Halki/Chalki Page 2
Nimporio (or Emborio) is the harbor and only settlement. Nimporio's Church of St. Nicolas with its important wall
paintings and magnificent pebble mosaic courtyard is the island's main
attraction. The church spire and bell tower juts above the town very near the waterfront.
The former capital Hora (or Chora) was inland to escape marauding pirates and is now deserted, but ruins of its Crusader castle can be seen. The ruined medieval castle was built on the site of the ancient acropolis.
There are three monasteries on the island: Taxiarch Michael of St. John (or Moni Agiou Ioannou Prodromou), which has a nice shaded courtyard best visited in the morning hours. Holy Trinity and Holy Cross are the other monasteries. There are distinctive pebble mosaic floors both inside and outside of all the churches on the island.
The nearby Island of Alimina is lovely and deserted with excellent beaches. It may be reached by private yacht or water-taxi.
There are limited but excellent eateries. There are bars with the occasional outburst of traditional dancing and music. Young people on the island are studying the old instruments and music.
Email Us for information about accommodations on Halki.
Many of the houses are pastel colors, reflecting their Neoclassical heritage.
In 1983, the UN and the Greek government designated this the "Island of Peace and Friendship of Young People of All Nations." Conference and youth centers were built, but the arrangement was not a good one, and by 1987 the buildings were sold to a British holiday package company. Tourism has grown steadily since then.
This is a good island for hikers and for hardy souls seeking quiet beaches. More photos of Halki.
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