Posted by Chalki is a smaller island in the Dodecanese, just 10 km from Rhodes. Around 350 people live on the 28 sq km island. Chalki does not have much to offer tourists. The island is very barren, almost a desert. The beaches are mediocre at best.
There are hardly any sights. In earlier times, the inhabitants made a living from sponge diving, as in Kalymnos. However, this industry has almost come to a standstill. Olive growing and fishing are also hardly profitable on Chalki anymore. Tourism is developing slowly. This makes Chalki a poor island with a high rate of emigration.
Good boat trip from Rhodes to Chalki (day trip): >>> More information and booking
Where is Chalki?
Chalki (also known as Halki) is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese in the Aegean Sea. It is located:
West of the island of Rhodes (approx. 6 km away, about an hour by ferry from Rhodes town)
Northwest of the island Karpathos
East of the Greek mainland
Emporio
All holidaymakers arrive here by ferry. The place looks romantic and picturesque (see picture below). There are no other inhabited places on Chalki. Hardly any roads have been built so far. This is why the town on Chalki is largely car-free.
The few hotels offer rooms at slightly above-average prices. The tavernas are not exactly cheap either, which is probably due to the many British tourists who seem to have a slightly looser wallet. There is not much to see in Emporio. Other names of the place: Emporios, Emborio, Imborios, Nimporio, Nimborio or simply Chalki or Chalki Town.
There are no buses or other public transport on Chalki due to the lack of roads. The only other place is Chorio (also Chora, but currently uninhabited). A paved road leads to Chorio, 3 km from the port – it is the only road on Chalki. Chalki does not have an airport either. There is supposed to be a taxi on the small island.
Ferries to Chalki: Daily connection in summer to Rhodes (from the town of Kamiros Skala, which is opposite Chalki). Kamiros Skala is connected to Rhodes town by bus during the season when the ferry departs and arrives. Chalki is also on the ferry route from Piraeus, via the island of Milos, Santorini, Crete, Kasos and Karpathos to Rhodes (1-2 times a week in both directions).
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Chalki ( 
German version)
Typical houses on the island of Chalki
In ancient times, Chalki was a densely populated island with a population of 5,000 at times. The metal copper was mined here. The island’s name comes from this. The Greek word for copper is “Chalkos”. Today, no metal is mined any more. Agriculture and fishing are also barely developed. Tourism is of great importance to the economy. Day trips from Rhodes in particular bring holidaymakers to the island, but not overnight guests. Guests who stay longer and therefore spend more money on Chalki are still rare.
Good boat trip from Rhodes to Chalki (day trip): >>> More information and booking
Large parts of the island are almost devoid of plants and people
Map
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No major island is closer to Rhodes. The island of Alimia between Rhodes and Halki is uninhabited and therefore has no regular ferry connections. |
The island of Chalki is particularly suitable for tourists who are looking for the original Greece, or a Greece like it was 20 or 30 years ago. Many visitors quickly get bored on Chalki and only stay for 1 or 2 days. Those looking for peace and quiet and like hiking can also stay a few days longer.
A good beach called Pondamos Beach can be reached on foot in 15 minutes from the main town of Emporio. You can rent loungers and parasols and eat in a tavern. The pebble beach of Ftenagia can also be reached on foot in 20 minutes from the port town on Chalki. Information about many secluded beaches around the island can be obtained from the locals. You can hike almost anywhere.
According to a tourist’s report, there is an ATM on Chalki, but you shouldn’t rely on it. It’s better to bring cash with you. You can spend euros in the only supermarket, the bakery or the cafes and taverns. Many readers praise the Minori restaurant.
Most accommodation on Chalki rents out holiday apartments of various sizes. “Villa Katingo” and “Villa Amalia” as well as “Bright Sun Villas” have a good reputation. In the absolute peak season (July and August) in recent years, accommodation on Chalki has often been fully booked and expensive.
Good boat trip from Rhodes to Chalki (day trip): >>> More information and booking
Beaches Chalki
Pondamos Beach: About 800 meters from Emporio. It is a 10-minute walk from the town, so it is easy to reach.
Ftenagia Beach: About 1 kilometer from Emporio. The walk there takes about 15 minutes, via a scenic path along the coast.
Kania Beach: About 2.5 kilometers from Emporio. The walk takes about 30 minutes or the drive is a short drive. There is also a shuttle service from the town.
Giali Beach: This beach is only accessible by boat as it is further away and not connected by roads. Boat trips to Giali Beach can be organized from Emporio.
Trachia Beach: About 3 kilometers from Emporio. It is a little more remote and therefore best reached on foot or by bike. The walk takes about 40-45 minutes.
Hiking Halki
Hiking on Halki is a great way to explore the rugged beauty, traditional charm and stunning views of the island. Here are some popular hiking routes and trails you can enjoy:
Emmporio to Chorio: This hike connects the main town of Nimporio to the ancient capital Chorio. The trail is about 2 kilometers long and takes about 30-40 minutes. You will hike uphill through the scenic countryside and pass ruins of old stone houses. In Chorio you can visit the Knights’ Castle which offers fantastic panoramic views. Chorio is an abandoned village (no residents anymore).
Emporio to Mount Profitis Ilias: This challenging trail leads to the highest mountain on Halki, Profitis Ilias, at 593 meters. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours each way and covers about 6 kilometers. The trail is steep but rewards you with stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea. It is recommended for experienced hikers.
Chorio to Agios Nikolaos Chapel: From Chorio you can hike to Agios Nikolaos Chapel, which is about 1.5 kilometers away. The hike takes 30-40 minutes and follows a relatively easy path with great views of the island’s interior and coast.
Emporio to Trachia Beach: This hike starts in Nimporio and leads to Trachia Beach, about 3 kilometers away. It takes about 45-60 minutes and follows a rocky path along the coast. Trachia is a double-sided beach, so you can swim on either side of the narrow strip of land.
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