The Basics
| Pronunciation | Haal-kee |
|---|---|
| Alternate Spelling | Chalki |
| Transportation | Ferry, hydrofoil |
| Main Attractions | Traditonal music, mosiacs, quiet beaches |
| Food | Good choices |
| Accommodations | Good choices |
Halki Characteristics
Mountainous Halki lies 16 km from Rhodes and 302 nautical miles from Piraeus. One of Greece's smallest islands it has 28 sq. km of land mass and 34 km of coastline. It has a population of under 300. No cars are allowed on the island. The capital and port of Nimborio is built ampitheatrically on the SE side of the island by the horseshoe Bay of Nimborio.
Island Features
Halki means copper in Greek and the island was named after the mines there. There is a Crusader Castle built on a pointed peak by the Knights of St. John which overlooks the port-town and the picture-perfect harbor.
Fresh water is in short supply and has to be brought in. There are sheep and goats on the hillsides, but most fresh food is brought from Rhodes.
Halki was once a thriving sponge fishing island. In the early 1900s, many of the inhabitants immigrated to Tarpon Springs, Florida and established a sponge fishing enterprise there. The road from the main town and port is called Tarpon Springs Blvd., in honor of the immigrants who financed its construction.
Beaches on both the north and south coasts are reached from the capital on foot or by caique of which Kania, Areta, Giali and Trachia are the nicest. Fifteen minutes walk along the boulevard brings you to sandy Pondamos Beach with its taverna and umbrellas.
Towns
Nimporio (or Emborio) is the harbor and only settlement. Nimporio's Church of St. Nicolas with its important wall
paintings and magnificent pebble mosaic courtyard is the island's main
attraction. The church spire and bell tower juts above the town very near the waterfront.
The former capital Hora (or Chora) was inland to escape marauding pirates and is now deserted, but ruins of its Crusader castle can be seen. The ruined medieval castle was built on the site of the ancient acropolis.
There are three monasteries on the island: Taxiarch Michael of St. John (or Moni Agiou Ioannou Prodromou), which has a nice shaded courtyard best visited in the morning hours. Holy Trinity and Holy Cross are the other monasteries. There are distinctive pebble mosaic floors both inside and outside of all the churches on the island.
The nearby Island of Alimina is lovely and deserted with excellent beaches. It may be reached by private yacht or water-taxi.
Drinking and Dining
There are limited but excellent eateries. There are bars with the occasional outburst of traditional dancing and music. Young people on the island are studying the old instruments and music.
Accommodations
Email Us for information about accommodations on Halki.
History
Many of the houses are pastel colors, reflecting their Neoclassical heritage.
In 1983, the UN and the Greek government designated this the "Island of Peace and Friendship of Young People of All Nations." Conference and youth centers were built, but the arrangement was not a good one, and by 1987 the buildings were sold to a British holiday package company. Tourism has grown steadily since then.
Hints from Harry
This is a good island for hikers and for hardy souls seeking quiet beaches. More photos of Halki.
Maps
The Complete Details
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| Island Resources |
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