 Greece 2020 Dodecanese.qxp 23/11/2019 18:22 Page 215 Greece | Dodecanese Islands | Tilos Ilidi Rock Livadia The Ilidi rock has the best views in area with a huge outdoor terrace, town and is highly praised by our again boasting splendid views to guests. It occupies a splendid Livadia. WiFi is available here (and in position above the bay overlooking some rooms) at no extra charge, the village and is a three minute and there is also a PC guests can walk above the sea to the harbour. use. A pair of pretty shingle coves afford Steps lead down to a pair of small fine swimming below the hotel. pebble beaches below with Modern in style (opened fully in complimentary sunbeds for guests. 2009), the hotel comprises several From June onwards the hotel buildings. The studios contain twin operates a very smart beach bar in a or double beds, a kitchen area with stunning location above the sea, 2-ring mini-oven or microwave and offering breakfasts, snacks and fridge, air-conditioning, tiled shower meals during the day. Although room, TV, hairdryer, room-safe, iron there are many steps within the and a front balcony with wonderful hotel (as it is built into the cliff) views over the bay. The apartments please note that, on request we can have the addition of a living room book rooms in the first block, which with two sofa beds (some built-in) is at the lowest level just by the start for children and a bigger terrace.