Tilos
Population: 780 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
The island of Tilos belongs to the Dodecanese group and is located North of Rhodes, between Halki and Nisyros. It is a tiny mountainous island and is 654m at its highest peak. It covers an area of 63 sq. km. and has large bays that form safe beaches. The island has a mountainous limestone interior, volcanic lowlands, pumice beds and red lava sand. It is well supplied by springs. Its coasts are generally rocky or pebbled, but there are also a number of sandy beaches.
Livadia, the island’s port, is the largest and most touristic village although Megalo Chorio is the islands capital. Livadia has most amenities, hotels and tavernas. Tilos is quiet, secluded and not spoilt by mass tourism. Places of interest include the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon, know as the protector of the island and Mikron Chorio, a village in the mountains that was abandoned in the 1950s or one of the five castles.
There is a ferry connection between Tilos and Athens (17hrs). Tilos is also connected by ferry with other islands of the Dodecanese, like Simi, Leros, and Patmos.
The Island & Its History
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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.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
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