The island of Chalki belongs to the Dodecanese in the southeastern Aegean Sea near Rhodes. According to mythology the first inhabitants of the island were the Titans. Τhere are remains of three temples in honor of the god Apollo on the island. Chalki has beaches accessible by foot even though it is a rocky island, ideal for relaxation as an alternative destination with idyllic landscapes. At Halki, you will enjoy crystal clear waters, a single beautiful village, lush nature, and enough history to make your visit unique. The moment you step onto the shores of this beautiful island, you will feel yourself unwinding, laying down the burden of routine, work, and everyday life.Halki is the smallest inhabited island of the Dodecanese, located just 9 km west of Rhodes. Just like Rhodes, Halki is also quite close to the Turkish coasts, not more than two hours away. The population at Halki is just 330 people and there is only a single inhabited village. Halki has a combination of green, shaded areas and arid, wild, wind-sculpted slopes. The waters on the various beaches tend to be emerald or turquoise.

Halki’s Chora is named Niborio (or Emporio). It is the island’s port town and the only one that is currently inhabited. Looking at Niborio is like looking at a painting come alive: neoclassical houses with beautiful, bright colors and crimson roofs, patches of lush nature, and the glistening, crystal clear waters of the harbor create a tableau that is gorgeous and calm at the same time. Walk through Niborio’s narrow paths and enjoy the sheer beauty as well as the peace and quiet.

Town Hall: This beautiful sample of island architecture blended with neoclassical elements is Niborio’s gem. It was built in 1933 to serve as a boys’ school but has had several functions over the years. You will find it at the highest point in the village. Go up the winding staircases to enjoy a sweeping view of the bay.

Clock Tower: The Clock Tower of Halki is a remarkable landmark. Situated in front of the Town Hall, it is a tall stone structure with lush decoration and side tiers.

Post Office: Halki’s post office is housed in an iconic building of the island’s Italian rule era.

Windmills: Reigning over the town of Niborio are the windmills of Halki. They are no longer operational but remain a symbol of Halki’s prosperous past. Excellent for breathtaking views.

Ecclesiastical Museum of Halki: Enjoy an interesting collection of ecclesiastical art from the 18th century to the 20th, both local and international. The collection includes 70 remarkable pieces.

The Traditional House of Halki: Go on a journey to the past by visiting this museum, also called the Museum of Folklore of Halki. Collections include folklore items of everyday life at Halki in the previous centuries, including a wedding bed and folk costumes. There is also a collection of archaeological items.

Aghios Nikolaos Church: Aghios Nikolaos is the island’s cathedral, dedicated to Halki’s patron saint. It was built in the mid-19th century. Enjoy the impressive courtyard with the mosaic made of black and white sea pebbles. Inside, the highly decorated iconostasis features life-size icons of various saints, including Aghios Nikolaos. The large chandeliers and other decorations were all donated by the faithful, and the steeple is uniquely designed to showcase the various engravings.

North of Niborio you will find the now-abandoned town of Chorio. Chorio had been Halki’s original Chora and was inhabited up to the middle of the 20th century. A testament to Halki’s prosperity and powerful history as a naval and commercial node over the millennia, you will see walls dating from a few centuries BC. You will also see parts of houses, altars to churches, and more constructed with materials from ancient temples and houses from earlier versions of the town. Chorio is in ruins today, except for the Church of the Virgin Mary (Panagia). This church was built in the 1400s and still stands. Make sure you visit it to enjoy the frescoes that are still visible on its walls. If you are at Halki on August 15th, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, you will also enjoy the litany and celebrations of the locals that start off at Aghios Nikolaos at Niborio and end up at Chorio’s Panagia.

At the top of the slope where Chorio is, you will find Kastro, which means “Castle” in Greek. Kastro was built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John on the ruins of the ancient acropolis of Halki. Explore the various paths and look for the crests of prominent knights, including the one of the Great Magistrate. Enjoy the sweeping views of Halki from that vantage point, as well as the little islets that are visible when the day is just right.

Halki’s irresistible attraction is its gorgeous beaches. Here are some you must visit:

Potamos Beach: Very close to Niborio you will find this beautiful and popular beach. Its crystal clear waters together with the white gold sand and the considerable organization make it an attraction for most.

Kania Beach: Kania beach has a feeling of wild seclusion. With beautiful rock formations yet featuring gold sand, this beach is remarkably beautiful. The waters are turquoise and astoundingly clear. You can access this beach on foot but also by little boat, adding to the experience. There is a taverna on the beach.

Ftenagia: This little pebbly beach is also quite close to Niborio. Azure waters clash beautifully with the ochre of the shore. The beach is friendly for nudism and generally gives a sense of laid-back acceptance and relaxation.

Areta: You can only access this beach by boat. It is actually two smaller beaches, both pebbly, with emerald waters and stunning, impressive rock formations like cliffsides on either side.

Yali: The sapphire waters of Yali beach are perfect for total relaxation. The sharp rockface surrounding the pebbly beach gives it a sense of total seclusion and calm as well as beauty.

Trahia: This stunning, unique beach is actually a tiny peninsula. The thin strip of land makes the beach double, with water on either side of it. You can reach Trahia only by boat. Make sure you get your own umbrella as there is no shade!

Where to head next?

Keep exploring the best of Greece! After Chalki, the top destinations to visit are Rhodes, and Kos.