Several travel interests come together on Halki: the churches of Nimborio tell of different historical layers, while old footpaths, a protected area and the sea offer other points of interest. Nimborio is the only settlement on Chalki and was laid out in an amphitheatrical shape around a natural harbor.
Churches and Historic Sites
The Church of Agios Nikolaos in Nimborio houses a small ecclesiastical museum. Its bell tower was built using marble remnants from the ancient Temple of Apollo and is the tallest bell tower in the Dodecanese. Here, ancient building materials and ecclesiastical use come together in one place.
Another sacred stop is Panagia Choriani, a chapel above Chorio with beautiful frescoes. A path leads from the Church of Panagia Horiani to the Castle of the Knights. Inside the castle stands the Temple of Agios Nikolaos, which preserves frescoes from the 15th and 17th centuries. The church in Nimborio and the temple in the Castle share the same name but are two distinct places.
Horio was Halki’s former capital and lies on a hill 2.5 kilometers from the harbor. Together with amphitheatrically laid-out Nimborio, the former capital offers another historical point of reference on the island.
Footpaths and Beach Access
The Nimborio–Chorio–Palarniotis trail passes the Byzantine chapel of Agioi Anargyroi. Kameno Spilio can be reached on foot via a network of old footpaths. This offers a choice between a named trail with a chapel along the way and a cave accessible via old footpaths.
The Emborio–Areta Beach route is a separate beach option: it starts outside Nimborio and leads to Areta Beach. Some sections are poorly marked; take care on the final descent. Keep these details in mind when planning, rather than focusing only on the beach destination.
Beach access also varies: some beaches can be reached on foot, while others can be reached by kaiki from Nimporio. Local boat services and beach access may vary by season, so check the specific options before your trip.
Protected Nature and Diving
The Natura 2000 protected area GR4210026 covers Halki and the islets of Kolofonas, Pano Prasouda, Tragousa, Strogyli, Agios Theodoros, Maelonisi, Alimia, Krevatia, Nisaki and Makri, together with their coastal zones; the total area is 353.2 square kilometers. The protected area is particularly important for the breeding of seabirds. Nature and species conservation thus complement the historic sites and trails as distinct aspects of a trip.
Underwater, visitors can explore Chalki’s seabed, including shipwrecks and underwater caves, with the Chalki Dive Centre. Visibility and diving activities depend on conditions. The center offers diving courses for children aged eight and older, families, and all experience levels, from beginners to professionals. Course availability may change, so ask before your trip.
A Festival as a Possible Reason to Visit
A large festival takes place at the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alargas on August 29. Pilgrims gather there, are hosted in the monks’ cells, and eat, sing and dance the Sousta until morning. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the date and local arrangements in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kritinia, Kolympia, Siana, Profilia, Pefki, Fanes, Gennadi, Monolithos.
For the main travel overview: Rhodes.
