Sunday, September 4, 2011

Halki (Chalki), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Halki (or Chalki), once sponge-fishing center with a rich fleet and thousands of people living there, took its name from the copper (chalkos or halkos in Greek), that mined in antiquity. A small, quiet and unspoiled island with an attractive village port and few people. It is a place for those who love walking, which in fact are rewarding.

General Information
Situated to the south of Tilos and west of Rhodes, 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 (chalkos or halkos in Greek) once mined there.
It is a small but mountainous island, just 28 sq. km in area.
The island capital and port is called Halki or Nimborio. Situated on the southeast coast, its two-stored houses with their tile roofs seem to climb up the sides of the hill overlooking the bay of the same name. The church of Agios Nikolaos, built in 1861, whose magnificent bell tower soars above the surrounding houses is worth a visit.
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 medieval castle occupies the site of the ancient acropolis. Within its walls is another church dedicated to St. Nicholas (Agios Nikolaos) with frescoes.

Sightseeing  
Halki or Nimporio, the amphitheatrically built capital, a picturesque village worth scrolling around.
The Belfry of St. Nicholas. Horio with its medieval castle and the monastery of the Holy Cross; its feast is on the 14th of September. 
Halki has often praised in love-songs and its coins show that it was highly civilised in Antiquity.
Highlight this!
In 1983 Halki was declared an Island of Peace and Friendship of Young People of All Nations. On this occasion the Under-Secretariat of State of Youth and Sport, in co-operation with UNESCO, founded in the island an International Centre of friendship and co-operation among the young people of the world.

Beaches
Pondamos 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, Kania, Areta and Yialli (Giali).




Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: + 30 22460
Municipal Office: 45207 
Police: 45213 
Port Authority: 45220
Health Center: 45206

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