ChalkiDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Chalki

Chalki, or Halki, is the smallest inhabited island in the Dodecanese archipelago, just 6 km west of Rhodes. Overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Chalki is not known for its tourism although it offers a lovely relaxed alternative to the hustle and bustle of other destinations. A picturesque island with one settlement and some pristine beaches, you will find it the perfect spot for a romantic break or a pleasant day trip. Upon arrival, you will notice the colorful traditional architecture of the dwellings at the harbor and immediately be impressed by the slow pace of life. Chalki is a great place to walk, with clearly designated trekking trails that lead through rocky terrain to crystalline beaches. In the center of the island, you will come across the old capital which is now uninhabited, and be able to check out the Medieval castle built by the Order of the Knights of Saint John.

The island is mentioned in the works of Thucydides and Strabo and it is known in Greek mythology as having the Titans as its first settlers, followed by the Pelasgians who spent many years there. Most of its history is overshadowed by events on Rhodes and the island saw Arabic, Venetian, and Genovese rule before the Ottomans arrived. At one point it was an important trading center for sponges, which earned it a certain amount of prosperity. The island’s natural beauty and unique place in history make it a wonderful destination to visit and you will receive a warm welcome from its small population of 330 residents throughout your stay.
 

Routes and Ferries to Chalki

Book your ferry to Chalki with Ferryscanner and enjoy the sail from a number of ports. If you are departing from the port of Piraeus, the journey lasts 28.50 hours, with several stop-offs along the way. Being next to Rhodes, you can book your ferry tickets to Chalki from there and arrive in 1 hour and 15 minutes with Alko Ferries. Alternatively, book ferry tickets to Chalki and sail from Heraklion in Crete (11.50 hours), or Anafi (16.55 hrs). You can also book ferry tickets to Chalki from Astypalaia with Dodekanisos Seaways and be there in 4 hours, 15 minutes, or sail from Karpathos (2 hrs), Kalymnos (3 hrs), Kasos (5.35 hrs), Milos (19.35 hrs), Nisyros (1.25 hrs), Symi (2 hrs), Santorini (18.45 hrs), and Tilos (40 mins).

If you are flying into Athens International Airport and need transportation to the port of Piraeus, the X96 express bus will take you there directly. You can also catch a connecting flight from Athens to Rhodes Diagoras International Airport and make your way to the harbor from there to catch the ferry.
 

Ports of Chalki

Chalki has a small port, named Nimborio, that serves all visiting passenger ferries and is found in a small harbor lined by colorful houses and a mountainous landscape. As the main settlement on the island, you will find all of the amenities needed for your stay at the port, including some hotels, a few shops, and restaurants.
 

Capital & Villages

Nimborio is the port capital of the island and only settlement, also serving the maritime traffic coming to and from Chalki. The scenic village is fronted by wonderful Venetial buildings, elegant mansions, and narrow alleyways, making it one of the most graphic settlements in Greece. The town was developed during the 19th century by which time piracy had ended and the inhabitants were able to carry out their sponge trade in peace. Many of the public buildings have Italian influences, such as the Town Hall and you cannot miss the tall stone clock tower and church of St. Nicholas, which was built in 1861.
 

Best Beaches

Chalki is known for having beautiful beaches, some of which are organized. You can reach many of them on foot or by bike.

Potamos Beach

Potamos (or Podamos) is the most popular beach on the island and very close to Nimborio, with a 15-minute walk. You will find sunbeds and umbrellas there and as it is quite sheltered, the water is calm and safe for children. A small church sits above the beach, creating a truly picturesque scene.

Kania Beach

This is a small pebbled beach which you can reach by taxi or after a 30 minutes walk. It is organized with umbrellas and sunbeds and there is also a canteen serving snacks and refreshments. There are few trees for shade but the landscape is visually intriguing and worth a visit.

Ftenagia Beach

Ftenagia is the second most popular beach although getting there is quite a trek. The shiny white pebbles reflect the transparent waters and it is a wonderfully scenic beach offering some sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as a couple of taverns serving delicious local delicacies.

Yiali Beach

Another lovely white-pebbled beach, Yiali sits on the southern side of the island and is accessible via a path from the capital of Nimborio after a 30-minute walk. The tall cliffs offer some shade and as it can get quite windy, the currents are strong so it isn’t suitable for young children.

Trachea Beach

This is an impressive peninsula with a beach on either side and the graphic landscape attracts many visitors. Despite that, there is a wild serenity about the beach and some small coves to explore. It lies about a 20-minute walk from the abandoned Chorio.
 

Places to Visit

The Castle

A visit to the Medieval castle in the ghost town of Chorio is worth it if you appreciate history. Fortunately, it is still in quite good condition. Standing on the top of a rocky hill of the old capital, it was built on the site of an ancient Acropolis by the Knights of Saint John. The castle protected the islanders from marauding pirates and it is still difficult to access today via a paved path. Before you ascend, you will find three small chapels dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Saint Nicolas, and the Holy Trinity and as you ascend, you will marvel at the wonderful sea views.

The Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alarga

​The Monastery of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Alarga is a beautiful building situated to the west of the island in a serene spot. You can follow a footpath to the monastery and when you get there, sit in the peaceful courtyard under the large cypress tree. The monastery is of great religious significance to the islanders and each year at the end of August there is a big festival that attracts people from all over Greece.

Alimnia Island

The tiny islet can be reached by one of the traditional boats and is certainly an intriguing spot worth visiting. Now uninhabited, you will see the ruined houses that were abandoned after 1940. To the northwest of the island is a small saltwater lake which is part of the Natura 2000 project. After a walk around the island, enjoy a dip in its crystal-clear waters and see if you can spot the sunken German hydroplane from WWII at Alimnia Cove.
 

Transportation Around Chalki

Chalki is a small island that doesn’t really require transport, although it isn’t a bad idea if you have young children who may tire easily of walking. You will only spot a few private vehicles on the island and after a certain time, their use is prohibited. You can rent a bike and use it while you are there, but most people go for the peace and quiet of this almost-traffic free island.