Galery

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The island's contribution to history is great, with remains of dwarf elephants found in a cave and dated to 100,000 to 150,000 years ago. The cave is closed, but the volunteer Mrs. Vicky is ready to tell you about all the attractions of the island and you can ask for her at the Information Office of the municipality in Megalo Chorio. There are the following reminders of the Hellenistic period:
- the fortification leaning provocatively over Megalo Chorio and which you can reach by a 30-minute climb along a path with a unique view. The fortress is invisible at night, because the municipality does not illuminate it;

- the necropolis from the Hellenistic era located close to the monastery Panagia Kamariani.
Then follows the Byzantine period with four magnificent examples:
- the St. Panteleimon monastery built on the edge of the Aegean, between steep slopes and cliffs that reveal a unique view at sunset. When you reach it, you will find an oasis with walnut trees, pine trees and abundant waters between the peaks Krialos and Profitis Ilias, which are the highest on the island. The cells of the monks are modest, and the church of St. Panteleimon is decorated with unique wooden altar. The Saint's feast day is on July 27^th.
- Panagia Politissa with a feast day on August 23^rd; the rest of the time it is closed;
- the Panagia Kamariani monastery;

- the Archangel monastery in Megalo Chorio with unique flooring of tiny pebbles and an altar from the 18^th century made by artisans from Smyrna. The icons of the monastery are in the same style as well.

The villages
The island has three traditional villages, but only Micro Chorio has retained its appearance after it was abandoned in the 1960s. The stone houses stand in harmony with nature.
Routes
There are 32 beaches on the island, most of which are only accessible on foot. Apart from the Eristu and Livadi beaches, and the smaller one - Plaka, which you can reach by car, others challenge you to reach them by walking on paths wafted by the scent of sage, oregano, thyme and savory.
Megalo Chorio-Skaf (45 minutes)
You reach a beach with small pebbles divided by a rock. We recommend that you return at sunset and stroll in the moonlight. Be careful because there is only one signpost.

Livadi - Letro (1 hour)
The path starts from ILLYDIROCK hotel. The view is magnificent – you will see from on high 2 or 3 inaccessible coves until you reach the Red Beach named after the color of the sand. After that go back to the main path and continue to Letro, also a very nice beach with scattered trees. You will see the island Gaydaros and the deserted beaches Turkoyali and Strongilo as well.
Livadi – Gera - Madzia (1 hour and 20 minutes)
Starting from Livadi, the church of St. Yani, in 50 minutes you will reach the abandoned village of Gera. You will go back in time about 50 years to when the village was full of life. Today it is only a landmark. From there, after about 20 minutes, you will reach Madzia, at the eastern end of the island from where you can see the Chalki, Simi, Rhodes and the coast of Asia Minor.

Guerra - Agios Sergios (2 hours and 30 minutes)
A difficult walk inland, along paths with no markings, you will be repaid for the walk when you reach the magnificent beach of Agios Sergios.
Micro Chorio - Tolo (1 hour)
From Micro Chorio after about 5 km by car, the path to Tolo starts. The trail is relatively easy, and the beach – beautiful.

Megalo Chorio – the Italian watchtower (1 hour)
The trail reminds us of the war and the Italian invaders, but climbing, you'll see an idyllic picture of the whole island and, when there is good visibility, many of the Dodecanese Islands.
There are other walking trails, but you will need experienced guides for them. According to local people one of them starts from the monastery of St. Panteleimon and ends after 3 hours at Eristu beach.

Where to stay
Besides the many rooms for rent in Livadi, these are some of the major tourist hotels - Hotel Castellania, Illidan Rock Hotel, Dream Island Hotel.
Gastronomy
1 Delfini - located at the port of Agios Antonis, in the Northwest part. Seafood caught by Barba Antonis and exceptional appetizers prepared by his wife and his daughter;
2 Armenos – the tavern is located in the pedestrian zone of Livadi. Wide variety, quality and reasonable prices;

3 Trata – for fresh fish caught by the owner. Located in Livadi;
4. DREAM - kid meat in a real-fire oven;
5. Omonia – special appetizers with local character;
6. Mihalis – an authentic tavern with great variety at good prices, in Livadi;
7. Goniya tu kafe - in the pedestrian zone of Livadi, in a restored house with a unique terrace, you can enjoy your coffee and the wonderful view.
8. Mirko Chorio Bar – a restaurant with an atmosphere. In the abandoned village you will travel back in time as you sip your drink.