Agios Ioannis church on Tilos

Even though I am not a believer, I have a childish fascination with Greek monasteries, churches and chapels. Well, I like churches no matter what country they are in. I have visited countless monasteries, churches and chapels in Greece, and my absolute favorite is the small chapel of Agios Ioannis on Tilos, which is said to have been built in the late 18th century.

It's not just the chapel that makes Agios Ioannis my "happy place", it's the beautiful location, the walk there (and further if you want), the sacred silence and the meditative atmosphere. The fact that it's a good place to watch birds also plays a role, of course, because I'm a birdwatcher. And for those who like lizards, the place is a paradise.

The tree outside Agios Ioannis church that gives the place shade.

Agios Ioannis from another angle. Livadia is visible on the left.

The hike to Agios Ioannis starts in Livadia and runs along the entire bay. From the port it is 4 kilometers and from there it takes about an hour to walk. Just follow the road along the port promenade to the opposite side of the bay of Livadia, where Marina Beach Hotel and Taverna Faros is. Once you have passed Faros, a long and steep killer slope starts and it ends at Agios Ioannis church. Sometimes – when I'm lazy – I ride a moped instead and park at the end of the killer slope.

From the port it is 4 kilometers to Agios Ioannis and it takes about an hour to walk.

The killer slope starts at number 1 and ends at number 2, where Agios Ioannas church is located.

The small boat harbor of Agios Stefanos where the killer slope begins.

Outside the church there are some worn chairs to rest in after the killer slope.

Ioannis is a very common name in Greece, although most people are called Yannis, which can also be spelled Giannis. Ioannis name day is January 7th, and I - who call myself Yannis in Greece - have my Swedish name day on January 11th, although then it's Janni. :-)

There is only room for a few people inside the church.

The meditative resting place seen from inside Agios Ioannis.

And then there was the bird and lizard watching outside Agios Ioannis. I spend some mornings outside Agios Ioannis watching birds. It's not the most bird-rich place on Tilos, there are many places that are better suited, but still I like this place the most. A lot of it is about the inner peace I experience when I'm here. When it's time for lunch, I wander back to Livadia where a Greek salad and a cold FIX are waiting at Omonia. It can't get any better.

Read more about birdwatching on Tilos here »

Here I sit birdwatching and enjoying the silence and tranquility.

This is what it looks like from the other side.

A good pair of binoculars and the Collins Bird Guide are two good friends when bird watching on Tilos.

Starred Agama outside the church. It is the largest lizard on Tilos and can grow to over 30 cm long.

Many hikers take the opportunity to rest in the shade outside Agios Ioannis before continuing their hikes. While I have been sitting here, I have had the pleasure of meeting many very nice and nature-interested people. The conversations can last a long time. Some are on their way to the uninhabited village of Gera, others turn right a short distance from Agios Ioannis and continue until they are back in Livadia. Both hikes are recommended.

Read more about different hikes on Tilos here »

Many hikers take the opportunity to rest in the shade outside Agios Ioannis before continuing their hike.

Hiking to the uninhabited village of Gera. Agios Ioannis is under the red arrow.

Don't miss the hike to the uninhabited Gera, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT TILOS