PALEONTOLOGICAL MUSEUM

This small museum was inaugurated in 2021, close to the Harkadio cave where the bones of dwarf elephants were discovered in 1971. This unique find enabled paleontologists to prove and date the existence of the Elephas tiliensis species , the last dwarf elephants in Europe. Researchers estimate that these animals swam to the island from the mainland 45,000 years ago, when the general lowering of the water level made passage short and easy. These elephants lived on the island of Tilos until their extinction around 4,000 years ago. Natural selection, the absence of serious predators at the beginning of their settlement and their adaptation to their new environment may explain their dwarfism: the dwarf elephants of Tilos measured between 1.20 and 1.50 m in height only.

The museum is beautifully integrated into its natural surroundings, with splendid views over these isolated heights. The small architectural complex is modern and elegant, and also features an open-air amphitheater where theatrical and folklore celebrations and performances are held during the summer. Access to the Harkadio cave itself is forbidden as it is dangerous, but you can get to the entrance beyond the amphitheatre. At night, this small complex is splendidly illuminated, in the solitude of the region's mountains and caves. The municipal bus serves the museum on request: let the driver know what time to pick you up for the return journey.