Chalki

The island of Chalki  is one of the smallest islands in the Southern Aegean Sea, very close to Rhodes in the Dodecanese Islands. The traditional way of life, the warm hospitality of residents and the relaxing beaches, make it an ideal destination for those who want to find privacy and escape from a busy life.

Life on the island of Chalki is simple and unhurried and you can spend happy hours just lazing under the sun and swimming in the clean clear waters.

For the island’s name, there are two versions. The first one is that Chalki  got its name from the mines of copper that were there in ancient times. The second one is that the name comes from the amount of shells that found on the beaches, and  Phoenicians used to call them “harki”.

Getting there

By boat

The island of Chalki is connected with the port of Piraeus and Rhodes.

Accommodation

Nimborio is the main village of the island. There the visitor can find a range of accommodation, from apartments with basic facilities to hotels for every budget and taste.

Beaches

Ftenagia beach

Ftenagia is an organized beach that offers umbrellas and sun beds. Here you can enjoy the clean deep blue waters and the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea. The bathers can have very good time at the clean pebbled beach. Also you can taste delicious food at the tavern of the area.

Pondamos beach

This sandy beach provides the bathers with umbrellas and sunbeds. It is the most popular beach  of the island as it is close to Nimborio, the island's capital.

Kania beach

It is located close to the center of the island and it is accessible either on foot or by car. Kania is a small pebbled beach and the trees of the area offer their shade to the bathers.

Trachia beach

Trachia is the name of a peninsula.  It is an amazing very quiet double-beach. The water there is very clear and it is a good place to snorkel. The beaches are a bit sheltered and most of the time out of the wind.

Sightseeing

Medieval Castle

The castle is perched on a hill and has a history of more than two thousand years. St. John's Knights constructed the main building on the remains of an ancient acropolis in the 14th or the 15th century in order to protect the island and its inhabitants from pirates and enemies. At the castle's entrance, visitors come across ancient marbles, foundations of temples, but also the remains of walls of the Hellenistic/classical period as well as Byzantine churches. It is a path of history.

Church of Agios Nikolaos

The church of St. Nicholas was built in 1861 and is considered the protector of the island.  Its  impressive bell tower make the church distinctive.

The church of Panagia (the Holy Virgin Mary)

It is located under the castle that dominates the area. It is dated from 1400-1600 and includes magnificent frescoes.

Monastery of Agios Ioannis (St. John)

It is situated on a high plateau and lies at the west end of Chalki. From this site, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the stunning view. It is also possible to stay overnight in one of the cells of the monastery where everything is quiet and peaceful.

Religious feasts

Every 29th of August, the island's feast is held at the monastery of Ai Giannis (St. John) and is honored by Chalkians living throughout the world.

Assumption of Virgin Mary is celebrated on August 15th with festivities which attract people all over the Dodecanese.

Local products

*Halki is famous about her thyme honey with its characteristic pleasant smell.

* Halkitiko macaroni which is handmade pasta, cut finely and cooked after a few hours and served with fried onion.

*Delicious Ofto which is lamb stuffed with rice and kidneys baked in a traditional wood fire oven.