Halki

The island of Halki, small though it may be, makes a big impression. It is obvious from the moment you cast your eyes on the gorgeous harbour (and only settlement) of the smallest Dodecanese island. The absence of vehicles, the serenity and the romantic atmosphere of Halki will enthral you.

Everything on Halki moves at a relaxed pace, set by the laid-back attitude of the locals. You will enjoy walks in the stone-paved alleys, amongst stately homes and restored houses, coloured with a painter’s full palette; dive into limpid waters; take time out with ouzo and backgammon and savour the traditional food. And as for the locals of Halki, they stand out for their innate kindness, respect for their island and welcoming smile. Prepare to discover the meaning of the slow life on Halki.

Things to do on Halki island 

Wander the alleyways of car-free Nimporio

The sun-drenched two- and three-storey houses of picturesque Nimporio, with colourful walls and tiled roofs, look like little boats anchored in the bay. Wandering through the alleyways of Halki’s only settlement, you’ll enjoy delicious smells from the ovens that every house seems to be equipped with to bake bread and the famous makarounia of Halki, handmade pasta, laid out in the sun to dry. Ask a local to give you some prickly pears, fruit of unique taste found everywhere on the island.

Amongst the architectural highlights of tiny Halki, the church of Agios Nikolaos (the island’s patron saint) stands out with its steeple and the carved wooden icon screen, as well as its ornately paved courtyard with the traditional hohlakia, beach pebbles. And pause for a while at the town hall, an old stately home with its splendid clock tower. 

Pick your beach… easy to get to or more remote

Some of Halki’s beaches are accessible on foot and others by caique from Nimporio. Pontamos is the most popular beach on the island with its sparkling white sand that rivals any in the Dodecanese. Meanwhile, Kania is a picturesque pebbly beach, as are Giali, Ftenagia and Areta, renowned for their azure waters. Trahia, a beach between two channels of water, can only be accessed by boat.

Visit the monastery that loves to celebrate 

“Alarga” means “far” and the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alargas, in Stafia, is indeed some distance from both Palio Horio and the sea. You can get there after a 1.5hr hike passing dry stone walls and huts, fragrant herbs and a scattering of fig and prickly pear trees. On August 29, the monastery throngs with pilgrims who come to take part in the biggest celebration on Halki and are generously accommodated in the monks’ cells. Under the high cypress tree, they eat, sing and dance sousta until the morning.

Explore the former capital and the Castle of the Knights

Perched on a hill 2.5km from the harbour is Horio, the old capital of the island. Concealed in the ruins of the abandoned houses is the Glory of Halki. From the church of Panagia Horiani, with its exquisite curved masonry, you can follow the path that leads to the Castle of the Knights. Its interior is full of fascinating ruins and the Temple of Agios Nikolaos still stands with frescos from the 15th and 17th centuries. From the fortress, you can admire the wonderful view towards other Dodecanese islands.

Hidden treasures of Halki island

The islet of Alimia 

Either by private boat or by caique from Nimporio, a day trip to Alimia, an islet in the sea between Halki and Rhodes, is well worth it. You will have your fill of swimming and diving in the blue waters of the large beach, while further inland you can find the ruins of the old hamlet and a saltwater lake.

The Monastery of Taxiarhis Mihael Palarniotis

In contrast to the stark mountainous landscape of Halki, this monastery is surrounded by trees and affords a panoramic view. If you enjoy hiking, you can get to the monastery on the footpath starting from Nimporio and crossing Horio. From Palarniotis, starts a trail towards Agios Georgios Riskiou passing through the ruins of medieval churches and abandoned windmills.