See & Do
If you’re looking for a touch of paradise where you can immerse yourself in relaxing beauty. Then the gorgeous, tiny island of Halki is for you.
To truly experience a slower pace of life, visit Halki! This tiny jewel of the Dodecanese Islands is very close to Rhodes and accessible via ferry.
On Halki, you will enjoy picturesque crystal-clear waters, which mirror the beautiful multi-coloured villas surrounding the harbour. This amazing, lush island also provides enough history to make your visit, completely unique, each time you visit.
The moment you step onto the shores, you will feel yourself unwinding, laying down the burden of life’s routine, work, and everyday life.
Recharge as you lounge on the stunning secluded beaches of Halki (meaning the island of Peace and Friendship). See unique sites and enjoy great hospitality.
To make the most of your stay. Please read the following to discover ‘THE THINGS TO DO, WHILST ON HALKI’.
Video Credit: Takis Potsakis
How to get to Halki
Halki is one of the smallest inhabitable destinations, which is part of the Dodecanese. You can travel to the island from Rhodes, flying directly from the UK, Athens or multiple locations across Europe.
Once on Rhodes, you take the ferry from the Port of Kamiros Skala, which takes approximately one and a half hours to reach the island of Halki.
THE THINGS TO DO
WHILST ON HALKI
Beaches on Halki
Potamos Beach
Potamos (sometimes pronounced Pondamos) is Halki’s largest and most popular beach. It’s also the closest beach to Nimborio, Halki’s Capital, situated all around the harbour area when you first arrive on the island.
The quickest way to Pondamos is from the main road leading out from the market square, past the Bakery, taking approximately 15 minutes on foot.
The beach has approximately 100 sunbeds and umbrellas, which are available for a small (daily) fee. Swimming is easier, as the water is very shallow, providing fantastic snorkelling along the rocky areas on each side of the bay.
This area is rarely affected by strong winds, which can be common on the island and, therefore is considered ideal for young children. There is also a small church on the right of the bay, which is worth a visit.
Kania Beach
Kania is a small, pebbled beach accessible by bus, taxi, or foot. Kania is located on the island’s eastern side and, over a few years, has changed from an isolated stoney bay to a truly exclusive experience, making it an idyllic spot. For whittling away the hours, laying on various multi-coloured sunbeds. A bar provides refreshments and traditional home-cooked Greek dishes on the BBQ.
The views are amazing, as the main mountainous spine of the island looms above you. The landscape is also very wild and impressive.
The Beach is sign posted on the main road leading out of the harbour. It is, however, quite a steep walk. Taking approximately 30 – 40 minutes. So, I recommend taking a taxi for your first visit.
Ftenagia Beach
Ftenagia has an amazing story, shown on the stone wall of the unique tavern, providing a fantastic location for food and drink on the island.
This area used to be incredibly desolate and quite hard to get to. The only landmark was a small run-down sheep shed, which I used to walk to as a small boy.
However, over the last 30 – 40 years. This area has now become a beautiful paradise where you can eat, drink, swim and even snorkel (on your own) or experience the amazing feeling of diving with schools of fish around the secluded bays, which Harris expertly runs from the local dive centre on Halki.
Regarding distance, Ftenagia is approximately the same distance as the walk to Pondamos.
Please note: the path to Ftenagia can be quite rocky.
Sightseeing & Activities
Halki Castle
The Medieval Castle of Halki Dodecanese. Is situated on top of an abrupt and rocky hill above Chorio village, the old capital of Halki.
The 14th-century castle was built on the site of an ancient acropolis, by the Knights of Saint John, who had conquered all the Dodecanese islands at the time. The castle protected the island and it’s inhabitants from pirates and enemies, and it was incredibly hard to access.
Today, the castle is accessed via a paved path from where the views are simply amazing. The back side of the hill is rough and its slopes lead to the sea. At the foot of the Castle, there are three small chapels dedicated to Virgin Mary, Saint Nicolas, and to the Holy Trinity.
Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alargas
Located on the western side of the island of Halki, the Monastery of Agios Ioannia Alargas can be found in a remote area.
The monastery is located just 7.5 km from Nimborio, the main settlement of the island’s residents. The Monastery of Agios Ioannis is dedicated to the beheading of John the Baptist. Tradition says that sponge fishermen of Halki island considered John the Baptist their saviour.
The monastery was built during the 19th century. If you’re interested in staying overnight at the Monastery of Agios Ioannis, you can make arrangements to do so. The monastery’s location offers a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
Halki Windmills
These iconic Windmills stand like three brothers looking down on the harbour. Sometimes, they appear to be as old as the island itself. As the Castle, they are the landmarks on Halki, which you will never forget once you’ve visited the island.
In the old days, the windmills operated by wind, as the islands of Greece and Halki are renowned for their gusty winds. However, they now represent a ‘bygone age’ of the rich tapestry of the island’s history, which you’ll experience during your stay on the island.
You can walk to the Windmills from the opposite side of the harbour from Ismini’s Villa. Take one of the small paths heading towards the hotel once you reach the Police station. Take a right turn, walking up the road towards the Windmills. The last part of the walk can be a bit ‘off-piste’, so make sure you’re not wearing flip-flops!
Alimia
Alimia (or Alimnia) is a small island of the Aegean Sea located between Rhodes and Halki. This island, with a coastline of 21 km, has been uninhabited since the end of the Second World War, which Italy occupied as a submarine base. However, it has a long history that started from antiquity and followed the route of the neighbouring island of Rhodes.
In the ancient times, the island was called Evlimnia. A name related to the two natural bays on the eastern and western sides (Agios Georgios and Emporio) provided safe shelters for the inhabitants.
In Hellenistic times, Alimia was an anchorage and observatory for the Rhodian fleet. A tower was constructed that survives to this day on the eastern side of the island’s tallest peak. Part of this Hellenistic tower was used to construct a Medieval Castle in 1475 by the Knights of Saint John, who had conquered the Dodecanese then.
The village of Alimnia is found at the largest bay on the island. It has many houses, most of which are ruined after the island’s abandonment from its inhabitants in the 1940s. This village was declared a protected settlement in 1978. On the northwest of the island and close to the coast, there is a small lake with salt water, one of the 37 natural reserves of Dodecanese.
Excursion boats leave regularly from the harbour on Halki. Enjoy a trek around the island and a relaxing swim in the crystal beaches.
Please note: Alimia is a wild, rugged island. Please bring plenty of water plus food for your time on the island. Please also make sure you are wearing walking boots or durable trainers!
There is also a fantastic, converted villa, which you can arrange to stay on. It has basic facilities, toilets, running showers and small rooms with an outside fire pit and BBQ.
Please request further contact details if this is of interest.
Halki Dive Center
This is a ‘MUST’ if you enjoy scuba diving or want to try it for the first time. The centre on Halki is run by Harris, who lives on the main road. Leading out of the harbour, by the bakery. You can’t miss the large advertising board below his balcony.
Harris is a fantastic instructor who provides lessons for beginners and the opportunity for deeper dives for more experienced scuba divers.
He’s always incredibly calm and installs fantastic confidence if you haven’t dived before. His expert instructions, first on dry land and then within the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, constantly reassure you that you’re in safe hands.
Local Produce
Lastly, please enjoy the local produce on Halki. You can buy this from the local fisherman (in the mornings) or the restaurants. If you’re home cooking, or as I mostly do, eat out every night!