Halki island

General info:

Halki (Chalki) Tilos is a small island situated between Rhodes and Tilos, covering an area of 30 square km approximately and having a population of some 300 residents.
The island has a mountainous, arid relief sparsely interrupted by shrubs, herbs and wildflowers and some olive trees. Its coastline of some 35 km encompasses few yet beautiful and pristine beaches with crystal clear waters that guarantee moments of priceless relaxation and privacy.
The picturesque and sole settlement of the island together with  remnants of ancient temples, byzantine curches and delightful chapels, the medieval castle and the charming windmills compose a tranquil l and scenic atmosphere, for which Halki is much appreciated by nature-lovers, romantics and those who seek for a getaway from the urban life and stress.
The island has preserved its authentic identity, its pure nature and an unembellished way of living   and the options for either accommodation or entertainment are rather limited and compatible to Halki’s peaceful character.

Historical profile:

According to excavation finds, it is assumed that Halki has been inhabited since the Prehistoric Times and first settles are considered to be the Carians, the Pelasgians and the Phoenicians, yet little do we know for the early history of the island.
Around the 4th century BC, Halki was annexed in the Athenian League and participated in the Peloponnesian War, while later on it came under the authority of Rhodes. In 1309 it was dominated by the Knights of St. John, while in 152 it was occupied by the Ottomans. In 1912, the Itallians took over the island, which   in 1943 it passed into the hands of the Germans. Halki was liberated and integrated in the Greek state in 1948.
 
Villages:

Halki (or Nimporio/ Emporio) is the island’s capital, port and also its sole settlement. Built amphitheatrically around a secluded idyllic bay, the capital charms the visitor with its romantic and elegant atmosphere. Traditional tiled-roof houses, neoclassic mansions painted in warm pastel colours, winding narrow alleys and picturesque squares    create the cardpostal picture. The Tower Clock, the Church of Agios Nikolaos, the saint-patron of the island- with an exceptional wooden temple and an impressive bell tower and the 19th-centiuty  neoclassical Town Hall  are prevailing features of the capital. In the surrounding area, the Castle of the Knights at the site of Chorio withy breath-taking view, the remnants of the Altar of the Apollo, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity and the Cave at the site of Kelia are some of the sites worth-seeing.

 Beaches:

The Pondamos    beach is a sandy beach with crystalline waters in which sunbeds and umbrellas are hired, the beach of Areta, a small beach with magnificent waters and surrounded by an impressive rocky landscape, the quite beach of Trachia with sand, pebbles and blue clear waters are some of the best beaches in Halki.

Access:

Halki   is connected via scheduled trips  with the  port of Piraeus and also with the     islands   of Rhodes, Tilos, Nisyros,Kasos, Karpathos,Milos, Santorini and Crete (Sitia).

 

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