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(Distance from
Piraeus: 230 n. miles - Area: 28 km2 Population: 334) Chalki looks like a
part of Rhodes minus the great current of tourism.
Situated to the south of Tilos and west of Rhodos, Halki has been
inhabited since antiquity, when it must have been very prosperous, judging
from the coins found by archaeologists. Its name most probably reflects
the copper ore (halkos) once mined there.
It is a small but mountainous island, just 28 square kilometres in area.
The island capital and port is called variously Halki or Nimborio.
Situated on the southeast coast, its two-storey houses with their tile
roofs seem to climb up the sides of the hill overlooking the bay of the
same name. Worth a visit is its church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1861,
whose magnificent bell tower soars above the surrounding houses.
In earlier
times, the capital was at Horio, which was placed well inland in an effort
to escape the frequent pirate raids that were once the scourge of the
Aegean.
At its peak, it boasted 4,000 inhabitants; nowadays it is virtually
deserted. Its stone houses, built in tiers like an amphitheatre, are mute
reminders of its past prosperity. Above Horio the ruined mediaeval castle
occupies the site of the ancient acropolis. Within its walls is another
church dedicated to St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) with frescoes. Pontamo
is the only beach in Halki accessible on foot from Nimborio (10 min.), but
caiques are on hand to take you to its other wonderful beaches: Trachia,
Ftenagia, Sarri, Chania and Dyo Yiali.
HOW TO GET THERE
By ferry from Piraeus
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Area code 0241
Harbour Master 45 220
Police 45 213
Municipality 45 207
First Aid 45 206
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