Although Tilos is an unknown island, it has a rich history and geological past.  In the centre of the island, scientists have explored a cave of historical importance, as paleontological exhibits and fossils of dwarf elephants were found inside.

Excavation also identified Pelasgian masonry, as well suggesting Tilos was successively dominated by Minoans, Mycenaeans and Dorians.  

The island flourished during the classical era, minting its own coinage and being famed for clothing and perfumes. 

In the 5th century BC, Tilos kept its independence until the end of the Peloponnesian War.

Tilos followed Rhodes into the Byzantine Empire, then The Knights of Saint John took control of Tilos from 1309, restoring the Byzantine castles, and building new ones in order to defend against pirate raids. 

It was evacuated in 1470 as the Ottomans began the Siege of Rhodes and in 1523, Tilos was conquered by the Ottomans. Ottoman rule lasted until May 12, 1912, when it became part of the Italian  until 1948 when it joined Greece together with all the Dodecanese islands. Since then the population of the island has declined rapidly.

In late 2018 Tilos became the first island in the Mediterranean to run exclusively on wind and solar power.