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Chalki (Halki)
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 (Halkos) once mined there. It
is a small but mountainous island, just 28 square kilometres in area. The island
capital cum port is called variously Halki or Nimborio. Situated on the southeast
coast, its two-storey houses with theit tile roofs seem to climbup the sides
of the hill overlooking the bay of the same name.Worth a visit is the church
of Agios Nikoliaos, built in 1861, whos magnificent bell tower soars above the
surrounding houses.
In earlier times, the capital was at Horio, which
was placed well inland in an efford to escape the frequent pirate
raids theat where once the scourge of the Aegean. At its peak,
it boasted 4000 inhabitants; nowadays it is virtually deserted.
Its stone houses, built in tiers like amphitheatre, are mute
reminders of its past prosperity. Above Horio the ruined mediaeval
castle occupies the site of the ancient acropolis. Within its
walles is another church dedicated to St. Nicholas (Agios Nikoliaos)
with frescoes. Pontamo
is the only beach in Halki accesable on foot from Nimborio (10
min.), but caiques are on hand to take you to its other wonderful
beaches: Trachia, Ftenagia, Sarri, Chania and Dyo Yiali.
Nimborio.
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