Halki is a small island in the Dodecanese region of the Greek Islands, close to the far busier island of Rhodes. Untouched by mass tourism, it is a great place for a relaxing vacation. It has a few lovely beaches and its main village has a unique charm. Halki is connected to Rhodes via ferry, and day trips from one island to the other are quite popular.

Understand

The island had a permanent population of 478 in 2011, with 330 in the only village, Emporio. The population grows with tourism during the summer months.

The community is divided in two parts, Chorio (Χωριό, also spelled Horio, "Village") and Emporio (Εμποριό, "Market").

The island supported a much larger population until emigration in the mid-20th century, when Chorio was almost completely abandoned, with many of its residents moving to Tarpon Springs, Florida.

See

A ruined medieval castle of the Knights of St. John overlooks the old town and the chapel contains some of the original frescoes.

Do

Beaches

Port of Halki

Halki is surrounded by beautiful beaches, many of which can be reached on foot, others by boat. The three beaches that one can easily go to on foot are Pontamos, Ftenaya and Cania. There are still three beaches you can walk to but it is more complicated so most people prefer to go by boat. These beaches are Gyaloi, Areta and Trachia.

• Pontamos is the only sandy beach, in the southern part of the island, the shape and size of which often changes in winter, depending on the weather conditions. On foot starting from the port, Iborio, you are there in ten minutes. The road is asphalt. Above the beach there is a tavern, canteen and umbrellas for sunbathing.
• Ftenaya is on the side of the hotel, behind the chapel of Agia Ekaterini. If you get to the chapel, go down the rocks on the back side and you will see the beach. The beach is a small rocky beach, which is about a 15-minute walk. This beach is also accessible by car from a road that passes under the windmills, but not on asphalt. There is a tavern and there are umbrellas for sunbathing.
• The beach in Kania is north of the centre of the island, Iborio, near the fish farms. It can be reached on foot in about 25 minutes, but also by car, since the road is paved. The road starts from Iborios and turns right in the second alley after the school. There is a canteen there as well as umbrellas during the summer.
• At Gyaloi beach, you will see a small and pebbly beach, on the south side of the island. The pebbles are white and large. To go there you have to reach Chorio and you continue going down the road that is in front of Chorio. On this beach there is nothing to supply you with refreshments etc. that's what you should take care of. This beach is accessible on foot, by car, but also by boat.
• Areta is also a beautiful beach which is a double beach beyond Pontamos. Its access is by boat. It is a piece of land that literally enters the sea creating 2 beaches.
• Trachia on the south side of the island.